Jiggy -
I forgot to answer your second question. The Pentium with MMX enhancements, I believe, has been out in prototype form for several months. My guess (and it is just a guess) is that Intel has sampled this chip to strategic software developers (ISVs as they are known) so that they can commence writing/re-writing their multimedia software for this chip.
Intel has developed a knack for orchestrating chip announcements with full blown system availability from their key computer manufacturer customers (Dell, Compaq, Gateway, IBM, etc.). My speculatiuon is that they will make a full PR announcement of the chip in the later part of this year, perhaps right before the Christmas shopping season. This should consist of the chip announcement (Pentium with MMX instructions) a new and catchy nomenclature for the chip such as Pentium MMX (just a wild guess on my part!!), a superfast speed grade of at least 200 MHz (and possibly greater - Intel plays it close to the vest and I'll bet they will sample Pentium MMX chips made on a prototype 0.25 micron process with >200 MHz speed), full system availability from a host of system providers, motherboard availabilty (from guess who??) with support circuitry for the Pentium MMX on board (such as Audio codecs/Video codecs with analog-digital capability and bit squirters to help the MMX do modem features.
Imagine a full blown modem with FAX/DATA/VoiceMail/Microsoft TAPI compliance, etc. on the motherboard with just a few extra chips from the likes of Crystal Semiconductor or Analog Devices.
And last but not least, some software developers will demo fully functional and available GAMES (I don't condone nor do I use my computer for games, but I may be in the minority) such as Mortal Kombat IV running under Windows 95 with real time blood and guts blasting over the screen. I'll bet some game with a jet fighter in it will also be showcased - Microsoft used to peddle some such game before Windows came along and it was tooooooooo sloooooooooow.
Bottom line - A new juicy, juiced up toy to collect those end-of-the-year-bonus-dollars handed out by America's Corporate Managers to all worker bees.(This will of course precede the 1997 downsizing notices that will be sent out New Years' Eve).
So, this should help provide a boost, albeit a minor one, to the Christmas Computer shopping , which was sorely lacking in late 1995, despite Windows 95. Intel and its customers will benefit marginally.
However, this should be the beginning, or launch pad, for an upgrade cycle. The new features, plus enhanced speed will tantalize many of us would-be-power-users to discard our 90/100 MHz Pentium dinosaurs and donate these to the "Bosnia Relief Fund" or "Internet-for-the-homeless" charities for our end-of-year-tax-write-off.
Another thought. Since MMX instructions are performed internally, my guess is that the Pentium MMX will be pin compatible with existing Pentiums with greater than 75MHz speed (i.e., the P55C Pentium, not the original P54 power burner). If that is so, Intel will provide these chips as OVERDRIVE chips, so many of us dare devils can open up our computers (literally) on Christmas day and attempt to install these new gadgets without smoking anything of value inside the denizens of our computer cases. So, the add-on aftermarket may also provide Intel with some extra sales without requiring the full obsolete/replace cycle.
That is how I expect the scene will be played out in the short term. I n the longer term, lower system prices with added functionality will keep the Intel dynamo rolling along (and over the likes of Apple and AMD).
The computer will become Communication Central, encompassing phone, fax and some form of video (games and kludgy Internet video, but still video).
Paul Engel |
