I think it's a bit sad that IBM has turned into a software and services company. Is it really that hard to make a profit from the hardware business? BTW, the first PC I ever bought (or actually my mom) was an IBM Aptiva from 1996, it had great speakers (sound system).
Yes. You'll observe companies eliminating 1 capacitor on a motherboard in order to save 5,000 dollars on the bottom line..
Their research and development labs are some of the best in the world. An astounding number of their engineering feats, produced over decades, can be found in many non-IBM products too. They hold an incredible list of patents.
The first computer i ever used was also an IBM Aptiva. I dont even know the specs since i was a little kid, i only remember how it looked. Hahahaha Those things were extremely expensive here!