A surprising milestone in the high-stakes hunt for simpler Windows PC
Article Abstract:
Packard Bell NEC Inc. is introducing a new PC designed to appeal to consumers who are willing to pay a little more for a personal computer that is both stylish and easy to set up and connect to peripheral devices. The $2500 NEC Z1 is a thin, tall, metallic one-piece unit with a sharp, built-in 15-inch flat panel color display. Below the screen it houses an infrared receiver, floppy and DVD drives, surrounded by built-in speakers. Setting up the computer is easy, taking about five minutes. The Z1 comes with a wireless keyboard and a pointing device which replaces the mouse. This device is somewhat difficult to use. The model has a 450 MHz Pentium III processor, 96 megabytes of memory and an 8.4 gigabyte hard disk. Other than a few minor problems normal for a prototype, the Z1 generally functions very well. The most impressive and innovative feature of the model is its expandability. It contains four simple USB connectors for adding new circuitry, and a PC card socket, generally found only on laptops. The Z1 also has a built-in Ethernet networking port, for connecting up cable modems. There are two major innovations in expandability. First, the flat panel screen can be easily removed and replaced with an optional 18-inch model the company plans to offer later this year. Second, the Z1 allows an exceptionally easy upgrade for its hard disk.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1999
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Despite Apple's woes, the Mac still seems safe bet - for now
Article Abstract:
Sources at Apple indicate that the company will continue developing and releasing improved versions of the Macintosh and its associated operating system for the foreseeable future. Apple will also enter the market for information appliances as it positions itself to rebound from the disastrous financial straits that have threatened the company's independence. Apple is further expected to simplify its line of Macintoshes, completely revise the PowerBook notebook series and distribute beta copies of its Copland operating system. However, Apple must focus its management and development plans if it is to survive in the coming years. Before the end of 1996, Apple must conclude work on Copland, provide seamless Internet capability with every Macintosh and encourage greater development of compelling third-party software titles.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1996
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Computing got easier last year, but it still has a long way to go
Article Abstract:
Personal computers are getting simpler but are still too hard to use. For many, the PC remains the least dependable device in the home, often behaving erratically and making even computer-literate users feel inadequate. This is probably one reason why computers have not been more widely adopted. According to Odyssey, a research company, only about 45% of American homes have PCs, and few sales are being made to new households. Moreover, only about 27% of US homes are Internet-enabled. These numbers are not likely to rise significantly, here or elsewhere in the world, until computing and communications become simpler and more user-friendly. Some progress was made during 1998. For example, a relatively simple definition of the PC has been adopted, resulting in price reductions to below-$1,000 levels.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1998
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