Wow. And just like that, IBM is out of the personal computer business.
I grew up with computers. My early days weren't on PCs. I think we couldn't afford them. I starting out on a vic-20, moving up to a c-64 and then to the Macintosh. By the time I moved to the PC platform (around the time of the 486) I think it was already clear to me that the value of IBM's PC was the open platform -- the standard components that would eventually give Dell and others the opportunity to leave IBM in the dust.
Well, it looks like that day is finally here. IBM gave us a lot of great inventions in the desktop (and laptop) computer space. I'm sure that will continue in one way or another.
Maybe I will finally be able to afford a Thinkpad :D
Posted by asa at December 7, 2004 07:47 PMThe first computer I ever used was my dad's 1981 era IBM PC.
I've got a Thinkpad for use at school... I'm using it right now. Solid product... built like a rock, great warranty support (CMOS battery died and wouldn't remove easily... IBM overnighted it to their factory, replaced it, and overnighted it back, another time my keyboard broke... called them 6:00PM... an easy to install replacement was at my house 9:00 the next morning, no charge).
Posted by: Robert Accettura on December 7, 2004 08:41 PMAnd what Robert experienced is what I exactly fear missing if I go ahead with my planned purchase of a Thinkpad next year :(
I hate Toshiba for the pain they put me through ( I actually had to open it up and solder a power connector after the techs gave up on it and said I needed new mobo worth $700 just coz they were not willing to try to fix the flaky solder).
So Asa, just coz you might find it easier to afford it might mean that you wouldn't love it enough once you have it :)
I really rue this day :(
Posted by: JS on December 7, 2004 08:53 PMJS:
Apparantly the changes won't be sudden... from the way it sounds, looks almost like perminant outsourcing of development operations more than anything else:
http://www.pc.ibm.com/ww/announcement.html
Yeah, other reports say something to the same effect... I just hope IBM management (and therefore service) will last for the few more years I'll be in school ;)
http://news.com.com/IBM+sells+PC+group+to+Lenovo/2100-1042_3-5482284.html?tag=nefd.lede
You want to buy an Thinkpad?
Have fun with TCPA aka TCG and Palladium aka NGSCB
Pff, I'm disappointed of you. Programmer of the best browser but wants to use a controlling notebook....
Posted by: nobody on December 8, 2004 08:28 AMLike the author, I used several computers before getting my first PC. (C-64, Apple IIe). My first PC was a 386, and back then, they were refered to as "IBM Clones/Compatibles"
However, this seems to be IBM's way of doing things.
Step 1: Come up with something great
Step 2: Once it becomes big, sell it off or get rid of it
Repeat
You don't think IOMEGA invented ZIP Disk technology did you? :D
Thanks for the contribution IBM. I hope your next one is even better.
Posted by: james on December 8, 2004 10:40 AM