How useful are product reviews?

Article Abstract:

Computer product reviews are a staple of more than a dozen weekly and monthly periodicals aimed at executives who buy computers for their companies. However handy reviews may be, the comparative ratings these magazines offer should be used only as guidelines. Several factors can combine to skew test results. Each periodical has a different idea of what the average consumer will consider good or bad. Performance evaluation is usually not weighed against an individual user's other considerations, such as budget. Testing procedures are not consistent from one periodical to another, and they may not have much to do wit real life applications. The product that rates best is usually just the safest buy for an average consumer. A rapidly changing marketplace can cause reviews to date almost overnight. Computer trade magazines do not buy the products they test. Instead, they borrow them from advertisers.

Usage, Software, Testing, Periodicals, Products, Tests, Consumer education, column, Equipment Acquisition, Executive, Hardware Selection, Software Selection, Product selection, Criteria, Magazines, Ratings

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No pie in the sky: I.B.M.'s new 'green' machine

Article Abstract:

The IBM Personal Computer Co is about to introduce a 'green' personal computer, a machine that will reduce energy use to less than 60 watts. 'Green' machines and peripherals, such as monitors and printers, are expected to be introduced in Jun 1993 as part of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Energy Star program. The program is intended to encourage the computer industry to come up with environmentally sound products. IBM's 'green' PC will use about $15 worth of electricity annually, as compared to traditional microcomputers that cost users from $125 to $150 in electricity each year. 'Green' machines are also expected to be cooler and quieter. IBM said that its 'green' PC, which is based on an Intel 80486 microprocessor, will not cost more than conventional machines. However, the cost of the active-matrix color display and the PCMCIA cards could drive the price up.

Product introduction, Column, Environmental aspects, Environmental protection, Energy, IBM Personal Computer Co.

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Not just blue sky: I.B.M. and Apple have a product

Article Abstract:

IBM and Apple have already developed a soon-to-be-delivered product as a result of their new alliance, belaying industry fears that it would take years for the IBM-Apple pact to product tangible results. The product is an adaptor board that will enable Apple Macintosh microcomputers to connect to IBM token-ring networks that use SNA, IBM's System Network Architecture. In contrast to earlier announcements regarding the alliance, representatives of both Apple and IBM stress that the new product and future products will not lessen competition between the two companies. The alliance is expected to produce microprocessors based on a common chip and an operating system built on a common standard.

Communications Equipment, Computer peripheral equipment, not elsewhere classified, Product development, Equipment and supplies, International Business Machines Corp., IBM, Contracts, AAPL, Product enhancement, Business planning, Local area networks, LAN, Apple Inc., Token ring networks, Strategic Planning, Competition, Computer Industry, SNA, SNA (Systems network architecture), Apple Macintosh (680X0-based system), Token Ring Network, Systems Network Architecture

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