Vizio to start producing Laptops and Desktops

[Suno]

People need to get off their Apple-fanboy high horse. Apple didn't invent the concept of minimalism, only capitalized on it (and very successfully I might add). That doesn't give them an all-exclusive right to designs such as the one by Vizio. Patent their design? Maybe. This claim is just as stupid as the "ultrabooks are MBA clones" thread.

Now clearly some of you here are the 1% and don't understand how some of us 99% plebs need to consider budget when purchasing a computer. If I were in need of a cheap and functioning computer but wanted some aesthetic pleasure, I'd definitely consider the Vizio. Hardware-wise, I'm sure it's capable enough.

Now consider that for a minute. A functioning, capable computer that also provides aesthetic pleasure for a lot cheaper than Apple. Going beyond that and arguing about build quality (OH IT'S PLASTIC, NOT ALUMINUM BOO HOO, etc.) is just pushing it to the point of being spoiled.

As for the OS, it's a matter of preference and deserves and entirely new thread of its own to discuss. I will just say that out-of-box Windows is still more friendly to use to the majority than Mac is.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

People are proclaiming it to be crap because it's a Vizio product trying to ape an iMac. Since it's Vizio, it's pretty fair to treat it as guilty until proven innocent. Then again, who really cares. Vizio is certainly not the level of competition that would drive Apple anyway.

Besides, wtf is Vizio thnking, entering into this market, this late (especially when an Apple product owns the segment)?

Oh, I dunno. What was Apple thinking when they entered the MP3 Player market that late?

I can guess though: Visio realizes that Apple only has 1/3 of the all-in-one desktop market, dispite the fact that they're the only company I've ever seen that offers an AIO design. Plus, Visio has the store space to get their computers in every Walmart and Target. That's a LOT of exposure by a well-known brand.

Plus, if they only release ultrabooks and iMac-ish desktops, the mindshare is that of "premium" products, and premium products only. They'll have already outclasses Dell and HP. Next, consider that the "premium" segment is suddenly $600-$800. Tablets hit $300-$400, as do comodity PC's. Apple's (and Sony's) $1000+ computers are overnight even more insanely expensive. Visio has the ability to completely upset the consumer computer industry if they do this right. Yes, Apple should be very worried.

 

[0000757]

Why on earth would I?

If I'm going to roll the dice with my money, it sure as hell isn't gonna be with an off-brand deal.

So because you have no involvement or product experience with one company whatsoever, you feel you know everything about it and that you know 100% it's an off-brand terrible company, even though it's one of the best-selling (#2 actually) brands of top-tier TVs and blu-ray boxes?

 

[*LTD*]

So because you have no involvement or product experience with one company whatsoever, you feel you know everything about it and that you know 100% it's an off-brand terrible company, even though it's one of the best-selling (#2 actually) brands of top-tier TVs and blu-ray boxes?

There have been enough reviews and preponderance of general consumer opinion over the years to tell me that my money is better spent elsewhere. With off-brand vs. Brand name, you usually get what you pay for. It's just not worth it.

I don't think Apple has anything to worry about. Especially when after it's all said and done, it's still running Windows.

 

[0000757]

There have been enough reviews and preponderance of general consumer opinion over the years to tell me that my money is better spent elsewhere. With off-brand vs. Brand name, you usually get what you pay for. It's just not worth it.

I don't think Apple has anything to worry about. Especially when after it's all said and done, it's still running Windows.

And yet, Apple has also gotten bad reviews over the years. Every company does. Also, how is Vizio off-brand? Unless bing #2 in TV sale, having a broad selection from TVs, Blu-Ray players, and computer monitors, and being sold is basically every retail that sells such products makes you "off-brand".

 

[Firestar]

There have been enough reviews and preponderance of general consumer opinion over the years to tell me that my money is better spent elsewhere. With off-brand vs. Brand name, you usually get what you pay for. It's just not worth it.

I don't think Apple has anything to worry about. Especially when after it's all said and done, it's still running Windows.

When you're the #2 seller of tvs, of course there are going to be a lot of bad reviews. But, I doubt it's a large number compared to the number of good reviews.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

When you're the #2 seller of tvs, of course there are going to be a lot of bad reviews. But, I doubt it's a large number compared to the number of good reviews.

I dunno, this TV doesn't look so great

Of course sometimes the Macbook Pro refreshes would get 4-stars from MacWorld or MacLife (I forget which one I used to subscribe to).

 

[*LTD*]

Obviously Vizio (like so many others) are missing the key ingredient to take on Apple. This form factor won't carry this or any other Mac cloner when the key to all of Apple's success is unification of hardware and software. Just ask Dell. Those Adamos really raised the bar, didn't they? /s

And we're not talking about just any OS, either. iOS and OS X are way ahead of anything else commercially available today. Vizio's entire approach is no different from the Dells, Gateways and Acers of the tech world - beating the same dead horse - except that Vizio's brand commands the same if not less consumer trust, with at best, poor-to-adequate quality and reliability across the board.

