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Microsoft Pushing for Apple-style PC Designs
by , 10:05 AM EDT, July 27th, 2006
Microsoft is working to change the beige-box image most PCs suffer from by offering manufacturers its own how-to kit. According to BusinessWeek, Microsoft is advising PC makers to design cases with "accelerated curves" and "purposeful contrast." The colors Microsoft's kit calls for are obsidian (a shade of black) and ice (translucent white).
The booklet included with the how-to kit even says "We want PCs to be objects of pure desire."
For the past 18 months, Microsoft has been working with a team of 20 in-house designers to create a style guideline the PC manufacturers can follow to create computer cases that follow the Windows Vista style. The styles that Microsoft is pushing, however, sound very Apple-esque.
Even though Microsoft is offering the how-to kit as merely suggestions for possible PC case designs, some manufacturers don't see it as help. They feel that Microsoft's suggestions could commoditize the PC market even more as companies churn out boxes that look just like everyone else's.
A spokesperson for PC maker Lenovo commented "Our ability to differentiate ourselves comes from our industry-leading innovation,and design is a big part of that."
Microsoft's new-found tendencies towards Apple's style may carry over into its upcoming Zune multimedia player product line as well. Reports suggest that the Zune players will work only with Microsoft's Zune music service, just like the iPod is the only device that can play music purchased from the iTunes Music Store.
Observer Comments
Thu Jul 27, 2006 11:58 am Subject: PC Cruiser! HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Even though Microsoft is offering the how-to kit as merely suggestions for possible PC case designs, some manufacturers don't see it as help. They feel that Microsoft's suggestions could commoditize the PC market even more as companies churn out boxes that look just like everyone else's."
Um, isn't that already the case for the most part? ![]()
Good design costs money. Money to create the design and additional product costs.
My Apple Power Mac has a very elegant design. It also has a very high manufacturing cost compared with other cases.
How is good design going to work with "a complete PC system for only $399 (after rebate)"?
I see the tower/desktop PC market (home and corporate) as price driven with no interest in aesthetics. Just look at Dell's boxes as an example.
,dave
Thu Jul 27, 2006 1:46 pm Subject: Clearly Lenovo has a leg-up on design..
QuoteA spokesperson for PC maker Lenovo commented "Our ability to differentiate ourselves comes from our industry-leading innovation,and design is a big part of that."
Differentiation is key in branding. Just look how different these brands appear...
Lenovo: http://www-131.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=10000001&catalogId=-840&langId=-1&categoryId=4611686018425057762
HP: http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/en/WF02d/321957-64295-89315.html
Simply amazing.
Thu Jul 27, 2006 6:48 pm Subject: Looks aren't everything
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