Your 1,000 computer may not be so grand
Article Abstract:
The $999 Packard Bell C115A and the $899 7245 from start-up Monorail do not live up to the promise of power without the premium price. The C115A includes a monitor, but the 14 in model offers poor image quality, with .39 dot-pitch, a maximum refresh rate of 60 hertz, and 800 x 600 resolution. The computer is based on a 120 MHz Pentium processor with 16MB of RAM, an 8X CD-ROM, and two Universal Serial Bus ports. However, the system lacks Level 2 cache fast memory, and the software to make the serial ports operable. The 1.2GB hard drive includes an array of software, featuring Microsoft Works and Money, as well as Corel Wordperfect Suite 7, but leaves little disk space free. The keyboard included with the tested model was completely malfunctional. Packard Bell's weak reputation for quality and service will not be improved by this model. Monorail's 7245 features a built-in 10.4 in LCD screen with poor quality, and a slow 75MHz Pentium clone without Level 2 cache. The warranty is voided by opening the box, and service is poor.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1997
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Ready for prime time?
Article Abstract:
Gateway 2000's $3,500 Destination combines a TV with a Pentium-based computer, but both pieces of the system offer performance significantly worse than their standalone counterparts. Destination comes with a 31-inch monitor, a remote control and a wireless keyboard. Since the monitor has no TV circuitry, the PC must process incoming signals, and it produces a picture that is less clear and bright than a standard TV. The Windows 95 software that controls the TV is difficult to use and prone to crashing. It employs black-on-black control icons that are almost impossible to read, especially since the screen lacks an anti-reflective coating. For TV viewing, the system displays at an acceptable 640-by-480-pixel resolution with a 72MHz refresh rate. The remote control and keyboard communicate with the system using radio frequency, but they have difficulty sustaining the connection at distances greater than ten feet. When a connection is lost, the PC tends to repeat the last key pressed.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1996
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Speed counts, but the price tag may matter more
Article Abstract:
Micron Electronics' $2,850 Millenia 400 DVD is a speedy and powerful top-of-the-line PC. It includes a 400MHz Pentium II, 64MB of memory, and 6.4GB hard drive in addition to a powered subwoofer, joystick, serial ports and a 17-inch monitor. The Micron applies more of its raw processing power to relevant work through a new 100MHz system that allows the processor to link to RAM faster than its recent predecessors' 66MHz buses. A boost in the processing speed from 233MHz to 400MHz shows an approximately 33% improvement, rather than an expected 70% improvement, because of bottlenecks beyond its control. Excel and Word applications open almost instantly, and a voice dictation program operates more smoothly, thanks to the processor's speed. Drawbacks include waiting around 40 seconds to boot to the Windows desktop from a standing start, as well as the Diamond DVD player and decoder board that costs $150 more than standard CD-ROM players.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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