Comment: Is Apple in a muddle over the iMac?

Apple has upgraded the entry-level 'Fast' iMac with more powerful graphics and a faster processor, but it leaves the model sitting outside Apple's current marketing strategy. Previously the specification of the entry-level model matched that of the old mid-range model, sharing the Rage 128 Pro graphics card and the same 500MHz processor. The upgraded model has a 128 Ultra graphics card and a souped-up 500MHz processor with 256K of level 2 cache at 500MHz. ...more

IBM helps with eco-engine

The fight for the environment now has taken a technological slant, as it has been announced that IBM is to build a computer to help the US government develop an ecologically friendly car engine. The IBM built supercomputer will be resident at the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Centre in California and will be able to pull off an astounding 3.8 trillion calculations per second. ...more

Microsoft names and prices 'Office 12'

It is no surprise that Microsoft has dropped the 'Office 12' codename and confirmed the next version of its productivity suite as Office 2007, but US pricing details have also been released. While Microsoft Office Basic 2007 will only be available as a bundle through OEMs, the Home and Student version is listed at $149, the Standard version $399 ($239 for an upgrade), the Small Business version $449 ($279), and the Professional version $499 ($329). The Professional Plus and Enterprise versions will only be available through volume licensing, states Microsoft, and so a price is not quoted. ...more

Nokia turns down the heat on next-generation phones

After Nokia announcing better-than-expected results of ?1.1bn for Q4, analysts have warned of a levelling off in revenue growth for the mobile behemoth. And Nokia has dealt another blow by delaying the release of its 3G handsets. ...more

Acer unveils new US-designed notebooks, Grantsdale desktop

Acer is to launch restyled notebooks and business desktops with centralised asset management software. The new notebooks are the result of a year and a half's work by a US design outfit hired by Acer and use a 'folio' design to slim down the appearance, while also offering a carry grip and latchless closing and locking using magnets. They also incorporate Acer's 'e' key that brings up a console for quick access to management functions in the control panel as well as preset environments that can switch to optimised settings for power conservation, maximum performance, presentations and so on. ...more