PC Solutions Briefs: Dell, Intel, AMD, Edesk

Dell recalls faulty notebook batteries

Dell Computer has begun a voluntary recall of nearly 27,000 batteries used in a variety of Dell notebook computers. Officials at the computer maker said the batteries have the potential to short-circuit and heat to the point of combustion. So far, only one incident of a faulty battery bursting into flames has been reported, but Dell is taking no chances. The company is contacting customers who purchased systems with the bad batteries this year between June 22 and October 4.

Intel beats revised estimates for Q3

After warning last month that demand for PCs in Europe would weaken third-quarter earnings, Intel has reported a profit of $US2.9 billion, or 41 cents a share, and record quarterly revenue of $US8.7 billion.

The net income, excluding acquisition-related costs, was up 52 per cent from the third quarter of 1999, but down 18 per cent from the second quarter of this year. Revenue was up 19 per cent from Q3 of 1999.

The per-share income result beat the consensus forecast of 38 cents by 24 analysts polled by First Call/Thomson Financial.

AMD sales still climbing

AMD has reported record sales and operating income for the third quarter of this year. The company announced sales are up 82 per cent on the same quarter last year, with a net income of $US409 million. The figure included the sale of Legerity - the company's former communications business.

Sales of PC processors and flash memory devices grew by 10 per cent on the second quarter of this year, according to the company.

AMD has just released its 1.2GHz Athlon processor in the US and has also increased the speed of its value-priced Duron processor to 800MHz.

Edesk to distribute biometrics products

Vic-based distributor Edesk has announced the availability of biometric, thermal-based finger ID product in Australia.

The USB Finger ID allows a secure log-on method for administrators to protect files, operating systems and Web sites. The product features a sensor image resolution of 256K pixels per inch, with an active area of 0.5 square inches.

The product retails for $429, but EDESK is offering an introductory price to dealers of $287 plus GST, including software and licence. Orders of 10 units and more will receive a discount.

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