I want to agree with you, but in the past hasn't a combination of high-end upgraders and improved manufacturing driven progress? Will enough people pay for a "4K" monitor to justify building whatever has to be built to make it practical?
I am seeing this: "These companies should feel ashamed that it took ~8 years to progress past the 30" 2560x1600 form factor to a $3,500 ASUS "4k" monitor. In 2013, a '4k' monitor on the desktop should be entry-level technology"
and wonder about the extent to which companies push consumers versus consumers pushing companies.
A good point! I have strong opinions on the matter [1] [2]. Yes, consumers are partially to blame. As evidenced in this comment thread, some consumers have reached a level of "this is good enough, I am satisfied." Presented with an alternative that does not exist today, at a price point they could afford, even those who consider today's technology to be "good enough" would be stirred to reconsider.
I should clarify the point I am making when I say that Microsoft and others should be investing in higher-quality displays. They should be working to drive down the manufacturing costs, allowing such devices to be sold to enthusiasts, then pro-sumers, and eventually to regular consumers. For Microsoft to benefit from new technology, the technology needs to be within reach of a sufficiently large market.
In [1] below I point out that when the 30" LCDs debuted in ~2007 (if my memory is correct), they sold for $1,100. I bought my first 30" LCD in 2008. For $1,100. That monitor malfunctioned in 2011. I looked to replace it and ultimately did. For $1,150.
Meanwhile, every other desktop monitor size saw falling prices. Was the steady price for 30" LCDs evidence of price fixing [3]? I'm not sure. But I doubt the cost to manufacture of a 30" monitor remained steady at, say, $600 for several years while every other monitor size became just a sliver above disposable. Finally, starting around 2012, the Korean manufacturers are shaking things up. Bravo to them!
Comments
I want to agree with you, but in the past hasn't a combination of high-end upgraders and improved manufacturing driven progress? Will enough people pay for a "4K" monitor to justify building whatever has to be built to make it practical?
I am seeing this: "These companies should feel ashamed that it took ~8 years to progress past the 30" 2560x1600 form factor to a $3,500 ASUS "4k" monitor. In 2013, a '4k' monitor on the desktop should be entry-level technology"
and wonder about the extent to which companies push consumers versus consumers pushing companies.
A good point! I have strong opinions on the matter [1] [2]. Yes, consumers are partially to blame. As evidenced in this comment thread, some consumers have reached a level of "this is good enough, I am satisfied." Presented with an alternative that does not exist today, at a price point they could afford, even those who consider today's technology to be "good enough" would be stirred to reconsider.
I should clarify the point I am making when I say that Microsoft and others should be investing in higher-quality displays. They should be working to drive down the manufacturing costs, allowing such devices to be sold to enthusiasts, then pro-sumers, and eventually to regular consumers. For Microsoft to benefit from new technology, the technology needs to be within reach of a sufficiently large market.
In [1] below I point out that when the 30" LCDs debuted in ~2007 (if my memory is correct), they sold for $1,100. I bought my first 30" LCD in 2008. For $1,100. That monitor malfunctioned in 2011. I looked to replace it and ultimately did. For $1,150.
Meanwhile, every other desktop monitor size saw falling prices. Was the steady price for 30" LCDs evidence of price fixing [3]? I'm not sure. But I doubt the cost to manufacture of a 30" monitor remained steady at, say, $600 for several years while every other monitor size became just a sliver above disposable. Finally, starting around 2012, the Korean manufacturers are shaking things up. Bravo to them!
[1] http://tiamat.tsotech.com/pretend-its-a-tablet
[2] http://tiamat.tsotech.com/hd-sucks
[3] http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-57348830-38/lcd-makers-on-...