i've read in the NY Times that IBM instead will focus on "services, software and specialized hardware technology from mainframes to microprocessors for computer game consoles, all of which promise higher profits than the fiercely competitive PC business."

it's just my opinion but there's a certain degree of uncertainty when you see an electronic item with a 'made in china' nameplate which is almost synonymous with budget-friendly but poor quality stuff. they have to address this impression first.