MMX has much to offer, but less than hype suggests

Article Abstract:

Intel's Multimedia Extensions (MMX) technology is the latest greatest innovation in the computer industry, but a new fully automated Internet access feature on HP's Pavilion 7370V provides more immediate gains. The Pavilion keyboard now includes an Internet button, which automatically launches a browser and opens dial-up access. HP is offering a special promotional offer of six free months of access to an introductory Web site for Pavilion owners. For novice users, this new feature can help ease the process of learning to use the Internet. MMX, an addition to Intel's near-industry standard Pentium processor, enhances the computer's graphics and video capabilities, and doubles the on-chip cache. Intel and PC makers are claiming that MMX drastically speeds up graphics-intensive applications, but there are few applications on the market yet which take full advantage of the new MMX capabilities.

Analog & Hybrid Computers, Software, Product description/specification, Internet, Internet access, Pentium-based system, Pentium based computers, HP Pavilion 7370V (Pentium-based system)

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PCs last year took two steps forward and a big stride back

Article Abstract:

The PC became significantly easier to use in 1995 with the introduction of Microsoft's Windows 95, but larger and more complex software applications conspired to make PC-based computing more difficult. The PC's design has made great strides in ease-of-use since its introduction. Windows 95 continues this tradition by moving many of the best features of the Macintosh to the PC platform. Windows 95 will finally kill the archaic DOS system. Windows 95's Plug and Play features are a tremendous ease-of-use improvement. Plug and Play allows Windows 95 to automatically recognize and configure add-on hardware components such as CD-ROM drives or printers. Computing become more difficult with explosion of interest in the Internet, which is a non-user-friendly environment. Also, the huge size and complexity of new software products has significantly increased the number of bugs.

Computers & Auxiliary Equip, Technology overview, User need, End users, Computer design, Technology Information

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Calling in the 'experts,' new Xbox gets raves for control, creativity

Article Abstract:

When tested by the author's 19- and 23-year-old sons, Microsoft's Xbox outshone Nintendo's GameCube and every other rival. Both testers praised the Xbox's graphics, animation, sound, controls and memory storage, as well as the Xbox's strong string of introductory games, especially Halo. Controllers are heavier and buttons more numerous on the Xbox than on other machines, but most gamers will quickly grow accustomed to them. Heartily recommended, even at the $300 price.

Personal & Home Computers, Evaluation, Product/Service Evaluation, Computer games, Video game industry, Video games industry, Computer-based entertainment system, Computer entertainment systems, Microsoft Xbox (Computer-based entertainment system)

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