POWER PC story for Technologic publication March 16, 1994

The Power Macintosh will be a quantum leap for computer buyers. Jason Romney reports.

Although the Amiga, Unix and NextStep buffs would argue otherwise, many people see the computer world increasingly in terms of just two heavyweight contenders: MS-DOS carrying Windows on its shoulders in one corner and the Apple Macintosh in the other.

If you tried particularly hard, you could get these big boys to pull together. Software has been available for some time which allows a DOS emulation to run on a Macintosh. There have also been special hardware solutions enabling a MS-DOS PC to function as a Macintosh.

However, it is only with the forthcoming release of IBM, Apple and Motorola's jointly developed Power Macintosh (using the new PowerPC microchip) that the dream of a super-fast, multi-platform computer has become an effective reality.

What is a Power Macintosh?

It is a computer which, using the new PowerPC microchip, will run MS-DOS, Windows and Macintosh software, simultaneously - Apple summarises its philosophy by saying the Power Macintosh is a computer which will ``fit in, but stand out".

Why does it stand out? For one thing, the PowerPC chip uses something called RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) architecture. All you really need to know is that RISC allows the Power Macintosh to be VERY fast.

It will run Windows software at about the speed of a 486 chip running at up to 25MHz and Macintosh software running on a 68040 chip.

But applications written specially for the PowerPC will run faster than the expensive Intel Pentium chip. It is expected they will run two to four times faster than a Quadra 950.

The PowerPC chip is also smaller and does not get as hot as other chips - which has advantages such as allowing computers with smaller housings.

The speed difference appears to be so dramatic - especially for graphics, sound and video programs - that Apple likens it to the difference between propeller and jet aircraft or between Alain Prost and Thomas the Tank Engine.

The Power Macintosh will initially be released during this year in three models, all of which offer considerable allure for anyone considering switching from DOS/Windows.

The 6100/60 (the PowerPC running at 60Mhz) is intended for small and medium businesses and computer enthusiasts. Cost: $3,995 (8MB RAM, 160MB hard disk), $5,295 (8/250 and CD AV).

The 7100/66 (the PowerPC running at 66Mhz) is expected to enjoy widespread business use, educational and administrative use and be the entry level for professionals. Cost: $5,795 (8/250), $7,695 (8/500 and CD AV).

The 8100/80 (the PowerPC running at 80Mhz) is designed for professional publishing, engineering and other technical users as well as multi-media authors. Cost: $10,695 (16/500 and CD AV), $10,995 (16/1GB).

If you think the price is right for your budget, Technologic recommends strong consideration of the Power Macintosh for both home and business use.

Next: native PowerPC applications and upgrade issues.