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Strictly Business Computer Expo Highlights Latest Tech Trends and Challenges

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The annual Strictly Business Computer Expo, now open in Minneapolis, showcases cutting-edge technology from leading companies, including Apple, Microsoft, and US West. With thousands of attendees expected, the event highlights the latest developments in the personal computer industry, including Apple's bid to regain market share and Microsoft's potential antitrust challenges. Meanwhile, US West debuts its high-speed Internet access service, MegaBit Services DSL, offering speeds from 256,000 to 7 million bits per second.

Key Takeaways:

  • Apple's market share has risen to 4 percent after two consecutive profitable quarters, with a goal to regain vitality and restore customer confidence.
  • Microsoft's Windows 98 operating system, showcased at the expo, may not be the final version due to potential antitrust challenges and legal battles.
  • US West introduces MegaBit Services DSL, a high-speed Internet access service offering speeds ranging from 256,000 to 7 million bits per second.
  • The sub-$1,000 PC market now makes up about 40 percent of all PC sales, with companies like Gateway 2000, Digital Equipment, and Lino Lakes-based Reason Computer showcasing affordable options.
  • Apple's iMac, priced at $1,299, is a new consumer-oriented computer with a richer feature set, but its price may be too high for the target market.
  • Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser software is tightly combined with Windows 98, featuring a "Web look" that allows for easy navigation between computer and Internet information.
  • The Justice Department's antitrust case against Microsoft may delay the release of Windows 98 or force product changes, potentially affecting consumers' willingness to upgrade.

Statistics:

  • 35,000 attendees are expected at the Strictly Business Computer Expo, matching last year's two-day attendance.
  • 4 percent is Apple's current market share, up from 3 percent last fall.
  • 40 percent of PC sales now come from the sub-$1,000 market.
  • 256,000 to 7 million bits per second are the speeds offered by US West's MegaBit Services DSL.
  • $1,299 is the price of Apple's iMac desktop machine.
  • 233-megahertz is the speed of the PowerPC processor in Apple's iMac.
  • 4 gigabytes is the size of the hard disk drive in Apple's iMac.
  • 20 percent of Twin Cities telephone lines will initially have access to US West's MegaBit Services DSL.

Sources:

  • "Strictly Business Computer Expo" (The Star Tribune)
  • Apple's Mandich on comeback trail (The Star Tribune)
  • US West's MegaBit Services DSL (The Star Tribune)
  • Windows 98 operating system (The Star Tribune)
  • Microsoft's antitrust challenges (The Star Tribune)
  • CNET NEWS.COM (The Star Tribune)

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