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IBM Selling Its PC Division To Chinese Firm?

Rumors, Conspiracies, etc.

from the bye-bye-thinkpad dept

Fri, Dec 3rd 2004 1:39am — Mike Masnick
This is definitely not the first time this has been rumored -- as similar rumors seem to appear every few years -- but the NY Times suggests that this time, IBM is serious about selling off its PC division. The most likely buyer is Lenovo, the huge Chinese computer maker, until very recently known as Legend. The company hasn't been that well known in the US, though they've been making an effort over the past few months to change that -- so this purchase would certainly be a high profile way to make themselves known. The real trick, especially with the Thinkpad laptop line, is whether or not any new owner would be able to keep up the level of innovation and quality that IBM has been recognized for in the space.
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5 Comments

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  1. identicon
    Steve Mueller, 3 Dec 2004 @ 3:11am

    Not Quite

    IBM is not selling its "computer division". It may sell its PC division, but I haven't seen rumors of selling their midrange and mainframe businesses.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  2. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 3 Dec 2004 @ 7:12am

    Re: Not Quite

    It's still very unfortunate, as their Thinkpad line is included in what's being sold. This is a very sad development in my opinion, as the Thinkpads are pretty much top of the list as far as durability and reliability are concerned. They've been very solid machines and the only ones I really consider buying in the PC arena. If they get sold, I forsee the buyer making them cheap and crappy. *Sigh* maybe it's time to get my company to switch to Apple for their laptops... unfortunately, they're not as physically durable as the Thinkpads.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  3. icon
    Mike (profile), 3 Dec 2004 @ 9:19am

    Re: Not Quite

    IBM is not selling its "computer division". It may sell its PC division, but I haven't seen rumors of selling their midrange and mainframe businesses.

    Good point. Corrected.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  4. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 3 Dec 2004 @ 10:18am

    Re: Not Quite

    Unfortunetaly, Apple's laptops are crap. My wife and mom both have one and they're far worse than any of the recent PC laptops I've had (HP, Acer, Fujitsu, Twinhead). Sqeaky case, badly fitting batteries, palm rests that get hot enough to burn you, lids that won't stay closed, never mind that white get horribly dirty and the silver wears off....

    Actually, the new Twinhead I just got is a tank, much like the ThinkPad, built to Mil spec, semi-rugged, 5 lbs. Very similar and same solid feel as the ThinkPad I had years ago.

    http://usa.twinhead.com/PRO/N1400/

    [ link to this | view in thread ]

  5. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 6 Dec 2004 @ 11:20am

    Re: Not Quite

    Just keep in mind that IBM doesn't "make" their laptops (although maybe design). They are outsourced - like everything else these days. Do that durability and reliability in manufacturing is from somewhere else besides IBM.

    Maybe some designers will go with the sale so it won't be a big change.

    [ link to this | view in thread ]


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