Customization Gives PC Makers An Edge Over Competition
Posted on: Tuesday, 30 December 2008, 13:19 CST
PC and gadget makers are making an effort to satisfy the individualistic needs of their consumers.
For most, this goes beyond offering consumers a product that rises above the competition in gigabytes and screen resolution. As computers and other mobile devices become increasingly portable, many consumers are beginning to view them as a fashion statement.
Richard Shim, a PC analyst with IDC, said it's all part of a larger trend of "hyper-specialization" in notebooks.
"Personalization is becoming a big differentiator. It's just a question of how far you can take it and how much money you can get for it," he said.
In fact, many of the key players in the computer industry can offer products with processing speeds that are similar to their competitor, so this requires them to add a bit of flair in order to have the coveted mass appeal.
"We want to take the focus off speeds and feeds and put it on something else, because it's pretty hard to differentiate yourself," said NPD analyst Stephen Baker.
Apple Inc has long been acknowledged for its minimalist, sleek products such as Macintosh computers and iPhones. But now, consumers can tailor the look of many other gadgets with personalized skins and covers.
Asustek offers a notebook clad in bamboo, while Dell Inc launched a bamboo desktop model this year.
What’s more, Dell offers consumers a chance to personalize their notebooks by letting them choose from more than 100 original designs by artists for $75.
Ted Clark, general manager of Hewlett-Packard's notebook business, said the company began focusing on style in 2006 in order to add “cool design to what had been kind of a one-size-fits all look and feel.”
HP is planning to ship a netbook designed by fashion designer Vivienne Tam, featuring peony flowers, which is meant to evoke a clutch purse.
Even makers of portable external hard drives Iomega Corp have begun offering products wrapped in camouflage and leather.
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Source: redOrbit Staff & Wire Reports
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