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Improving PC Styling: I think Dell is on to Something
Posted by anand lalshimpi in Gamer PC | Dec. 12, 2008 11:00 AM
For years PC OEMs have been struggling on the design front. As Apple got better and better, the PC guys sat there in bewilderment at how to increase their ASPs. People were willing to pay more for less hardware with Apple, a large part of that being that the Apple hardware simply looked cooler.
I never had a good answer whenever Dell, HP or Gateway would ask me what they should do. Simply copying Apple wasn’t the right idea, Acer tried that when Apple released the Mac mini - they made a PC clone and we all know where that went. So we needed something new, something different. Just as Apple had its style, Dell, HP and Gateway would have to come up with something unique on their own.
The part that killed me was the fact that I couldn’t come up with any idea of what they should do...that was until I met with Dell last month.
It’s called the Dell Design Studio and the premise is pretty neat. You pick your Dell notebook, currently only limited to Studio 15 and Studio 17 models, and either select the color of your notebook or choose a art to be etched/printed on the LCD lid instead. Dell commissioned 7 artists to produce work for its Design Studio and the system is very flexible, you can pick any one of 62 designs and have it on any Studio 15 or Studio 17 notebook you’ve configured. You don’t have to buy a special configuration or anything, just pick what you want and you’ve got and instantly unique notebook.
Obviously the notebook itself has to be well made, but assuming the hardware is good, I think Dell is actually on to something here. The future of PC design and styling isn’t to copy Apple, but more unique offerings like what Dell is doing with Design Studio and to a certain extent what ASUS is doing with WePC.
What do you think about the Design Studio? Is that level of personalization something that you’d take advantage of if the price were right?
Examples of the Dell Design Studio notebooks:
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My point being, is that Apple didn't slap some flashy etches or stickers on a laptop, in fact they did the opposite. They produced the most minimalist design out there so that their software could shine. People need to market the fact that it's not what your laptop looks like that makes you cool, it's what you can do with your laptop that makes you unique. Sell it as an instrument, or tool, and you'll see it soar.
The reason Apple computers blew up, was because of OS X, along with major price reductions of course. Example after example, I've seen people switch to OS X, and their whole perspective on what a computer could and should do, as well as how easily it could be done, did a 180.
Once the celebrities, TV shows, and musicians started using the devices, they became cool to the eyes of the general public; as do most other things, sadly.
Only since 2002 has OS X been shipped on Apple computers, and only shortly after that did Apple begin to tear through the market.
But not so long ago, Apple computers were only viable for design firms and the like. Corporate software was not compatible, network integration was always a headache, and the price premium for buying an Apple instead of something like a Dell was outrageous.
People would buy a pocket laptop so long as it still has a touch type keyboard. What I feel is the best hardware design was the Psion 5mx (which was 6.9" x 3.6" x .90"); if that were updated to run full XP or Vista that would be a hot product!
What PC companies should do is provide more options that enhance function. What I mean is that the laptop form factor is the dominant form factor regardless of Apple or PC but nobody has improved on options of that. What would be a huge hit is a simple long and narrow pocket laptop that runs a full desktop OS yet is designed around a typical jacket pocket. Jacket pockets can handle something about 7 to 7.5" x 3.6" to 4.2" depending on the height of the computer, which should be as thin as possible but under 1.3".
Think about how long the laptop has been around yet to this day what I described has NEVER been created.
It makes sense that style is what sells these days. It's the natural progression for most consumer products that reach "commodity" status. To the average person, one PC functions the same as any other PC...they all seem to surf the web, check e-mail, and Facebook the same. In order for the manufacturers to differentiate their products, they are naturally turning to styling.
it really pains me to realize that Style is more treasured than true substance, hence why Apple is gaining marketshare.
but yeah: keep it simple, and all the crud should stay optional. I want performance and value - something apple cannot give - and i want it simple. So that means 1] stay FAR away from Apple's approach, and 2] keep it efficient and simple.
The new Studio 15/17 Dells? I LOVE it. Simple yet clean, it is awesome. The only thing is, it needs some improvment in the 'value' area, as the last time I looked, it didn't have an offer for Intel's Montevina chips or the 9600m GT at a competitive price.
Kibbles, excellent post, you've hit the nail on the head. I especially like your comment on simplicity. Simplicity in design is always going to carry a certain appeal as Apple knows this (Google also does an excellent job in this area) and combines simplicity with a look that everyone recognizes to be something "different" other PC venders can't (or I can't think of a way for them to) offer something that is as unique on the inside but I think simple designs such as the X300 look best.
I think one of the problems with many of the designs from the PC side is they are trying too hard to design something. I'm no fan of Apple, hell I don't even own any of their products. However, their style is consistently above average. Simplicity is something that comes to mind. Adding bunch of curves and different colors doesn't always make something stylish. Infact it often detracts from it. It's like makeup, more isn't better.
One of the best looking Dell desktop is actually in their business lineup. Their current Latitude laptops have this "Little black dress" look to it.
Everyone can platinum plate and diamond encrust stuff and call it "style" you know?
Very nice. As Technical advancements slow, the next big thing will be design, imho.