In choosing a computer, speed is not always of the essence
Article Abstract:
Shortcomings in Compaq's Presario 4850 prove that computer speed, capacity and feature quality do not necessarily correspond to price. Among the Presario 4850's features are a DVD-ROM drive, 300MHz Pentium processor, 6.5GB hard drive, 56K modem and 48MB of RAM. DVD-ROM potential has slipped since around late 1996 as first-generation DVD-ROM players, unlike subsequent DVD-II players, cannot play the recordable CD-R format. Shoppers should avoid DVD for now, because DVD-II players fail to read either of two incompatible industry standards for rewriteable disks. A lack of features and other technical problems prevent Compaq's DVD movie software from playing DVD moves at an acceptable standard. More viable alternatives include Zip drives and other backup devices, desired software, monitors, sound cards and speakers. Presario costs approximately $2,500, plus about $700 for a 1725S 17-inch monitor that has technical flaws.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1997
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Forget the better mousetraps! Build us a better Web phone
Article Abstract:
Cidco's $500 Iphone, the first telephone with a built-in Web browser, is an expensive product that contains some serious problems. Among the IPhone's features are a backlighted monochrome screen, built-in E-mail and Web-browsing software, a small pull-out keyboard and numerous specialized telephone functions. One drawback is an oversensitive 7 1/4-inch monochrome touchscreen that requires deploying a beep tone to inform users when they touch something. Navigation through the browser's black text and images on a bluish background can prove to be a challenge. IPhone's underpowered 14.4KB modem forces users to pay a monthly fee for the company service provider, Concentric Network. E-mail, which is difficult to install, prevents different family members to set up mailboxes. Other Iphone inconveniences include the handling of one phone only and the inability to read the ID of a waiting call on a call-waiting system.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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For bargain basement buying, time may be right
Article Abstract:
Sub-$1,000 desktop computers will continue to reach the market, but shoppers should be aware of some potential snags. There are slight differences in microprocessors' raw performance given the same rated speed. Neither Intel, AMD nor Cyrix offers a significant product advantage. Omission of the so-called Level II cache can result in a significant loss of speed. Most hard drives hold less information and handle it more slowly, but they still can work with two million bytes. Owners eventually can add a larger and less expensive machine than the original. Fancier machines barely outperform their low-end counterparts in RAM, and low-end computer shoppers should find units that allow them to use the existing RAM when wanting to add more. Video, noise and expandability also are discussed.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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