While upgrading to a new computer could be exciting (depending on the kind of person you are), there are a lot of annoyances involved in transferring the old files to the new computer. This is no problem for the tech savvy folks, who will most likely set up file sharing over a network or burn DVDs, but it could be a huge impetus for casual home users. Since most US households have computers and the market have saturated, the game (if you are HP or Dell) is now about how you can get people to upgrade their computers more frequently. The file transfer program would be perfect for those hesitant to upgrade because of the uncertainties surrounding moving data.

This would be easy for laptops since it could be sent in or brought to the store easily, but tougher for desktops. For Dell or HP, the best plan probably would be to partner with the Geeksquad (not that I think they are any good) or other home support service that already have the infrastructure to get to customers homes. They could even help set up the computer and collect the old machine for recycling.

I’m not sure if the business model for this service makes sense (might be too expensive), but it is a really attractive feature that could be bundled with new computers. Of course I would never use it, and in an ideal world, everyone would have a friend who could help them instead.

Labels: computer, service