Vizio is not known for making quality TVs. Period. So why on earth would they set out to try and take on Apple - because if they're not trying to take on Apple, they might as well not even bother. They aren't serious. Especially since they'll be going from the razor-thin margins of the flat panel TV market right into the razor-thin margins of the PC market. Genius! And this was all in making for TWO YEARS?? There's a reason Vizio are what they are. Hopefully their booth this year at CES won't be in the hallway this time.

And they think they can cut into Apple's market??

My guess is that what's going on at Vizio is typical of what's going on at Dell, HP, Gateway, etc: They have no idea wtf they're doing. It's all just spaghetti against the wall. It's at best, boring and uninspired, and at worst, a third-rate con-job to part consumers from their money before too many returns and lousy sales force them to discontinue these things. And if it can happen to Dell and HP, with all their experience and resources, what exactly can you expect from an outfit like Vizio?

Whenever a budget-brand seems to promise something they really aren't set up for, don't bend over.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

Vizio is not known for making quality TVs. Period. So why on earth would they set out to try and take on Apple - because if they're not trying to take on Apple, they might as well not even bother. They aren't serious. Especially since they'll be going from the razor-thin margins of the flat panel TV market right into the razor-thin margins of the PC market. Genius! And this was all in making for TWO YEARS?? There's a reason Vizio are what they are. Hopefully their booth this year at CES won't be in the hallway this time.

*LTD*, for every fact you throw out, I can proove otherwise.

Here's consumer report's recomendation of Visio.

http://news.consumerreports.org/ele...d-tv-brand-and-a-fairly-reliable-one-too.html

 

[Suno]

Obviously Vizio (like so many others) are missing the key ingredient to take on Apple. This form factor won't carry this or any other Mac cloner when the key to all of Apple's success is unification of hardware and software. Just ask Dell. Those Adamos really raised the bar, didn't they? /s

And we're not talking about just any OS, either. iOS and OS X are way ahead of anything else commercially available today. Vizio's entire approach is no different from the Dell's, Gateway's and Acers of the tech world - beating the same dead horse - except that their brand commands the same if not less consumer trust, with at best, poor-to-adequate quality and reliability across the board.

Vizio is not known for making quality TVs. Period. So why on earth would they set out to try and take on Apple - because if they're not trying to take on Apple, they might as well not even bother. They aren't serious. Especially since they'll be going from the razor-thin margins of the flat panel TV market right into the razor-thin margins of the PC market. Genius! And this was all in making for TWO YEARS?? There's a reason Vizio are what they are. Hopefully their booth this year at CES won't be in the hallway this time.

And they think they can cut into Apple's market??

My guess is that what's gong on at Vizio is typical of what's going on at Dell, HP, Gateway, etc: They have no idea wtf they're doing. It's all just spaghetti against the wall. It's at best, boring and uninspired, and at worst, a third-rate con-job to part consumers from their money before too many returns and lousy sales force them to discontinue these things. And if it can happen to Dell and HP, with all their experience and resources, what exactly can you expect from an outfit like Vizio?

Whenever a budget-brand seems to promise something they really aren't set up for, don't bend over.

Wow....

 

[*LTD*]

*LTD*, for every fact you throw out, I can proove otherwise.

Here's consumer report's recomendation of Visio.

http://news.consumerreports.org/ele...d-tv-brand-and-a-fairly-reliable-one-too.html

Budget brand is budget brand.

Vizio made its mark selling sets typically priced well below comparable sets from major brands such as Samsung and Sony.

Why do you think they were able to do this?

 

[0000757]

Budget brand is budget brand.

Vizio made its mark selling sets typically priced well below comparable sets from major brands such as Samsung and Sony.

Why do you think they were able to do this?

Cheap ≠ Bad & Expensive ≠ Good. We have a 26" Vizio in the living room that's better built AND better quality than my more expensive and bigger 32" LG TV.

 

[Liquorpuki]

Now consider that for a minute. A functioning, capable computer that also provides aesthetic pleasure for a lot cheaper than Apple. Going beyond that and arguing about build quality (OH IT'S PLASTIC, NOT ALUMINUM BOO HOO, etc.) is just pushing it to the point of being spoiled.

I'm the only one who mentioned plastic and that's because I'm wondering what's keeping that plastic neck from snapping. You got a massive aluminum LCD panel mounted to an aluminum base by a piece of molded plastic. Looks like an engineering quick fix

 

[AppleScruff1]

And we're not talking about just any OS, either. iOS and OS X are way ahead of anything else commercially available today.

Could you please give a few credible sources that prove that OSX is better than any other operating system? And you biased opinion doesn't count as a credible source. Just the facts please.

 

[nick9191]

They do look great, and I love the look of that keyboard on the laptop. Glad they didn't rip off the Apple keyboard (let's not BS ourselves, they ripped off nearly every other aspect of design- I smell lawsuits).

I do smell something fishy however. You can either have expensive and good or cheap and nasty when it comes to computers, in my experience anyway, although there have been exceptions. There's got to be a catch somewhere, either that or they're selling at near cost to try and get their foot in the door.

Good luck to them anyway. There needs to be someone else besides Apple pushing the boundaries of design. Apple doesn't feel challenged, because my cat could **** a better looking product than half of it's competitors push out. It's nice to see a bit of innovation, even if it's ripping off Apple but at the same time making it look better in many ways (no silver chin, sexy chrome stand), it will push Apple to bury Vizio into the ground with some new sexy piece of kit, and we all get a better product because of it.

 

[KnightWRX]

I'm the only one who mentioned plastic and that's because I'm wondering what's keeping that plastic neck from snapping. You got a massive aluminum LCD panel mounted to an aluminum base by a piece of molded plastic. Looks like an engineering quick fix

I think it's the fact that it's only plastic in your mind :

Vizio says it spent months, for example, shaving millimeters from its desktop computer so the central processing chip could hide in a sleek base while the screen stands attached to its thin aluminum neck.

But of course, let's not bother with facts when they get in the way of a good bashing!

 

[*LTD*]

Could you please give a few credible sources that prove that OSX is better than any other operating system? And you biased opinion doesn't count as a credible source. Just the facts please.

Look at any consumer satisfaction report in tech today. Whether it's smartphones, desktops, notebooks, tablets, etc.

You'll notice one thing, consistently, across the board:

-- Apple products running either OS X or iOS rate highest consistently across the board, for consecutive years running. Year after year. Somehow, Apple is always there, the one to beat. Any survey - whether it's JD Power or the American Consumer Satisfaction Index. You will always find Apple at the top. In fact, it's a rarity for them to not be in that position.

Apple's success in this area can be due to a number of factors. Draw your own conclusions. Consumers, however, have also drawn theirs. Consumer Satisfaction is the only meaningful measure we have. It's where the rubber hits the road - regardless of specs, regardless of "features" - and tells you across the board who's got the right synergy between hardware and software (neither can be lacking) and who's just got market-share because they're too busy in a race to the bottom because they're pushing volume.

Great hardware running lousy software is a real killer. Great software supported by lousy hardware is also a killer. Apple is aces in both areas. You can't have one without the other.

 

[Liquorpuki]

I think it's the fact that it's only plastic in your mind :



But of course, let's not bother with facts when they get in the way of a good bashing!

I'm not bashing

And do they make translucent aluminum? Look at that picture and tell me what you see

 

[KnightWRX]

I'm not bashing

And do they make translucent aluminum? Look at that picture and tell me what you see

I see polished aluminium, reflecting the base, making it look like it's transparent to someone looking for flaws instead of reading the article text. Do we have to drag this on after all the facts are staked against you ? But please, continue bashing.

 

[boss.king]

I'm not bashing

And do they make translucent aluminum? Look at that picture and tell me what you see

If you look at the other picture though, you can see it's clearly not translucent.

 

[Liquorpuki]

If you look at the other picture though, you can see it's clearly not translucent.

Yeah I was thinking the front view showed a conduit or something for wiring. But I see it now, it's reflecting off the wall

 

[boss.king]

Yeah I was thinking the front view showed a conduit or something for wiring. But I see it now, it's reflecting off the wall

When I saw the first pic I actually thought it was some sort of metal and glass combo. It's not a great picture IMO. The design is amazing though, and I like the gun-metal grey they used.

 

[FroMann]

If Vizio can pull it off correctly then I wouldn't mind seeing them in the computer market.

 

[AppleScruff1]

Look at any consumer satisfaction report in tech today. Whether it's smartphones, desktops, notebooks, tablets, etc.

You'll notice one thing, consistently, across the board:

-- Apple products running either OS X or iOS rate highest consistently across the board, for consecutive years running. Year after year. Somehow, Apple is always there, the one to beat. Any survey - whether it's JD Power or the American Consumer Satisfaction Index. You will always find Apple at the top. In fact, it's a rarity for them to not be in that position.

Apple's success in this area can be due to a number of factors. Draw your own conclusions. Consumers, however, have also drawn theirs. Consumer Satisfaction is the only meaningful measure we have. It's where the rubber hits the road - regardless of specs, regardless of "features" - and tells you across the board who's got the right synergy between hardware and software (neither can be lacking) and who's just got market-share because they're too busy in a race to the bottom because they're pushing volume.

Great hardware running lousy software is a real killer. Great software supported by lousy hardware is also a killer. Apple is aces in both areas. You can't have one without the other.

Show me some major sources which show OSX as a hands down winner over Windows. You don't need to repeat yourself like a broken record. Stick to the facts. Using your parameters, Windows blows OSX out of the water. One billion people use Windows. If OSX was better, they'd switch.

 

[Stella]

Show me some major sources which show OSX as a hands down winner over Windows. You don't need to repeat yourself like a broken record. Stick to the facts. Using your parameters, Windows blows OSX out of the water. One billion people use Windows. If OSX was better, they'd switch.

He's avoiding the question, he is now adding the hardware into the mix, which wasn't what you asked ( you asked software wise )