Do you really need a computer?
Article Abstract:
Shopping for a microcomputer can be confusing. An important question should come first: Do you really need a computer? For those who have a home office or who run a small business, a microcomputer is probably a sensible investment. Even so, it often takes some time and practice before the machine and its software are mastered. Microcomputers still are relatively expensive, and software can sometimes end up costing more than the machine itself. For some household uses, such as keeping files of recipes or balancing a checkbook, a simple calculator might be more practical. Various on-line services can be accessed, but it still is easier to use a reference book or a newspaper or the telephone for most practical purposes. For games, a game machine that attaches to a television is probably better. Microcomputers can be useful for educational purposes, and they will be even better with 'multimedia,' but that technology is not yet mature.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1991
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Some bumps in the road for Intel's fast new chip
Article Abstract:
Consumers who bought Intel 80486-based computers said to be upgradeable to Intel's new Pentium microprocessor are likely to be disappointed. Many of the machines simply cannot handle the cooling requirements of the new chip, and users with systems that can are realizing that the P24T Overdrive upgrade chip cannot offer full Pentium power. The Pentium chip requires 13-to-18 Watts, up to three times that of other processors, and a failure to adequately cool this extra heat can cause system failure. According to Intel, many computer assemblers did not heed the specifications the company sent out, making no provisions for extra cooling. Even those that did must accept that the P24T is not a full upgrade to Pentium, since it uses the 32-bit data pathway of the 486, not the Pentium's 64-bit path. So while the P24T is expected to be faster than 486s, it will not be up to Pentium speed.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1993
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Wise electronic giving
Article Abstract:
Buying computer-related gifts can be a disastrous enterprise unless the gift-giver knows what type of computer the recipient uses, as well as the machine's storage capacity, memory size, video standard and disk size. Once this information is accumulated, the benefactor is able to make wise choices of software or peripherals that will indeed be compatible with the user's computer system. If specific information about the recipient's computer is not available, the gift-giver may rely on computer books, although for this gift choice it is necessary to know the general type of computer in question. Document-holding devices and multi-socket extension cords are other 'neutral' computer gift suggestions.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1990
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