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This is something that I have wondered about for a long time....
....why do PC's have those little stickers on them that tell you what processor and sometimes version of Windows that is installed? They are more prominent on laptops, but on many towers as well. I don't get it. What purpose do they serve. What I also don't understand is why people keep them on.
Is this some sort of status symbol? "Hey, look at me, I have AMD processors!" Big whoop-dee-do!
If I ever buy a PC laptop, the first thing that I am going to do is peel these damn things off.
Component vendors and Microsoft require them as part of their licensing agreement with the computer manufacturers.
When you buy an Intel processor, the decal comes in the box, with stipulation you stick it on the case.
Last edited by MikeJaquish; 12-04-2009 at 03:24 PM..
When AMD became a force in the microprocessor business Intel really worked to define itself as a preferred brand. That's when the "586" became a Pentium. Intel didn't want processors to be invisible to the buyer so they branded their chips and promoted them via labels. I'm sure they were required of the PC manufacturers as said already.
For uninformed consumers - it may give them some comfort to see a brand they see advertised on TV. Geeks like us don't care.
This is something that I have wondered about for a long time....
....why do PC's have those little stickers on them that tell you what processor and sometimes version of Windows that is installed? They are more prominent on laptops, but on many towers as well. I don't get it. What purpose do they serve. What I also don't understand is why people keep them on.
Is this some sort of status symbol? "Hey, look at me, I have AMD processors!" Big whoop-dee-do!
If I ever buy a PC laptop, the first thing that I am going to do is peel these damn things off.
Honestly though, what is with the stickers?
They're like those tags on your bed mattress. Don't remove them or They will come after you and no one will hear from you again.
Component vendors and Microsoft require them as part of their licensing agreement with the computer manufacturers.
When you buy an Intel processor, the decal comes in the box, with stipulation you stick it on the case.
Who cares about the licensing deal, they can just put the decals on the box or all over the owner's manual.
What's next, burning the image into the casing?
Quote:
Originally Posted by hoffdano
For uninformed consumers - it may give them some comfort to see a brand they see advertised on TV. Geeks like us don't care.
An uniformed consumer can just read the specs on the spec card or box or just believe everything that the salesperson tells them (as they will do anyways).
Who cares about the licensing deal, they can just put the decals on the box or all over the owner's manual.
The OEM's do, if they don't adhere to requirments they can get canned, Microsoft for example requires the Windows COA (license sticker) to be stuck on the PC somewhere, if mfg's don't do it they're in violation and can lose their ability to include WIndoes on their PC's.
I am an OEM system builder, I've had a few customers request the sticker be kept on the Windows OS shrink wrap package and I have to explain to them why I can't do that.
Who cares about the licensing deal, they can just put the decals on the box or all over the owner's manual.
What's next, burning the image into the casing?
An uniformed consumer can just read the specs on the spec card or box or just believe everything that the salesperson tells them (as they will do anyways).
The licensing deal could include some big carrots - like marketing money. Or lower prices. These are very powerful incentives to use the stickers.
Why would an uninformed person look at the specs? My dad would call me instead of even trying to read the specs.
The OEM's do, if they don't adhere to requirments they can get canned, Microsoft for example requires the Windows COA (license sticker) to be stuck on the PC somewhere, if mfg's don't do it they're in violation and can lose their ability to include WIndoes on their PC's.
I am an OEM system builder, I've had a few customers request the sticker be kept on the Windows OS shrink wrap package and I have to explain to them why I can't do that.
Then why not put it on the bottom?
Quote:
Originally Posted by hoffdano
Why would an uninformed person look at the specs? My dad would call me instead of even trying to read the specs.
If they were into brand names, what difference does it make if the sticker on the casing mentions this brand or the box?
But why would they? I dunno, maybe because they are going to spend some $$$ on a computer.
No one would see it on the bottom of the computer and the whole point is to promote the brand. Intel provides a lot of marketing support to OEMs who play ball.
It's all about branding/marketing. Imprints (ads) cost money, so the more places you get your name out there, the more likely the consumer will remember your name and product. Intel provides deals and money for people that sell their products, hundreds, even thousands of dollars for ads and promotions. Like when Dell computer ads are on TV and the Intel logo and sound comes up, that means in most cases Intel gave them some money. Most companies don't mind the extra money/deals. I used to work at a smaller reseller and they gave regular meetings once or twice a year with presentations and free gift drawings and steak lunches, etc...
The fact that you saw the stickers and read the name Intel or Microsoft, etc... is the purpose, you read their name and it's in your head now.
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