Internet veteran will introduce new brainchild

Article Abstract:

Internet entrepreneur Nick Grouf hopes to make a success of his new company, PeoplePC Inc. The former Microsoft Corp. employee, who sold his Firefly Network Inc. to Microsoft for at least $30 million last year, plans to offer free personal computers to customers who pay a $25-a-month 'membership' fee that includes online service. But unlike other new companies offering free PCs, PeoplePC will not clutter its customers' computer screens with advertising for other products and services. Instead, the firm plans to offer bargains and discounts from other Internet merchants linked up with PeoplePC. The backers of PeoplePC include Softbank Corp., the Japanese giant that financed other Internet successes Yahoo! Inc. and E*Trade Group Inc. Softbank brought in Ingram Micro Inc., the world's largest PC distributor, to provide the computers.

Strategy & planning, On-Line Information Services, Videotex & Teletext, Telegraph & other communications, Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Wholesalers, Computers, peripherals & software, Computers Wholesale, Planning, Internet service providers, Marketing, Online services, Internet services, Contracts, Wholesale industry, Wholesale trade, Internet service provider, Ingram Micro Inc., IM, Company marketing practices, Computer wholesalers, Company business planning, PeoplePC Inc., Grouf, Nick

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Quantum computers aren't just theoretical

Article Abstract:

Although 'quantum computing' is still limited to advanced laboratories, Isaac Chuang's IBM research term successfully used a quantum system last week to solve an 'order finding' problem in math, or, how long it takes a mathematical function to cycle back to its beginning point. Chuang's team has built a quantum computer using the atomic nuclei of organic molecules as 'quibits.' Los Alamos National Lab has built a quantum computer made of seven quibits. Researchers are looking for ways to make quibits using superconducting materials, 'growing' quantum dots as bumps on silicon wafers, and trapping electrons using acoustic waves, among other appraoches. The Los Alamos team now hopes to make quibits out of solids rather than fluids, making the devices easier to control.

Computer and Office Equipment, Office & Computing Machines, Usage, Office equipment, Office equipment and supplies industry, Office equipment industry, International Business Machines Corp., IBM, Research and development, Industrial research, Molecular computing, Quantum theory, Quantum mechanics, United States. Department of Energy. Los Alamos National Laboratory

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Scientists build molecular logic circuits

Article Abstract:

Transistors have been built by teams of scientists at three different research facilities using molecular-level technologies in the expanding field of nanoelectronics. Further research will discover even cheaper ways of manufacturing the smallest electronic devices ever. Harvard University researchers crossed two semi-conducting nanowires to form their transistor. Scientists at Bell Laboratories created a one-molecule-thick transistor by attaching electrical contacts to thin organic-chemical film on a silicon surface. The team at Delft University in the Netherlands built their transistor from carbon nanotubes.

Netherlands, Science & research, Research and Testing Services, Communications Equipment, Telecommunications Equipment, Communications Equipment Manufacturing, Research & Development-Universities, Innovations, Technology development, Telecommunications equipment industry, Telecommunications systems, Lucent Technologies Inc., LU, Nanotechnology, Harvard University, Molecular electronics, University research, Delft University of Technology

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