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Computer industry

Computer Makers Unveil Innovative Products at COMDEX/Windows World Trade Show

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

At the COMDEX/Windows World trade computer show in Atlanta, major computer makers unveiled a range of innovative products that aim to increase performance and efficiency. Apple Computer, Inc. introduced its PowerBook 500 series of portable computers, featuring a 9.5-inch active color matrix screen and an integral solid state Apple trackpad. AT&T Global Information Solutions launched its Globalyst line of personal computers designed for business users, while WordPerfect Corp. announced its updated Symmetry 4.1 office connectivity software. IBM Corp. introduced a new beta version of its OS/2 operating system, targeting entry-level PC users and those with portable computers. Meanwhile, Hewlett-Packard Co. showcased several new printers designed to speed up printing and improve quality.

Key Takeaways:

  • Apple's PowerBook 500 series of portable computers provides twice the performance of their previous portables, with a 9.5-inch active color matrix screen and an integral solid state Apple trackpad.
  • AT&T Global's Globalyst line of personal computers for business users features five desktop models that are communications ready and equipped with the network card of the user's choice.
  • WordPerfect's Symmetry 4.1 office connectivity software combines electronic mail, calendar, schedule, task management, message management, and workflow routing, and will be released simultaneously on 12 platforms.
  • IBM's new beta version of OS/2 operating system, "Warp," reduces the random access memory needed for 4 MB and enhances user interface with animated and 3-D graphics.
  • Hewlett-Packard's new printers, the LaserJet 4 Plus and LaserJet 4M Plus, produce 12 printed pages per minute and have high print quality with 600 dots per inch resolution.
  • IBM has already shipped over 5 million copies of OS/2 2.1 before the introduction of the upgrade.
  • The OS/2 upgrade is expected to be shipped by late summer.

Statistics:

  • 19.8 percent of all e-mail boxes were on the predecessor WordPerfect Office product by the end of 1993.
  • 70 percent of the personal computer market does data communications, including electronic mail, modem, and fax.
  • The LaserJet 4 Plus and LaserJet 4M Plus printers produce 12 printed pages per minute.
  • The HP DeskJet 560C and HP DeskWriter 560C color printers print three to seven color pages per minute.
  • 5 million copies of OS/2 2.1 have been shipped by IBM before the introduction of the upgrade.

Sources:

  • Apple Computer, Inc. product manager Julie Herendeen
  • AT&T Global spokeswoman Joanne Walter
  • WordPerfect President Ad Rietveld
  • IBM Corp. spokesman Keith Lindenburg
  • Hewlett-Packard Co. (no specific source mentioned)

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