Computer Power User Article - What's Happening

Micron Technology has begun large volume shipments of DDR-2 memory components, currently offering three possible densities: 256Mb (32MB), 512Mb (64MB), and 1Gb (128MB). Micron uses the components in DIMM modules ranging in densities from 128MB to 4GB. DDR-2 is the new generation of memory for computers, offering the ability to transfer more data per second than DDR and improved performance for high-speed CPUs. DDR-2 also requires less electrical power than DDR. Industry experts say Micron is hoping to gain a foothold in the DDR-2 market ahead of its competitors. Consumers should see computers make the transition from DDR to DDR-2 throughout the first half of 2004. We'll have to pay a little more for DDR-2's performance, though: Analysts say DDR-2 modules will probably cost 10% to 15% more than comparable DDR modules. Manufacturers Jot Down Lower Tablet PC Prices The Motion M1300 tablet PC from Motion Computing costs $1,699. Tablet PC prices continue to drop, as evidenced by two recent product launches. Element Computer has introduced a convertible tablet/notebook computer that uses a version of Linux from Lycoris for $999. It's the first time a full-fledged tablet computer has broken the $1,000 price barrier. Element Computer's Helium 2100 tablet computer uses a 1GHz VIA Technologies processor. Motion Computing, a startup company devoted to tablet PCs, recently announced its Motion M1300 model, which uses the Windows OS and a low-voltage 800MHz Celeron processor to lengthen battery life. The Motion M1300 has a suggested price of $1,699, which is about 15% lower than the company's original M1300 tablet PC. It's A TV, It's A PC . . . It's Super PC-TV! Gateway's newest computer isn't designed to hide under the desk in your home office; it's designed to sit front and center in your living room. You don't think you have space for