Microsoft PCs?

[DrZaius]

The report claims that the first jointly developed "Dream PC" will be introduced towards the end of this month and that Microsoft will also show quite a few so called "baseline" or cheap machines which run with Via C3 600MHz chips and Windows XP.

http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=4248

So Microsoft is finally planning on making their own PCs (well, sort of). I can understand going for cheap, but mixing VIA, a C3 and FIC, will it be any good? Might be more of a nightmare. Could this possibly have something to do with the Wal-Mart/Lindows deal and budget systems?

[Mr N8]

...this weeks sign the apocalypse is upon us

[GaryRouth]

They'd better write a special version of XP to run on it. The users will fall asleep waiting for it to do anything useful.

But while it tip toes through its work, it should be quiet! Those C3s from Via run with only large heatsinks . . . like some of the early Celerons (...Celerons which, by the way, benchmark higher than the C3s)

Might be fine for an internet box: but then, why not use a special build of Linux?

It'll be an interesting product to watch for.
...Gary

[ssahl]

You know, I knew this would happen some day, but I always thought that it would be Intel that M$ teamed up with. You think maybe it has something to do with M$ wanting something like all rights and Intel wouldnt give it to them, but VIA maybe being that its not in as good of shape went ahead and said yes.

[morriswindgate]

It will be just another in the longline of Microsoft Hardware marketing failures. I really do not know why companies try and build these budget PC's as all they do is detroy the reputations of the companies building them. HP, Compaq, Gateway, and Micron were all seriously damaged from building cheap computers and have not recovered to this date.

[doctorgonzo]

I have to agree. The only thing M$ will accomplish is ticking off more people as they try to use XP on an underpowered budget machine. Nobody would do this for a good reason, so either somebody is insane over in Redmond or this is the first step in some long and diabolical path, the consequences of which are a closely guarded secret.

[DrZaius]

I agree, I always thought then when MS would (eventually) make PCs they would team up with Intel and make some high end machines that could really do some damage in the market. In this case I think they fail to see the difference between "budget" and "junk".

[piasabird]

Microsoft probably did a study and found out that most people use their computer to play card games, send E-mail, chat, and surf the net. Windows XP is allright, but it is slow to respond on my 1.8 Gig Pent 4. XP is just sluggish in nature.

Microsoft is a very reactive organization. I am not surprised they would come out with just such a system. Such a device might make a nice jukebox system for MP3's. Via is trying to build a motherboard and aiming their processors at this market also. It is called something like a Mini- ITX form factor. Such a computer might have commercial applications also.

[Sauron]

I thought they were going to go with AMD...it doesn't matter. I still will buy from Intel

[Sauron]

Guess they are trying to beat E-Machines..

[mairving]

I wonder if this is X-box related. A cheaper chip for the X-box maybe. Microsoft building it's own PC's will not go well with their partners like Dell and Gateway. I don't think that it will fare well with the FCC either with a company that has 95% of the desktop market, building their own boxes. So they would build a box that doesn't make them much money, anger their partners and invite the government in for another lawsuit. They would have to be idiotic or incredibly arrogant to pursue this.

[Cricket]

Haha...Dream PC? NOT!

Cricket

[Trent Steel]

Good plan, bad name, Nightmare PC seems more appropriate.

[VochoMaster]

"640k should be enough for everybody" - B.Gates

Yes, this will be a great PC

[grasshopperbe]

640 k is enough for microsoft users, the only useful thing it can do is Ctrl alt del.

[a|acr|ty]

If their PCs were anything like the older windows systems.... they'll be the last things I'll ever buy. Maybe unless threatened with death.

[alexmacdonald]

i dont understand, why knock it until you see it?. A baseline 600mhz pc is more than enough power to do anything, we all know this cos we have all been there. I still have a 667mhz E-Machine that is a great box, does anything i want it to, and kicks XP's ass into touch, even with only 128meg ram. Not to mention my 500mhz AMD that eats XP up pulling server duty. Nobody "NEEDS" a p4 2.5ghz machine to write letters, these machines arent going to be aimed at hardcore gamer's, they are going to be aimed at 1st time buyers. I would certainly rather see this than some embedded "internet appliance" to rip people off who just dont know any better. The market needs more competion at the low end, the OEM's are forgetting about the sub $500 machines while forcing your Grannie to spend $ on a 2ghz and up that she'll never get any benefit from just doing e-mail. I say it will be good for the market, will allow wider choice and will cater to a broader base of potential users. Good for them, I hope they do well.

[Charger]

Interesting....but who will Microsoft blame when something crashes, errr...an unexpected error, occurs?

[Nuclear Krusader]

Originally posted by grasshopperbe 640 k is enough for microsoft users, the only useful thing it can do is Ctrl alt del.

ROFL

[RayH]

If this story is true (I can't find the "Economic News"), I would not underestimate this computer to make HUGE inroads. The PC market is fairly mature. Mature being that usage can be defined and the ability to deliver product based on that usage. Unlike just 18 months ago, $300-500 will build an ample computer for most needs.

