Bigger and smaller; personal computers will be a lot more powerful. But they may not be where the action is

Article Abstract:

Futurists are divided on what the purpose of personal computers will be by the year 2008, though most believe improvements will follow the rule of doubling capacity every 18 months. Though PC's are expected to have CPU speeds of four gigahertz, random memory of eight gigabytes and storage capacities nearing a terabyte, will they function as movies-on-demand or video communication platforms or serve as controllers of smaller, more powerful portable devices? Some forecasters predict functionality will evolve as hardware becomes lighter, power usage drops and hard-drive capacity increases. Screen display design for example, involving research into the use of chemical polymers, would allow for displays that could be printed on flexible plastic or attached to curved surfaces. Reduced power and wireless transmissions could shrink PC's to devices that could be carried in the purse or pocket, serving as personal organizer-cell phones, home electronics controllers or electronic books. Others say that despite expected increases in Internet usage through "data pipelines" and gains in storage capacity and processor speeds, computers won't change much since consumers will still prefer using familiar tools such as the telephone and television.

Electronic computers, Electronic Computer Manufacturing, Analog & Hybrid Computers, On-Line Information Services, Videotex & Teletext, Telegraph & other communications, Usage, Innovations, Handheld data devices, Computer industry, Microcomputers, Internet, Forecasts and trends, Internet services, Microprocessors, Statistics, Abstract, Technology and civilization, Technology and society, Data collection devices, Data capture devices, Data collection device

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There may be an Intel license inside Silicon Graphics' hoped-for recovery

Article Abstract:

Silicon Graphics (SGI) will announce a broad cross-licensing pact with Intel as part of a new corporate strategy, according to people familiar with the plan. Terms would allow SGI to develop customer chips inside its Intel-based computers, which will equip the computers with superior performance speed and graphics. Intel, meanwhile, will win the right to design proprietary advanced graphics technology into future chips without the threat of SGI lawsuits. Richard E. Belluzzo, CEO of SGI since Feb 1998, is accelerating the company's plans to shift away from its own microprocessors and OSes designed for its workstation and server computers. SGI's low-end SGI computer sales have weakened due to price competition from Microsoft- and Intel-compatible PCs. Belluzzo also is expected to tell analysts in New York on Apr 14, 1998, that SGI will spin off its MIPS microprocessor unit.

Intel Corp., INTC, Licensing agreements, Company licensing agreement, Silicon Graphics Inc., SGI

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Chip maker to revamp cheaper lines; National Semiconductor sets major change, may opt to cut payroll further

Article Abstract:

National Semiconductor intends to divest itself of primary financial backing of low-profit lines of semiconductor devices, sustaining a write-off charge of between $280 million and $320 million. The strategy is the first demonstration of new CEO Brian Halla's intention to continue National's move into the high-end segment of the semiconductor industry. National will port responsibility for its less desirable family of discrete, logic and memory chips to its newly formed Fairchild Semiconductor, a division that National may ultimately spin-off completely. National will instead hone its focus on the consumer-oriented analog semiconductors that can be found in cable modems and set-top boxes. Analysts suggest that National's move is required if the company is to restore itself to profitability.

Semiconductor industry, Management, National Semiconductor Corp., NSM, Reorganization and restructuring, Company Business Management, Company Restructuring/Company Reorganization

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