Article Abstract:
Apple's Mac G3/300 is a fast, powerful microcomputer, but it lacks sufficient expansion capabilities to satisfy power graphics and video users. A configuration costing $4,899 was tested, with 128MB of system memory and two 4GB Ultra Wide SCSI drives. In the tests, involving multimedia applications, the Mac G3/300 did well. It kept up with s Pentium II/400-based HP Kayak NT workstation running Photoshop and Strata Studio Pro, but it fell behind in Premiere 5.0 and MPEG Power Professional tests. Apple suggests using an expansion chassis to get more than three slots. For example, ProMax Technologies' $995 PCI expansion chassis provides seven slots and four additional drive bays. ProMax is currently working with Apple to improve its product's compatibility. Second Wave makes a similar chassis.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
Power Computing's $4,495 PowerTower Pro 250 is the fastest of seven Power Mac clones evaluated. A 1MB Level 2 cache powers the PowerTower Pro 250's top-notch video capabilities. The computer comes with a 250MHz PowerPC 604e CPU, 32MB of RAM, 2GB hard disk, 16-speed CD drive, 10BaseT network card and 8MB of graphics RAM. Nine drive bays and eight memory slots provide plenty of expandability. The Power Computing $3,695 PowerTower Pro 250, which is similarly configured except for a 225MHz 604e processor, is the best value of the group. A mail order house, Power Computing will configure a system with special software and hardware bundles for DTP, multimedia and video. DayStar Digital's Genesis MP 800 is fine for certain multiprocessing applications, but costs a hefty $11,135.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
IBM's IntelliStation M Pro stands out as a top performer in a comparison of seven NT workstations built around 400MHz Pentium II processors with 100MHz bus architectures and dual-card 3D graphics engines, but at $11,800, IntelliStation M Pro's price is out of reach for smaller shops. The Intergraph TDZ 2000 GL2, priced at $5,995, is not only affordable, but is an outstanding performer in most categories. Intergraph's $3,596 high-resolution, 24-inch-wide monitor is also recommended. HP's Kayak XW is fast and well-designed, but it costs $13,184. Core Micro's PhEnix Duo and Polywell's Poly 8400B52, priced at $4,995 and $5,335, respectively, are relatively inexpensive, but they need better 3D boards.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: