Cringe - Re: "I guess they have to start of somewhere. If the public likes the way these look, AMD could have an advantage over Intel systems next year, until Intel (or an OEM) comes back with their own designs."
I think Intel was 9 months ahead of AMD on this - after all, where do you think AMD got the idea ?
Paul
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FEATURE/Ziba Design Creates "Legacy-Free" PC Family for Intel
PALM SPRINGS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE FEATURES)--March 1, 1999--
-- True "Plug and Play" Products Introduced --
The shape of things to come in personal computing appeared here this week when Intel introduced a family of "legacy-free" PCs, created by ZIBA Design, at its Developer Forum. The family includes five products configured specifically for the consumer, business, childrens', gamer and (yes) technophobe markets.
Each one of the designs presents an iconic image for its user markets.
- Koi (designed for technophobes): Afraid of that computer? This is
the design for you. The Koi model invites interaction and
communicates with the user.
- Aztec (for experienced consumers): This is not your father's
computer. The bold orange-and-silver pyramid-like housing marks a
clear departure from industry convention.
- Twister (for business users): A computer with character. This
stable, sophisticated, sculptural form also projects fun and
personality into the office.
- Tetra (for game lovers): The smallest member of the family will
fit almost anywhere. Playing games is even more fun when your
computer is playful itself.
- Castia (for children): Calling all kids. Here's a PC for you
whose form conveys speed, fun and friendliness.
"These products represent a unique interpretation of how to wrap a functional and attractive design around a set of given internal components," remarked Sohrab Vossoughi, president of ZIBA Design. "Intel wanted to dramatically reduce the size of the PCs, and their contribution was the smallest motherboard available in the world with a 500MHz processor. We were then able to design compelling devices without having to sacrifice speed."
The "legacy-free" aspect of the product family simply means that the superfluous expansion bays and card slots that pack traditional PCs with unused space have been removed. Most consumers don't need or want these "bells and whistles." They don't even want to open their PCs. They want their systems built in and, when they become obsolete, they replace the entire machine.
"These are true 'plug and play' products," Mr. Vossoughi continued. "Users only have to plug in the units once. They never completely shut off, so there's no need to reboot. They're also intuitive to operate, which takes the guesswork out of computing. Finally, they're flexible. Users don't have to pay for features they don't want, but USB connectors allow them to plug in any device they need."
ZIBA Design is a full-service, multi-disciplinary product development firm. Founded in 1984, it is based in Portland, Oregon and has offices in San Jose, Taipei and Tokyo. In addition to Intel, ZIBA clients include Hewlett Packard, McDonald's, FedEx, Procter & Gamble, Xerox, Rubbermaid, NIKE, Black & Decker and Microsoft.
ZIBA uses "creative visual thinking" to define problems and develop meaningful insights and innovative solutions. Through design, ZIBA helps clients safeguard, enhance and expand brands and strengthen their competitive position. Their services range from developing products to designing services and processes. The solutions provided span the entire range of product development, from strategic issues such as visual brand development and product line strategies to tactical issues like user interface development and retail package design.
CONTACT: Bliss, Gouverneur & Associates, New York
Elizabeth Sosnow/Melissa Hill
212/840-1661
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