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Small and Stylish PCs Are Hot, So
Bring Back the Cube
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Apple is, without a doubt, the computing industry trendsetter.
Most computer users admire Apple's stylish hardware designs. Even if
people don't want to use a Mac, they're hard pressed to find a
problem with how they look.
Proving once again that where Apple leads, others follow, Wired
recently ran an article, Less
Is More: Stylin' PCs, about the growing popularity of more
compact, less expandable PCs.
Perish the thought! A smaller, more attractive PC that sits in
your living room is now the hottest things. They're singing the
Cube's song!
I've always liked the Cube. It was a stylish piece of hardware
that performed nicely. While overpriced when it was first introduced,
it seems that it would be well received in the new era of compact
electronics.
Let's assume that the Wired article is a good indicator of current
trends and see how well the Cube would be received today.
Wired says: "A slew of new PCs that recently hit the market are
sizing down and jazzing up conventional design, prepping it for
display in a more pleasing setting such as the den or the living
room."
Clearly, the Cube is perfect for this market. It's nice to look
at, "jazzes up conventional design," and will fit right into the den
or living room.
Wired quotes: "Factors including size and decor suddenly matter a
lot."
If this is true, then the Cube would be a front-runner in the
small-format sweepstakes.
Wired quotes: "You don't need a big computer to feel
comfortable."
If this is the case, the Cube is that nice little Mercedes
hatchback - Stylish, comfortable, practical, and with an
impeccable pedigree.
Wired quotes: "Moreover, average-Joe computer users aren't likely
to pry open computers to upgrade and replace components as geeks
often do, making the smaller versions more attractive these
days."
To which all Mac users slap their foreheads and say "duh". This
has always been the counter to the whining about the need for
expandability. The Cube would be a good bet for Average Joe.
And finally, Wired quotes: "There's a lot of demand for the small
form-factor box," Roger Kay, analyst at Gartner said. "It's going to
be unlikely you'll do much with your PC other than buy it."
And you can just hear the collective "aha" moment that PC users
missed when the Cube hit the shelves.
If the Cube were reintroduced today at a reasonable price, what's
the competition look like? Well, not much unless you really think the
form factor for home electronics is something to write home
about.
I personally don't find myself drooling over the look of someone's
stereo. But, ever on the cutting edge, PC manufacturers have crammed
computer components into a stereo casing and called it
innovation.
The
XPC system (right) from Shuttle
is mentioned; it looks like a stereo receiver of some kind. The
Gateway
901 FMC is also on the list and also looks like, as Wired
puts it, a "high-end stereo component." Mmmm, sexy.
Out of the handful of manufacturers mentioned, only the QBox
from Polywell seems even remotely interesting or different.
So what does all this mean? It means that it may be time for a
lower cost Cube to come back and start wiping the floor with these
pretenders to the small form-factor throne.
Call it a headless iMac, and just about everyone will be happy.
Stephen Van
Esch is the founder and president of
the
E-learning Foundry, an online training
resource for Mac users. Steve loves the Mac and is doubly bilingual,
since he's also fluent in Windows and French.
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The
XPC system (right) from 