On Thursday, Fujitsu announced its new Hands-on Custom PC Assembly Service. This will allow customers to build their own PC from the ground up while also receiving Fujitsu assembly support, and direction on the inner structure of PCs, provided by engineers. This means customers can experience the thrill of building their own customized PC regardless of their technical skill level.
"Normally with PC construction kits, the customer must personally manage a number of very specific procedures, such as system wiring, which if not performed accurately, could lead to system failure," the company said. "Performing such tasks properly typically requires a high level of computer knowledge. With this in mind, the new service provides the necessary components, while at the same time deploying instructors and technical staff to explain and support assembly."
Customers won't exactly start from scratch: the motherboard will already be pre-installed to "reduce detailed processes" like using screws and plugging in the power switch connector. Everything else will be provided in 15 individually packaged units within the assembly kit. These are organized by major components such as the CPU, system memory, the hard drive and so on. A single screwdriver works with all screws, simplifying the DIY process.
"By taking advantage of this new service, customers will get the chance to assemble essential components of computers not seen in everyday operation while receiving easy-to-understand explanations from instructors on the functions of components, such as the CPU, system memory, and the hard disk," the company said. "Furthermore, learning a computer's internal construction will allow customers to apply this fundamental knowledge to preventing and troubleshooting problems in their everyday computer usage. This could be, for example, realizing that parts like the hard drive are sensitive to impact, or guessing that the cause of a strange noise might be the CPU or hard disk."
Fujitsu said computer assembly instructions will include both notebook and desktop PCs. The overall assembly lineup will feature 19 different models from four different series, including the Lifebook AH large-screen series of notebooks, the all-in-one Esprimo FH PC series, the high-performance Esprimo DH desktop series, and the Raku-Raku PC series. The CPU, system memory, and hard disk can all be configured to specifications that meet customer requirements.
For now, the DIY service is launching in Japan on August 9th, offered through PC instruction schools, travel agencies, and event sponsors. The company didn't say when -- or even if -- this program is headed to the States, but we're thinking this could start a new trend that other manufacturers may pick up on and offer locally.
Would this program be worth the money? Obviously the general consumer won't care about building their own PC -- they'd rather depend on the warranty and let customer service deal with problems. But it may be ideal for those wanting to learn how to assemble a PC, but are weary about the cost vs. potential damage factor associated with building that first rig solo.
