A significant development in the history of small form-factor PCs took place at the end of October 2002: Dell launched its entry into this arena, the OptiPlex SX260.
While the idea of smaller, stripped-down, easier-to-manage PCs has been around for several years, Dell is known for entering a market when it is about to become mainstream, so the introduction of the new OptiPlex was seen as something of a validation for the small-form factor concept.
Since manufacturers such as HP and Compaq began selling smaller PCs in early 2000, the machines have become a fixture in the PC landscape. While they may not be about to replace the typical beige box any time soon, PC makers say that many large businesses are eager to snap up computers that take up less space and can inexpensively integrate with the rest of their IT infrastructure. PCs with unusual designs are also becoming a significant force in the consumer market, with the impact of Apple's iMac and a new generation of build-your-own PCs made from customizable components.
In the business market, computer makers say that a big factor driving new PC styles is that business computers are becoming increasingly hard to tell apart.
"When Compaq introduced the original iPaq desktop, it looked radically different;" said Steve Torbe, group product manager with HP. "We are still continuing with that. As PCs become more commoditized, we differentiate based on industrial design." He said that some buyers want a computer that will look good on display, for example in a design agency or an office reception area.
With IT budgets unlikely to see much growth any time soon, PC makers also say they are using the small form factor to tap into niche markets in order to expand their sales. In Japan and in industries such as stock trading, for example, companies may be willing to give up expandability in order to save space.
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