Dissin' the network computer

Article Abstract:

Oracle Corp continues to develop its Network Computer (NC), an inexpensive Internet terminal touted to be the third wave of computing. Oracle's NC will be priced around $500 and will include an Advanced RISC Machines ARM processor, a keyboard, mouse, and 4MB to 8MB of RAM. The NC will not include local disk storage and users will have to connect the unit to their TV or purchase a separate monitor. Oracle's NC is designed to make the Internet accessible to everyone and eliminate the high prices, complexity and upgrade issues of PCs. Oracle's NC is an open, cost-effective, standards-based Internet platform. The NC will allow users to surf the Net, play video games and send e-mail without dealing with applications and data storage. Drawbacks include limited functionality, dependence on service providers and the absence of multimedia features. Several other vendors are also planning to offer Internet terminals, including Compaq, Apple, Sony, Philips and IBM.

Network computer, Network computers, Oracle Corp., ORCL, Oracle Network Computer (Network computer)

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Macintosh: world's fastest microcomputer?

Article Abstract:

Exponential Technology is targeting Macintosh's high-end video, graphics, multimedia and scientific markets with the development of its X704 533MHz microprocessor. The X704 uses 85W by combining a floating-point unit and a bipolar core with CMOS cache and memory buffers. The increased power consumption of the X704 over typical processors requires a cooling fan and a heat sink which high-end Macintosh's can usually accommodate. The X704 features a 32KB on-chip L2 cache, a superscalar architecture and an 83MHz system bus. Three versions of the X704 to be initially released include the 466MHz chip, the 500MHz chip and the 533MHz chip. Primary X704 systems that include dual-processor machines are expected to be priced between $5,000 and $10,000 and are due to be shipped by the summer of 1997.

Semiconductors and related devices, Microprocessor, CPUs (Central processing units), Exponential Technology Inc., Exponential Technology X704 (Microprocessor)

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Good things in small packages

Article Abstract:

Texas Instruments' $299 Avigo offers users a compact and useful personal digital assistant that will challenge 3Com's PalmPilot offering. Avigo can exchange data with Lotus Organizer via the PC's serial port, and its backlit screen operates in either portrait or landscape mode. Although the system's clean interface and comprehensive feature set make it an attractive option, Avigo designers will need to work very hard to obtain part of the PalmPilot's large installed base and developer support. Sharp's Mobilon offering enters the Windows CE market. It ships in both grayscale and color versions, and offers a built-in 33.6-Kbps modem and a digital camera attachment option. Mobilon prices range from $599 to $999.

Evaluation, Product/Service Evaluation, Product information, Column, Texas Instruments Inc., TXN, Personal digital assistants, Hardware multiproduct review, Personal digital assistant, Sharp Corp. (Osaka, Japan), Texas Instruments Avigo (Personal digital assistant), Sharp Mobilon (Personal digital assistant)

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