Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
The battle for the processor market started to heat up when Intel released the 80188,
which was an integrated version of the 8086. They also allowed IBM the legal rights to use
microlithography masks to make x86 processor chips. Intel, having survived the new 32-bit
processors, from Zilog and National Semiconductor, faced their biggest threat from NEC and
Motorola. NEC was the first to clone the 8088, with the 8 MHz V20 microprocessor and a
clone of the 8086 processor, with the 8 MHz V30 microprocessor. Another threat came from
Motorola who added the 68010 and 68020 32-bit processors to their range. Many non-PC-
based developers adopted the Motorola processor in favour of the 8086, as it was typically
easier to develop hardware for it, and much easier to write software (as the 8086 had a horri-
ble segmented memory architecture). For most, it was the only way for a computer manufac-
turer to differentiate themselves from the clone market. Some, such as Radio Shack, fol-
lowed the IBM PC market with the Tandy 1000/1200 HD, but there was little to differentiate
their clone from any other clone.
New entries for the year included Silicon Graphics, who would go on to produce excel-
lent workstations, which had state-of-the-art graphics power. In 1984, they produced the first
3D graphics workstation. They were also involved, in the 1990s, in the development of the
graphics for Jurassic Park .
It was to be the year of Compaq Computer and Apple Computers. Compaq introduced the
Compaq Deskpro. Apple Computer created the ultimate entry for their Macintosh computer,
by running their 1984 advert once, during the NFL SuperBowl. The advert had cost $1.5
million, but soon became one of the most talked about adverts, ever. The Macintosh was as
brilliant a computer as anyone could have conceived. It was designed by creative people, and
not just by technocrats. It was a fully integrated unit, which could be easily ported from place
to place. The Mac used the 8 MHz 32-bit Motorola 68000 processor, along with a 9-inch
B/W screen, 512ยท342 graphics, 400 KB 3.5-inch floppy disk drive, mouse, and 128 KB
RAM. It cost $2500. Microsoft knew that they could not just rely on the IBM PC market, so
they worked closely with Apple and released Microsoft BASIC (MacBASIC) and Microsoft
Multiplan for the Macintosh. After just 74 days of its introduction, over 50000 Macs had
been sold, and after 100 days they had sold 70000 units. After six months, it was 100 000
units, and within the year, 250 000 units. This, to Apple, was a great disappointment as they
estimated that they would sell over 2 million units by the end of 1985. The main problem is
that it lacked resources, especially memory. Apple Computer overcame this by releasing the
Macintosh 512K for $3200.
The Macintosh had everything going for it. It was a totally integrated system, where the
IBM PC felt like a basic system, which required lots of extra bits and pieces to make it work
properly. A great confusion at the time was the number of application packages which were
entering the market. Apple eased this problem with the release of AppleWorks, which inte-
grated a word processor, database management program, and a spreadsheet.
Apple also continued developing the Lisa computer with Lisa 2, and also with the Apple
II, with the Apple IIc computer (the Apple III computer had not sold well, and production of
it soon stopped). The Apple IIc computer cost $1300 and was based on the 6502A processor,
had 128 KB RAM and a 3.5-inch floppy disk drive. On the first day of its release, Apple re-
ceived 52 000 orders. By the end of the year, over 2 million Apple II computers had been
sold. The Lisa 2 computer came with 512 KB RAM, and a 10 MB hard disk. Apple was also
innovating in the printer market, with the colour Apple Scribe printer and the LaserWriter.
At the same time, Hewlett-Packard introduced the LaserJet laser printer, for $3600, with
300 dpi resolution.
As Apple had done, Commodore would release, in the following year, a computer based
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