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Designing the Thinking Machine

Article Abstract:

The Thinking Machines Connection Machine 5 supercomputer has remarkably advanced power, with its ability to perform teraflops. However, the design of its appearance further strengthens its reputation. Its makers, Thinking Machines Corp, hired prominent architect/sculptor Maya Lin to give its look a balance of power and elegance that does not intimidate its human workers. This attitude is apparent throughout the company, which now leads the parallel supercomputing industry. However, some peers have criticized the Connection Machine 5, an act CEO Sheryl Handler attributes to jealousy.

Management, Planning, Usage, Practice, Supercomputers, Thinking Machines Corp., Lin, Maya Ying, Handler, Sheryl, Thinking Machines Connection Machine 5 (Mainframe computer)

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In search of the Newton generation

Article Abstract:

Apple CEO John Sculley announced his company's development of personal digital assistants which the company named Newton. The Newton can be used as an electronic organizer for notes, appointments, and transmitting data. The company believes that the new product will integrate the functions of computers, consumer electronics, telecommunications, media and publishing into a single potential market. Its notepad-and-pen design, intended to provide a user-centered and user-friendly interphase, was largely influenced by CAM-CAD technology.

Hand-held computers, Handheld computers, Apple Newton MessagePad (Personal digital assistant)

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Macintosh 140 and 170 Powerbooks

Article Abstract:

The Macintosh 140 and 170 Powerbooks of Apple Computer Inc won a gold award in the consumer products category of the 1992 I.D. Annual Design Review. The designers of the Powerbook produced a design that could compete with IBM-compatible laptops without compromising the famed Macintosh user interface. The overall dimensions were reduced to a 'notebook' size, which is smaller than laptops. This was done by pushing the keyboard closer to the screen and incorporating trackball in the center beneath the keyboard.

Achievements and awards, Apple Macintosh PowerBook 140 (Notebook computer), Apple Macintosh PowerBook 170 (680X0-based notebook)

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