The race to market a 486 machine

Article Abstract:

The marketing race to get 80486-based microcomputers to consumers is underway, with IBM's Power Player replacement board for 80386-based microcomputers and HP's Vectra 486 micro. At least 12 computer companies are expected to unveil 486-based micros at the annual Comdex show. The Power Player is being criticized as a marketing gambit to make IBM appear at the forefront of 486 technology. Some analysts claim placing a 486 chip in a 386 machine will not allow users to reap the advantages of the 486, such as more powerful application development and better network management. IBM claims the replacement board will boost speed dramatically for 386 users. HP's Vectra is the first Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) based 486 micro, but it is not expected to be released until spring 1990.

Usage, Product development, Hewlett-Packard Co., HWP, Printed circuits, Printed circuit boards, column, Computer Industry, Boards/Cards, HP Vectra 486 (486-based system), Intel 80486 (Microprocessor), IBM Power Platform (Circuit board)

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Invasion of the suburbs

Article Abstract:

The IBM PS/1 microcomputer is being marketed to suburban households and comes in four models that range in price from $999 for a monochrome system to $1,999 for a color machine equipped with a hard-disk drive. The IBM PS/1 will be sold in common retail outlets, including Sears, Roebuck & Company. The microcomputer is available in Jul 1990 in three marketing regions, including Minneapolis-St.Paul, Chicago and Dallas-Fort Worth, and is expected to become widely available by Sep 1990. The new machine is relatively compact, can be assembled and put into operation in a matter of minutes and comes with a mouse and an impressive array of built-in software including Microsoft Works, a software package that integrates a word processor, a spreadsheet and a data base manager.

Product Introduction, product announcement, IBM PS/1 (Intel-compatible system)

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Brand names are fighting back against the clones

Article Abstract:

Several major computer companies are finally winning back the market share that clone manufacturers had stolen during the late 1980s and early 1990s. IBM and Apple are following DEC and Compaq by introducing new products, offering lower-priced models and emphasizing service and support. IBM decentralized its operations and introduced a new line of low-cost PS/1 microcomputers. Apple introduced the low-cost Performa line aimed at the same customers who might purchase the IBM PS/1 line. The new IBM models are expandable and upgradable. The company will market the computers to different niche groups. Several software packages will be bundled with the machines.

Prepackaged software, Column, AAPL, Market share, Apple Inc., Market Analysis, Competition

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