Envisioning the era of the $500 PC

Article Abstract:

National Semiconductor CEO Brian Halla envisions a small PC that would cost $500. Halla believes PC shipments eventually will jump from 70 million to 700 million, as inexpensive PCs blend into the background to operate everything from watches to dashboards. Chip-making imperfections are preventing National Semiconductor from developing its proposed information appliance. Halla believes National Semiconductor will have the capability by mid-1998 to produce chips that contain 20 million transistors. The PC-on-a-chip, packaged with a Intel microprocessor clone and compatible with Microsoft software, would have power comparable to increasingly popular sub-$1,000 machines. A successful and cheap National Semiconductor PC could damage network computer plans at companies that include Oracle and Sun Microsystems, or threaten Intel's profit margins. Other industry officials characterize Halla's idea as impractical.

Analog & Hybrid Computers, Innovations, Product development, Microcomputers, Network computers, Network computer, Equipment and supplies, Technology application, National Semiconductor Corp., NSM

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Compaq profit slightly beats expectations

Article Abstract:

Compaq reports a profit of $115 million, or seven cents a diluted share, for 3rd qtr 1998, compared with $517 million, or 33 cents a diluted share, a year previously. The figure this year was slightly better than the six-cent result forecasted by industry observers. Revenue was $8.8 billion for the 3rd qtr, which was the first three-month period Compaq owned DEC. Compaq paid $9 billion for DEC, which Compaq acquired in June. Compaq was encouraged by firmer prices for business computers and expects sales to strengthen during the last three months of the year. The company appears to be recovering from an inventory oversupply, which hurt profits during the first half. Compaq's shares closed at $25.50 on Oct 14, up $1.

Computers & Auxiliary Equip, Finance, Compaq Computer Corp., CPQ, Company sales/revenue, Company sales and earnings, Company earnings/profit

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