IT Professionals

Smaller Is Better

Posted by on Jul 30, 2008 | 4 Comments

Just as with cars, PCs are beginning to follow along with the trend that smaller is better. We have seen this in the past with Shuttle PCs and the Mac Mini, which provided mixed results depending on what the end user was wanting to use the computer for in the first place.

Now it seems that Dell is jumping onboard with the trend through their new smaller desktop system line, one my wonder if we are going to begin seeing a wider adoption of the smaller formfactors? Frankly I can see it is as unlikely due to the fact that for a little more money, you can purchase a new notebook that presents a lot more portibility. However for those who are die-hard desktop PC users, maybe these smaller formfactors are just the ticket?

Speaking for myself, I can relate to this desire for access to a true desktop machine as I find that I am much productive on it. Bundle that mindset with two monitors and it is not that difficult to rationalize the value of a desktop machine over a notebook. All of this said, I see these little eco-friendly PCs hitting a niche market for sure, but am just not convinced that most people will take to them. Based on my experience, power users are running full sized rigs while everyone else appreciates the flexibility of a notebook PC. Am I wrong on this?

  • http://ITPros--AGoodPerformanceMonitor Mike Harla

    Matt,

    I have been using 280/620 sffs for 2-3 years, without any particular issues.

    Our units were ordered as onboard VGA graphics output, but it’s been adequate for me so far and digital graphics are available. We still have some modems and other serial-connected devices, but you only get one DB-9 with any form factor unless you order the header that’s supposed to give you a second one.

    Reliability seems to correlate more with the overall Dell quality trend than with the size of the package.

    For our 150 or so users, I don’t recall hearing any complaints about the smallness of the formfactor, and for many it is a plus because there are more options for locating the CPU on or under their desks,

    Mike in NJ

  • Ralph

    Depends on how you use the computer. I know a lot of people who don’t like using laptops because of the keyboard, ‘mouse’, screen size / resolution, etc. and prefer to have a desktop type system but would love these small PCs.

  • Ken Hansen

    Laptops are not desktop replacements – their form-factor is not suited to typical desktop applications , IMHO. In simple terms, laptops cost more than similar desktop machines (the additional cost of the battery and built-in display make that obvious), and they limit keyboard and display placement on a desktop. Sure, you can add a keyboard, mouse and external display to a low-cost laptop, but that will blow your “a little more money” statement, as you have now bought two displays (one integrated, one external), and two keyboards (one integrated, one external), and have required your desktop user to become a part-time Tech, pulling and plugging in the various external devices when they want to use their laptop away from their desktop. End result? Larger HW expense, and you have a lot of expensive laptops that never leave the users desk. (the hassle of reconnecting the laptop will start to grate, then they’ll avoid it)

    For deployment numbers greater than, say, three, I feel it is more cost-effective to put low-cost “good enough” desktops on everyone’s desk, and deploy “just good enough” laptops to those users that actually need a portable machine. For your few mobile workers the expense will be 2x (desktop and laptop), but compared with 1.5x for all users, I think it works out.

    Don’t forget, typical desktops have longer useful lives than laptops, as you can easily upgrade a desktop, and a single piece failure seldom renders a desktop useless (securing repair parts for an older laptop can get very costly)…

  • Joe Anctil

    Now i believe that the whole laptop used as a desktop is a great idea. Because i certainly do travel. And the price didn’t seem to do any thing other than satisfy me.
    I have a desktop and a laptop, the trick to getting these products cheaper is waiting for them to go on sale. Everything is eventually put on sale. Whether it’s a mail-in rebate or instant. Another thing if your loyal to a certain brand Dell, Hp Compaq or Sony try switching to save money.
    Now the most expensive brand Ive come to see is Sony then hp, dell Compaq and so one. My desktop and laptop were in the same price range for almost the same Spec and accessories. Both with Intel dual-core and a Vista Os. Great usage for both no problems.
    What I’m saying is look into what your purchasing don’t buy right away. My laptop dropped 20 dollars the weekend before Monday when i was gonna buy it. Great way to save money..