The real value of a PC is not in its specifications; rather, what's more important is what the computer can do for you.
Many of you may have heard that PCs are getting really cheap. In terms of hardware specifications, consumers stand to get tremendous value for money if they buy a computer system today. However, the real value of a PC is not in its specifications; rather, what's more important is what the computer can do for you. Many consumers knew that good bargains didn't necessarily mean a good buy and subsequently made it one of the worst Christmas seasons ever for PC sellers.
Max headroom
Hardware capabilities have made such rapid progress that software requirements are having problems catching up. Systems these days come with loads of processing headroom for applications such as word processors, spreadsheets, email clients and Web browsers. Unless you have a PC with integrated (read: "cheapo") graphics, you're also likely to have enough 3D rendering capabilities to run many games at acceptable frame rates. As such, watching VCD/ DVD, MP3 and streaming media playback should be a breeze as well.
So, there's really no need to rush for a PC upgrade, especially when it can carry out all the basic tasks perfectly well. Stuffing more processing power into the PC and selling them at lower prices won't cut it for manufacturers anymore--this old dog needs to learn new tricks.
Image problem
The PC is suffering from an image problem. Many of us perceive it as a machine that can only do a limited range of tasks, like word processing, gaming, and the Internet. Sadly, the computer makers are simply playing along with this consumer perception. Yet, with the processing power and the range of peripherals that can be used in conjunction with it, the PC can do so much more for us. For example, a friend of mine set up a home recording studio with his computer at the center of operations.
Almost every improvement in PC design these days is performance-related (i.e. more RAM, faster CPU, more storage, etc.). That won't convince people to part with their cash. People buy PCs for what it can do for them, not for the processing power per se.
Can my PC do that?
Users can add many useful functions to their system just by installing relevant software or by adding peripherals. However, left on their own, many consumers simply don't know where to start--a sure sign that the marketing people are not doing their job. Computer makers are in a very good position to sell entire solutions instead of a piece of hardware that may create more problems than it solves. The manufacturer knows how to add functionality to the PC by sourcing for the appropriate software, and fitting the system with the necessary hardware requirements. Their staff is able to perform the installation and ensure that everything works straight out of the box. Best of all, software bundled with PCs is often much cheaper than that bought off the shelf.
Tailor-made
When you go to the tailor, do you tell the tailor the exact thickness or density of the cloth you want to use? Most of us won't bother, because it means nothing us. Similarly, being able to "tailor-make" your PC according to the hardware specifications (CPU speed, HDD size, etc.), doesn't mean anything to many of us as well.
What we really need is to tell a computer maker: "I need a PC to use as a multimedia entertainment station at home, with the ability to tune in to the radio, watch television, play CDs", after which the company will deliver a suitable system. It's similar to what direct sellers like Dell is doing now, except that they offer specification options rather than user needs.
Market the solution
As it stands, the PC is little more than an overpriced typewriter unless you have the time and expertise to buy and install additional hardware and software. As the recent Christmas season has shown, PCs can no longer sell simply on the basis of price and hardware specifications. Computer makers need to innovate, and market solutions instead of just hardware; otherwise, they may end up selling PCs like commodities with paper-thin margins.
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