Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : Intel Corporation (INTC) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: carl a. mehr who wrote (74363)	2/23/1999 11:31:00 PM
From: puborectalis	Respond to of 186894

Intel hosts "fashion show" for new PC styles PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Feb 23 (Reuters) - Chip maker Intel Corp. (Nasdaq:INTC - news) hosted what it called a ''fashion show'' of new personal computer styles, with new designs ranging from a bunny-like system to a concept PC shaped like the Sydney Opera House. As part of the Intel Developer Forum, where the world's largest chip maker discusses its view of technology's future with 2,000 software and hardware developers, Intel executives demonstrated some new PC designs that will begin to be seen by consumers as early as this Christmas. Instead of super models like Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell sashaying down a catwalk, Intel's disco-dancing Bunny People trotted out some original and odd-looking computer designs to a standing-room crowd of computer geeks, in colors ranging from metallic green to copper and black. The fashion paparazzi were noticeably absent. ''The point is that beige minitowers aren't the only form factor that the PC industry can deliver,'' said Pat Gelsinger, vice president of Intel's desktop products group. ''We think it's going to open up new market opportunities and new areas of differentiation.'' Last September, taking a page from Apple Computer Inc.'s style book, Intel showed some alternative PC styles at its twice-a-year developer conference that were still in the prototype stages, such as the pyramid-like Aztec system. ''I would give them credit to opening people's eyes to the importance of style,'' said Dan Russell, a director of marketing at Intel's platform technologies group. ''Mr. Jobs is very good at that kind of thing.'' Last August, Apple introduced the novel iMac computer in aqua and ice-colored translucent plastic. Russell added, however, that Intel has been working for years on several technologies that are enabling smaller, unique form factors, such as a smaller motherboard and a universal serial bus (USB) input/output technologies. Intel said that some of these designs will soon hit the market. Intel is helping fuel the movement toward new PC designs with another smaller motherboard that lets PC makers design smaller PCs amid space constraints. One company called ZIBA Design, demonstrated PC models in the shape of a fish, a rabbit and a superhero. Another company, called MultiQ, showed a 15.1 inch flat panel monitor with an integrated single board computer, especially designed for places where space is an issue. Stratos, a design firm in Seattle, created what it calls the ''Silicon Bonsai,'' which has organized the components in a standing ''tree'' that fits into the home without using a lot of desk space, with the monitor and the PC mounted on a pole. NEC Corp. of Japan showed what it calls a ''microdesktop,'' code-named the Millennium with a 15.1 inch monitor and a system that measures 10.5 inches by 7.7 inches by two inches. NEC plans to ship this system in the second half for under $2,000. Another system on display by NEC was a nonworking prototype called Ikebana, which means flower in Japanese, and looks like the famous winged roof of the Sydney Opera House. ''You can call it a potpourri for Christmas and an avalanche for 2000,'' said Gelsinger when asked about product availability.