Microsoft has an identifiable brand name. Since most buy a computer to run Microsoft software, why not buy the computer Microsoft builds? I can see it making huge inroads in the business, educational, and home market. It takes a huge sector of the market that doesn't need or want high end computers.

If such a computer was bundled with MSN internet services, it could put a lot of computer companies out of business.

Also, the price would be a big attraction in the Asia market, which is the fastest growing at this time.

[Nuclear Krusader]

Since most buy a computer to run Microsoft software, why not buy the computer Microsoft builds?

That is similar to the argument we sellers used to put M$ right where it is. We used to tell the customer: Look, I know that WordPerfect is good and cheap, but who created Windows? M$, right? Then, who do you think will make its products be more stable and friendly under Windows? Of course that the company who created the OS. So, you better grab Word!

If such a computer was bundled with MSN internet services, it could put a lot of computer companies out of business.

**shivers**
Yeah, Telmex put a lot of small businesses in serious trouble down here when it started to sell computers with the Internet service included. Most of the people thought that the Internet was free if they purchased the PC from Telmex.

[Computer Hobbyist]

I don't think it will work. Microsoft doesn't have sufficient exprience in the hardware business. More importantly, it can do nothing but threaten Dell, Gateway, Intel, AMD etc. It is always dangerous when a company tries to move into its customers' marketplace.

CH

[RayH]

I'm not trying to create a value judgement of Microsoft producing such a product. I'm just trying to point out that I believe that there can be a tremendous (not necessarily the majority, but a large) market for such a product and that Microsoft has the brand recognition and clout to carry it out.

Most people don't know what's inside a computer or could much care. All they want to know is if it works. The target audience might even believe that the Cyrix chip is a special Microsoft chip that might work better than Intel.

Do you realize how many people are hesitant to buy a 3rd party montior with a branded system? Have you ever tried to get an AOL user to change? That's the target audience.

[DrZaius]

I see what you're saying RayH. Though many of us would know better than to buy an FIC and C3 based system for any reason, many people will simply overlook the bad hardware (if they even know about it) and assume it's good because it has the Microsoft logo, a brand they know, on it. I'm really interested to see if they go through with this, and how they will market it. I'm guessing it'll be budled with WinXP Home and loaded with MSN software, that way they have it all: MS computer, MS operating system, and MS ISP.

[alexmacdonald]

Damn right, good for them, Make things simple for those not smart enough to know better about the "Bad Hardware" huh.

I wonder if this would grab as much attention if it were anyone other than Microsoft planning this. I doubt it. Apparently people arent happy unless they can bitch about something microsoft is doing.

The simple fact is, Microsoft make excellent products, both hardware & software, not perfect products, but damn good enough for me to do exactly what I want to do. Unfortunately i cant say the same for "Linux" nor any other alternative. As for bugs, I have had to patch OS-X with 4 new releases so far, and these are FULL SERVICE PACK releases, just to TRY to work out the bugs, so apparently no one is infallible.

As for MSN internet service, it's fine. If MS want to include it in their OS, then fair play to them, the end user doesnt have to use it, they can always go with AOL, which as we all know is far superior ...

Again I will say, Good Luck to MS, It will add a level of choice the major OEM's have ignored for years.

[RayH]

Actually, I don't know that the main article is true. I cannot find any other reference to it. I cannot find any publication called Economic News.

I also doubt if such is really going to happen as there would be serious anti-trust considerations in the US and Europe.

I think that Microsoft is seriously sneaking into the PC hardware business with the X Box. It doesn't take too much brains to figure out that the X Box is a full PC that isn't fully programmed.

But I do think that VIA-Cyrix will be a major player in the future of basic PCs. Today's basic PCs are fairly equipped!

[Computer Hobbyist]

I will say again. Entry of Microsoft into the hardware business is a very risky thing for Microsoft. While some might think that Microsoft's sells primarily to individuals such a thought is wrong. Primarily Microsoft sells to OEMs like Dell, Gateway, HP etc. Going after your customer bases business is a very dangerous strategy. Either Microsoft is convinced it has the OEMs completely under control, or Microsoft is in serious trouble and is willing to take a big time risk.

Actually, I wish them luck too.

CH

[doctorgonzo]

Originally posted by Computer Hobbyist I will say again. Entry of Microsoft into the hardware business is a very risky thing for Microsoft.

Very true. How many billions of dollars has M$ spent on the Xbox, and when do they plan on recouping that investment? To undertake such a huge risk immediately following another huge risk that has not yet paid off is quite odd.

And perhaps it is not true at all. I haven't found any corroboration, just a lot of websites parroting the same report from "Economic News." Perhaps this was simply a trial balloon that Bill put out to test the waters? Hmm, I wonder what kind of calls he got from Intel, Dell, and the others when they heard.

[Computer Hobbyist]

The phrase "trial balloon" also crossed my mind. Mr. Gates might have just been sending a not so subtle message to the OEMs.

CH

[Nuclear Krusader]

Hehehe, M$ can't even do SW that works right, and now they plan to make reliable PCs.