Dell Vista Tablet PC: Why Should I Care?
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As most of you already know, Dell has been off to a rocky start with Microsoft’s Vista and has even gone as far as to offer Windows XP to some customers because of Vista related concerns from certain customers. However, the nagging question remains: will Vista ever truly set right with Dell? The answer to this is yes. Unfortunately, its success may not happen with Dell’s existing offerings. That’s because of its recent Linux dealings; it will have to do something truly unique to get Vista back into the positive spotlight.
It’s a Tablet PC. From the looks of things, Dell is looking to diversify further into the PC market with the promise of Tablet PCs running Windows Vista. I think it will be interesting to see how well Vista actually runs on these machines once they are released. Some questions that I’m sure many potential customers will have include the range of the wireless connectivity and whether or not the Aero effects will be available on the unit.
Let’s be honest here, this is basically Dell giving Vista a second chance. Even though the apparent market for the Tablet appears to remain something of a myth, Vista could actually prove to be a real fighter this time around and may provide Dell with the Vista push that it needs.
A Gamble Worth Taking
If there is one thing that the Tablet PC and Vista OS have in common, it’s their nature of coming out of the gate as underdogs. The Tablet and the OS have yet to truly prove their need to most consumers, and it will be interesting to see if Dell becomes the company to change this.
Dell now has to meet this challenge by making the hardware and the troubled OS seen as valuable upgrades to their chosen markets. And unlike so many other vendors out there, it does feel like Dell has a fair idea of who this market is. Now we have to ask: will these targeted groups see the expense of an upgrade justified?
Personally, I simply find myself feeling skeptical, as the Tablet’s original market was pretty much hit with the previous release of Windows. So trying to convince the previously skeptical XP Tablet users the need to upgrade to Vista is a silly reason to justify the purchase.
Defining the Market: Dell Needs a Better Approach
I do not believe there is really any question that Dell will need to get itself into a better position to attract new customers with its wares. My question to Dell is - are you willing to do this the smart way or the way most companies your size do things?
My suggestion to Dell would be to see it locate three key individuals: one from the corporate world, another from the scholastic realm, and one from the medical field. Give clear instructions about the Tablet’s use, then have a video blogger document their experiences. Because much of life is raw and unscripted, I suspect that what we will see should prove to be authentic and provide a glimpse into the world of that particular person, in addition to discovering potential functionality for the Tablet PC and Vista simultaneously.
Will Dell heed this advice? It’s possible, as some Dell reps read my articles from time to time. Regardless, at the end of the day, Dell will need to implement some level of grassroots movement to make its Tablet PC + Vista combination successful. To me, it just makes sense: Show me why I care rather than talking “at me” about it, and I may just become a customer.
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