Apple and Microsoft battle for younger audience

You can tell any story you want if you're careful which stats you choose to publish, and it would seem that both Apple and Microsoft are trying to tell the story of having the youngest users. Despite a survey from MetaFacts claiming, late last year, that almost half of Apple's users were 55 or older, the Cupertino computer maker claimed that only one in five was over 55, a report in Information Week reveals. Which stat is closer to the truth depends on which truth you want to believe, but new results from Hitwise, which monitors web traffic, has turned the tables on Microsoft, by revealing that most visitors to apple. ...more

Samsung frees printers from PCs

Samsung has launched its first range of photo printers that don't need to be hooked up to a computer. The SPP 2040 and 2020 use a dye sublimation printing technique that uses heat to transfer ink to the paper, resulting in prints superior to those produced by inkjets. Connectivity comes courtesy of Bluetooth for wireless, PictBridge for direct connections to imaging devices and a 7-slot memory card reader. ...more

06-04-2002 Essential news of the week

Brought neatly together and presented on a plate, here is a roundup of some of the week's main news stories from the world of IT. AOL puts the case for Windows Hollywood seeks digital standard Mobile lip-service A bus pass to the Internet The P4 just got faster AOL, BTOpenworld raise dial-up prices Sony on a chip Hewlett-Packard board to oust Walter Hewlett Everything is cool in HP's future Don't forget, we welcome your comments. Just click on a story and go for the 'Comments' link on the right-hand side of the screen. ...more

Microsoft preempts leak of SAP merger plans

A merger between Microsoft and SAP, the massive German business process software giant? This rather astonishing development was the subject of exploratory talks between the two companies. Microsoft has revealed today. The talks took place a 'few months ago' according a Microsoft statement on the matter. ...more

Dell eyes emerging markets with new consumer division

Dell is looking to expand its consumer sales in emerging markets with the creation of a new division, dubbed the Dell Global Consumer Group. As the name suggests, its portfolio will include all Dell's consumer-oriented products, from desktop and notebooks to software and peripherals. It is the first major move of Michael Dell since returning to the position of CEO. ...more