Computers: futuristic furniture

Article Abstract:

The $3,500 Compaq Presario 3020 is either an oversized laptop computer or a slim desktop system. The 3020 weighs 28 pounds and includes a handle, making it easy to move around. It features a built-in 12.1-inch flat-panel display and a full-sized keyboard as well as a four-disk CD-ROM changer and large speakers. The system also offers PCI and ISA expansion slots, but no room for adding an extra drive. The LCD screen is brighter than laptop screens because it relies on battery power, but it is no larger than a laptop screen. LCD screens lose brightness when viewed at an angle, making them difficult to read from the side or from above. Performance for the 166MHz system is slower than expected, partially because of the lackluster performance of the hard drive. This problem has been remedied in newer units. The system includes 24MB of RAM, but this is consumed by the Windows shell and telephony software that is automatically loaded when the system is booted.

Compaq Computer Corp., CPQ, Compaq Presario 3020 (Pentium-based system)

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One step forward, two steps back with I.B.M

Article Abstract:

IBM continues to make progress with its innovative Thinkpad notebooks, but the company's new Aptiva S line of desktop PCs is a step in the wrong direction. The pop-up 'media console' provides access to the disk drives, but this approach was abandoned in VCRs long ago because nothing can be placed on top of them. Users who prefer desktop systems to minitowers will not appreciate the Aptiva S. The desktop module lacks room for additional drives and must be opened only by authorized service personnel. The console contains keyboard and mouse ports, but all other peripherals must be connected to the minitower, which results in a lot of tangled cables. The Voice-type voice recognition software is difficult to use. The installation process for the Aptiva S is difficult. The 166MHz version, with a monitor, is priced around $3,000. There are competing systems that are priced hundreds of dollars less and offer better designs than the Aptiva S.

International Business Machines Corp., IBM, IBM Aptiva S (Pentium-based system)

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