The under-$1,000 PC offers all the basics, but you may need more

Article Abstract:

Most users of Compaq's $799 Presario 2200, HP's $999 Pavilion 3100 and IBM's $999 Aptiva E16 could boost their sub-$1,000 PCs with several hundred dollars' worth of upgrades. Compaq features 16MB of main memory, a 1.6GB hard drive and an 8X CD-ROM player. One of the few available upgrades consists of spending $89 to boost its 33.6kbps modem to one of two faster standards for 56kbps downloading. Unavailable upgrades include internal devices such as Zip drives, and Presario 2200 offers no 'expansion slots' for other accessories. The attractive Pavilion 3100 includes a 166MHz Intel Pentium chip, 16MB of main memory and a 33.6kbps modem that cannot be upgraded. A $299 M40 consists of a 14-inch screen that contains its own microphone. Aptiva E16's big tower design allows many expansion alternatives, including a Zip drive in the front and other products in the back. The PC packages Advanced Micro Devices' 166 MHz processor chip, 16MB of main memory and a new 56kbps modem.

Electronic Computer Manufacturing, Analog Computers, Evaluation, Product/Service Evaluation, Compaq Computer Corp., CPQ, International Business Machines Corp., IBM, X86 processors, Pentium-based system, Pentium based computers, Pentium II-based system, Pentium II based computers, IBM Aptiva E16 (Pentium II-based system), HP Pavilion 3100 (Pentium-based system), Compaq Presario 2200 (Pentium-based system)

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Computer makers are striving to perfect to pocket computer

Article Abstract:

The quest for success in the personal digital assistant (PDA) market continues. More than a dozen PDAs have proven unsuccessful in this attempt during the past three years, but a variety of new devices will reach the market in late 1996. The majority of these products will be based on software being developed by Microsoft. The new PDAs will supposedly correct the problems of earlier devices, including hard-to-read screens, short battery life, software that is difficult to use, and high prices. The new PDAs will easily connect to desktop PCs and synchronize calendars, address books and other data residing on both systems. Some of the PDAs will be based on cellular technology and will integrate E-mail and appointment book capabilities with wireless technology. The size problems are not likely to be solved. PDAs are supposed to fit into a pocket, but such a diminutive device's keyboard is too small to be practical and the tiny screens are hard to read.

Hand-held computers, Handheld computers, Technology development, Column, Personal digital assistants, Personal digital assistant

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Clunky, chunky computers get sleek new physiques

Article Abstract:

Several computer makers including Acer America, Packard Bell and HP have introduced PC product lines that boast sleek, stylish designs. The PC's design has not changed significantly since the first IBM PC was introduced in 1981. Most PC makers closely followed the IBM design because it provided a degree of recognition for their clones. Technical constraints caused by the fragile electronics inside the box have also limited the ability of PC markers to introduce radical new designs. Box designs also must facilitate quick manufacturing processes. Some PC makers are introducing new designs in the hope that the new shapes will make their product's stand out in the bland crowd. Acer America hired Frogdesign Inc to design new shapes for its Aspire series. The Aspire series comes in gray or green, and sport swooping lines and a monitor with built-in speakers.

Planning, Computer industry, Design and construction, Company product planning, Computer design, Packard Bell NEC Inc., Acer America Corp., Frogdesign, Company Business And Marketing

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