NCR arrives first with a powerful pen-based computer; I.B.M. is also planning a machine that will go well beyond the electronic clipboard

Article Abstract:

NCR Corp introduces a pen-based 'notepad' microcomputer, the NCR 3125. A prototype receives good reviews when shown at the PC Expo trade show in New York City during the week of Jun 24, 1991. The 3125 is for workers who walk around on their jobs, recording information on clipboards; they re-enter the information into a computer later on. Industry analysts suggest that NCR has about a six-month lead on IBM, which is working on a similar pen-based computer. IBM expects to introduce its product by the end of 1991, and many people believe that IBM's entry will legitimize the pen-based market. The only other hand-held, stylus-based computer currently on the market is Grid Systems's Gridpad. NCR's device is said to be more powerful. The NCR 3125, which will be available in Aug 1991, weighs about four pounds and should cost about $4,700. It uses an Intel 80386SL microprocessor, a more advanced chip than the Intel 8086 the $2,500 Gridpad uses.

Market Entry, Pen-Based I/O, NCR 3125 (Pen-based computer)

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An old-timer bets on a new line: NCR is introducing advanced computer

Article Abstract:

NCR Corp, the nation's fifth largest computer manufacturer, introduces a new line of computer products. In this, the first of three planned product announcements, NCR will show its 3000 Series computers, spanning seven levels of performance, from one processor to 4,000. Prices are from $2,500 to $10 million, and the line includes products ranging from portables to room-sized 'massively parallel' multiprocessor machines. Analysts say NCR's new products are the most ambitious implementation yet of the concept of open systems, which means that NCR is making maximum use of industry standards. Open systems allows a user to mix and match equipment from various companies. The risk for NCR is that an open systems approach makes it easier to replace the company's products with competing ones. This tends to drive down prices, which is bad for a manufacturer's profit margins.

Parallel processing, Outlook, Company Profile, Manufacturers, Open Systems, AT and T NCR 3000 (Intel-compatible system)

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New computer reads handwriting

Article Abstract:

Tandy Corp's $2,370 Gridpad is a clipboard-sized computer that reads handwriting. Tandy expects that the keyboard-less computer, which was developed by Tandy subsidiary Grid Systems Corp, will open up a new market. The Gridpad will improve the productivity of workers who ordinarily use paper-based information, such as delivery workers, police officers and nurses. An algorithm enables the computer to read printed capital letters, although cursive and lower-case printing cannot be deciphered. The system can also handle graphics such as diagrams.

Product development, RadioShack Corp., TAN, Handwriting, Cursor Control Devices, Grid Systems Corp., Tandy Gridpad (Portable computer)

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