Personal computers
Article Abstract:
1988 brought general improved performance, better display and storage capability, and more user friendly software for the personal computer. Although networks are available to PC users, most operate their machines as standalone units. IBM brought back the PC AT with a new processor, and came out with the Micro Channel bus architecture in other models. Nine PC makers announced the Extended Industry Standard Architecture, a 32-bit extension of IBM's old PC AT bus with upward compatibility. Speeds of processors continued to improve, and Intel's 80386 was confirmed as the chip of choice. Laptops were released by Compaq, Toshiba America, and NEC, and laptop sales in 1989 were projected to reach 1.1 million as displays and memory capabilities improve. The Macintosh continued to gain popularity as a technical workstation. Few applications for technical users emerged for OS-2. The Next Computer System with its sophisticated technology was unveiled by Steven Jobs, and the network display station, a new class of workstation designed to work with Unix-based host computers on local area networks, was scheduled for introduction early in 1989.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1989
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Personal computers
Article Abstract:
IBMs five new PS-2 entries replace the companies existing models. The model 80, top of the line, is 80386 based and challenges Compaq's Deskpro 386. PS-2 clones will be coming in a few months, roughly a year after the PS-2 announcements. Meanwhile, Compaq has introduced a 20-MHz version of the Deskpro 386. OS-2, the operating system, is still missing. When it comes, Compaq has assured users, it will run any 80286 or 80386 AT compatible machines, and, in fact, Microsoft will license it, as it has MS-DOS. Even after OS-2 arrives, significant applications software may take another year. Meanwhile, in the Apple Computer camp, the Macintosh, with the introduction of the SE and the Mac II, has become a workstation. The MacII is high-end machine roughly comparable to 80386 systems and capable of supporting multi-tasking. Demand has also increased for local area networks.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1988
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Personal computers
Article Abstract:
Scores of IBM PC clones were introduced in 1986, sending prices well below $1,000 and reducing IBM's MS-DOS market share to about 34 percent. Compaq Computer Corp introduced the Deskpro 386, the first MS-DOS 80386-based microcomputer, which has the functionality associated with engineering workstations. Desktop publishing became the year's hot topic, and many new products such as software and laser printers were introduced for this popular application. Most software vendors agreed to remove copy protection from their products by the end of 1986.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1987
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