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BERMUDA | RSS PODCAST

The computer world is abuzz with the introduction today of the technology of the future.

MCS Ltd., on the corner of Victoria and Parliament streets, is expected to be the focus of attention for PowerPC-based Macintosh computers.

The revolutionary technology, jointly developed by Apple, IBM and Motorola, represents a new chip standard for personal and high-end computers that will greatly increase performance.

The PowerPc RISC Processor will allow some tasks to be accomplished two to four times faster than when using the old standard, the Intel Pentium processor.

And the new chip's introduction will also mean that Apple is set to take back a substantial share of the market, because users will be able to take advantage of IBM OS/2, Microsoft Windows, DOS and/or Windows, Unix and even old Macintosh software.

MCS Ltd. has already had a flood of calls in anticipation of the open house this week, following this month's Computer Fair. They have introduced three new Power Macintosh computers, with a standard 6100 system available in Bermuda for around $3,300.

MCS Ltd. account executive, Mr. Tim Kerr, who is the product manager for the new line, said: "This is the first major revolution or evolution in PC technology since Intel's pentium processor.'' The PowerPC processor is much less expensive to produce and to use. The revolutionary chip involves Apple and IBM technology and is being manufactured by Motorola. The alliance was formed in October, 1991, in an attempt to seize the lead in the desktop computer industry.

Byte magazine, a publication that bills itself as the worldwide computing authority, reported that RISC performance on the desktop is expected to significantly change how work is accomplished, enabling new categories of work applications such as real time processing, interactive collaboration, 3-D imagery and other computationally expensive activities.

The pentium had been able to handle some of these functions, but pentium based programmes are using codes designed for older processors, restricting performance.

The first PowerPC chip is the 601, although others are soon expected, including those for NoteBook computers allowing for existing PC sites to have access to essential applications and network services.

Mr. Kerr added: "PowerPC based Macintoshes offer a tremendous advantage for both existing Macintosh and PC sites, continued Macintosh ease of use, and now a new level of performance, and perhaps more importantly, a new compatibility with existing networks and software.'' PC users who move to Macintosh with PowerPc will gain access to a large number of new software packages that will offer significantly faster performances than their MS-DOS, Windows or current Macintosh counterparts.

Software will be available for video-conferencing, voice recognition, object orientated programmes and more.

Macintosh's Graphic User Interface will be much improved, making use of electronic signatures for document authoring, workflow, and extending the Macintosh user interface into a larger workgroup interface.

SIGN OF THE TIMES -- MCS Ltd. account executives Ms Kim Roach and Mr. Tim Kerr show off the revolutionary Macintosh computer which becomes available today.