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Time:
04:11 EST/09:11 GMT | News Source:
Reuters |
Posted By: Byron Hinson |
Microsoft Corp. said on Monday that display maker ViewSonic Corp. will start selling a portable flat-panel screen that can be taken off the desk and used to operate a computer via a wireless link. The Smart Display is software giant Microsoft's latest bid to let people access their computers without being tied to a desk, following the release last week of the Tablet PC.
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#1 By
2960 (156.80.64.132)
at
11/12/2002 8:58:51 AM
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This thing sounds interesting and useful to me. It sounds kind of like a neutered computer with a Terminal Services client and 802.11b networking embedded, which is fine.
However, something on Viewsonics web site bothers me:
"To provide maximum value and ease of use for consumers, both airpanel Smart Displays will be sold as a total solution with everything required to get the devices up and running right out of the box. Included in the box with the display device will be integrated wireless support, a USB wireless adapter for the PC (a $100 value) and an upgrade to the required Windows XP Professional operating system (a $200 value)."
Dammit, yet ANOTHER copy of Windows I have to pay for that I don't need being shoved down my throat. And I also have my own 802.11b network segment installed, so I don't need the USB device.
So, I have to pay $300 (30% or so of the product price) on stuff I don't need.
Hopefully another manufacturer won't be so stupid, or at least not think WE are so stupid and offier a lower-priced product that works with existing systems.
However, if we see all the manufacturers including Win2K Pro, then it will be clear that Microsoft has embedded yet another "Must sell with Windows" clause in the contract with the manufacturers.
TL
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#2 By
2960 (156.80.64.132)
at
11/12/2002 9:00:12 AM
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I meant XP Pro, of course...
TL
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#3 By
135 (209.180.28.6)
at
11/12/2002 10:12:20 AM
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That's because some people don't have XP PRo and they've been whining insistently about this device requiring XP Pro... so they threw it in the box.
I'm not spending $1,000 for a neutered display when I can get a low end laptop at that price and do more.
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#4 By
2332 (12.105.69.158)
at
11/12/2002 10:55:38 AM
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When these things cost < $400, I'll think about it. For now, they simply don't justify the cost.
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#5 By
1845 (12.254.162.111)
at
11/12/2002 12:28:05 PM
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All hail the mighty Longhorn!
These SmartDisplay devices look interesting. I think I'll withhold judgement until I've seen one in person.
"Dammit, yet ANOTHER copy of Windows I have to pay for that I don't need being shoved down my throat."
Um, then don't buy it and quit complaining.
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#6 By
3653 (63.162.177.140)
at
11/12/2002 2:59:12 PM
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It will be interesting to see the price for these displays come Christmas 2003. My guess is half price, and twice as many buyers.
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#7 By
2960 (156.80.64.132)
at
11/12/2002 3:59:08 PM
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Soda,
So I'M supposed to pay for it too just because of the Whiners ?
Bullpuckies.
TL
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#8 By
2960 (156.80.64.132)
at
11/12/2002 4:00:00 PM
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"Um, then don't buy it and quit complaining. "
Pathetic answer.
TL
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#9 By
2459 (24.233.39.98)
at
11/12/2002 4:15:09 PM
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#8 You could always get a ruggedized version.
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#10 By
61 (65.32.170.1)
at
11/12/2002 5:06:56 PM
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They should really offer a stripped down package, for those people that already have XP Pro and a WAP.
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#11 By
7760 (12.107.12.130)
at
11/12/2002 6:30:09 PM
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You could just buy a laptop, but then you're dealing with two computers: one awesome computer that you're forced to use at your desk and one vastly inferior one. It seems to me like the the beauty of the Smart Display is that the panel that you're carrying around is connected to your awesome, 2.8GHz, GF4-equipped, RAIDed monster, not to an inferior system with greatly slower mobile devices.
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#12 By
7760 (12.155.143.87)
at
11/13/2002 8:15:54 PM
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#17, true... one could use Remote Desktop with a laptop, but Remote Desktop is so limited. For one thing, anything with any movement (especially movies and games) is unwatchable. I don't know exactly what a Smart Display uses, but it sounds to me like the aim of it is to provide almost all of the functionality of being at your desk, even though you're not. The idea of picking up your monitor and placing it in your living room and hardly experiencing a difference is a thrilling one... but simply having a monitor with which you can use Remote Desktop with isn't, IMO. I think that we agree on the latter. I'm hopeful and expectant that this technology is the former.
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#13 By
7760 (12.155.143.87)
at
11/13/2002 8:21:44 PM
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My point is... imagine taking your flat-panel monitor off of your desk, crawling into bed or snuggling up on the couch, and playing an online game or watching a DVD there. That's the kind of exciting potential that I'm hopeful that the Smart Display provides.
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#14 By
1845 (12.254.162.111)
at
11/14/2002 1:44:24 PM
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"Pathetic answer. "
It is your attack that is pathetic, not my answer.
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