IBM has launched its line of network computers (NC) in Hong Kong, only a month after dumping plans to make a similar stripped-down terminal - the Net PC.
Both the NC and Net PC are so-called 'dumb terminals', which rely on a central server to deploy functions and programs.
The main difference is the Net PC relies on a Microsoft-based platform while NC runs on Java-based applications.
Touted as cheap-to-own and simple-to-maintain computers, the NC and Net PC sell for less than US$1,000 each.
They are targeted at large corporations looking to cut the cost of servicing and software upgrades on individual personal computers (PC).
Negative customer feedback on a prototype-IBM Net PC led the company to abandon the model, said Kenneth Lee, IBM network station manager for greater China.
Customers had indicated they would rather see functions of the Net PC integrated into IBM's standard PC line, he said. Doing so would give the computer more flexibility.