Article Abstract:
HP introduces the Vectra 486 microcomputer, the first microcomputer to use the Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA). HP will eventually build all its workstations and microcomputers around the EISA standard. The EISA standard is in direct competition with IBM's Micro Channel Architecture, which it uses in the PS/2 personal computers. These two standards govern the accessories used in and with the machines. The Vectra 486, $13,999 to $19,999, is also one of the first to contain an Intel Corp 80486 microprocessor. It will come in three base configurations ranging from a 150Mbyte hard disk to a 670Mbyte hard disk. Each comes with 2Mbytes of memory and a floppy disk drive. HP's introduction of the Vectra 486 is seen as an attempt to erase its reputation as a follower and instead position itself as a leader in high-end microcomputers.
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Article Abstract:
HP will introduce the $699 HP 95LX hand-held computer on Apr 23, 1991, hoping that the company will be able to revive its once-thriving programmable calculator business. The HP 95LX is also an answer Japanese competition, which has gained momentum in the handheld computer market with its electronic organizer products. Lotus Development Corp's Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet software is included in the 11-ounce HP 95LX; the software developer proposed that HP develop the 95LX in 1990. The HP 95LX runs on MS-DOS and uses credit-card sized memory cards for memory storage. The handheld computer runs on two AA batteries. Industry officials note that Motorola Inc is developing a communications device for the HP 95LX that will allow it to receive data.
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Article Abstract:
HP introduces the model 705 workstation, which runs about 75 percent faster than Sun Microsystems' Sparcstation ELC but is almost similarly priced at $4,990. The new reduced-instruction-set computer (RISC)-based machine has a gray-scale display, no disk drive and performs at 35 Specmarks. Industry analysts see it as HP's first real threat to Sun's dominance in the workstation market. Sun has a 39 percent share of the market while HP has 16 percent. HP also plans to introduce the Model 710, which will list for less than $10,000, offer a color display and run at about 50 Specmarks. The company's low-cost RISC machines mark its entry into the commercial business market. Previously, its workstations have been targeted for engineers.
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