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The quest for the longer-lasting battery for portables

Article Abstract:

New developments in the computer industry are addressing the needs of portable computer users who need longer-lasting batteries for cross-country airplane flights and all-day business meetings. Most batteries last between two and five hours before burning out. Users would like to see batteries last eight hours or more. Some analysts believe that color portables will be able to run for eight continuous hours by 1993. One of the major trends that will make this possible is the use of computer chips that run on 3.3 volts of electricity. Advanced Micro Devices has introduced chips that run on the lower voltage. In order for a battery to live longer, the liquid crystal displays and a variety of chips such as the microprocessor must run on the 3.3 volts. Conner Peripherals and Intel Corp have agreed to work on developing solid-state disks, while Sundisk recently announced a similar product. Better software could boost battery performance by 25 percent. Nickel hydride and air-zinc batteries are possible alternatives to the traditional nickel cadmium battery.

Semiconductors and related devices, Computer peripheral equipment, not elsewhere classified, Computer storage devices, Storage batteries, Product development, Product information, Intel Corp., INTC, Equipment and supplies, Computer peripherals industry, Advanced Micro Devices Inc., Laptop computers, Portable computers, Batteries, Electric potential, End users, Power supplies (Computers), Laptop/Portable Computer, User Need, Computer Battery, Computer batteries, Power Supply, Voltage, Conner Peripherals Inc., Sundisk Corp., CNR

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Japanese computer giants see the danger of following I.B.M.; Fujitsu and Hitachi ponder life beyond the mainframe

Article Abstract:

Fujitsu Ltd and Hitachi Ltd, together with Amdahl Corp in this country, which is a Fujitsu affiliate, are major competitors to IBM in mainframe computers. They make products that are sometimes better than those of IBM, and they take market share, which adds to IBM's already formidable problems. The danger is that by competing so directly with IBM, Fujitsu and Hitachi could encounter the same difficulties that have engulfed IBM. The industry is experiencing a shift away from mainframe computers and toward smaller machines and open software. Being forewarned, both Fujitsu and Hitachi are moving toward smaller computers and toward Unix as an operating system, but some industry observers say the companies are moving slowly and are too complacent. Andrew R Heller, who heads Hal Computer Systems, which is 44 percent owned by Fujitsu, says Fujitsu's executives are not complacent. They know what is going to happen, says Heller, but they need to decide how to react to it.

Electronic computers, Analysis, Management, Computer industry, Japan, Hitachi Ltd., Mainframe computers, Fujitsu Ltd., Management Style, Industry Analysis, Strategic Planning, Mainframe Computer, Competition, Marketing Strategy

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