#9999 - Part 17 - Communiqués et informations

Apple to Demonstrate DOS and Windows Compatibility Card for PCI-based Power Mac Systems at MacWorld Expo

CUPERTINO, California--January 4, 1996--Extending its commitment to cross-platform compatibility, Apple Computer, Inc. will demonstrate PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)-based Power Macintosh systems running prototype PC Compatibility Cards at MacWorld Expo San Francisco. The prototype PC Compatibility Cards, featuring either Pentium or Cyrix 586 processors, demonstrate the cross-platform potential of PCI-based Power Mac systems to run the widest range of software applications from the leading PC platforms: Macintosh, DOS and Windows.

"This technology demonstration underscores Apple's continuing commitment to cross-platform solutions that help remove compatibility as a barrier to moving to the Macintosh platform," said Dave Daetz, Apple's worldwide cross-platform product line manager. "And it shows how Macintosh personal computers stand out by fitting in, keeping customers' options open to run more software on a Macintosh than on any other mainstream personal computer."

Apple currently provides DOS and Windows compatibility via 486DX2/66-based DOS Compatibility Cards on selected models of its Power Macintosh, Macintosh LC, and Macintosh Performa lines of personal computers through the DOS Compatibility Card. These products appear on Microsoft's Windows 95 system compatibility list. While Apple currently does not bundle Insignia's SoftWindows 2.0 on selected Power Macintosh configurations, SoftWindows 2.0 continues to be a third-party option for the very occasional MS-DOS and Windows 3.1 user who values cross-platform compatibility, and whose performance requirement does not exceed that of a 386-based PC.

According to a 1995 Apple study, Apple's most popular cross-platform system, the Power Macintosh 6100/66 DOS Compatible, has attracted a large number of customers replacing an x86-based PC. In fact, the survey found that the majority of Power Macintosh 6100/66 DOS Compatible customers were either buying their first personal computer, or adding to or replacing previously owned x86-based PCs. At the same time, Power Macintosh 6100/66 DOS Compatible customers spend most of their time running Mac OS software, and buy as many native PowerPC applications as other Power Macintosh customers.

Technology demonstrations will be held throughout MacWorld Expo, January 9-12, in Apple's booth, located in Room 103 at the Moscone Convention Center.

© Mactivity Estonia 1996