Stories by Tom Spring

Netscape releases buffed 6.1 browser

Netscape Communcations Corp. is back with another update: The Netscape 6.1 browser is available for download free of charge. You'll notice marked stability improvements and compatibility with more Web sites over earlier beta versions.

Virtual PC weds Windows and Linux

Can't decide among Linux, Windows 2000, or XP? Why not install them all? Virtual PC from Connectix Corp., available now in a free beta version, lets you run multiple operating systems on Windows at the same time.

Use your head: Eye control device replaces mouse

The next time your boss tells you to use your head, say that you are--and point to the silver dot on your forehead. Then be sure to explain quickly that the metallic addition to your cranium is an alternative input device designed to replace your PC's mouse.

IBM drops price, boosts quality of flat-panels

Flat-panel monitor prices are falling as quality improves, and the latest to join that trend is IBM Corp., which is introducing this week four flat-panel displays across the price spectrum. One offers the highest resolution commercially available, and another is IBM's lowest-priced 15-inch LCD, a US$600 model.

Playboy places its bets online

Playboy Enterprises is ending an era of fuzzy dice and cheap novelty items and looking toward the Internet for its future, its leader says.

IBM unveils slick NetVistas, peripherals

If your spring cleaning includes doing something about that hulking monitor, snake pit of wires, and bulky beige CPU (central processing unit), IBM Corp. might have a solution with its slimmer, wireless systems unveiled on Tuesday.

IBM guides partners into a mobile future

You may use some of IBM Corp.'s most interesting technology without realizing where it comes from. Voice recognition, wireless communications, and some invisible middleware that connects disparate applications are likely to appear in products marketed in the coming months by IBM partners, who are checking out the selection here at the annual IBM PartnerWorld 2001 confab.

IBM Gets Fashionable with Wearable Cell Phone

Are Tiffany's and Cartier about to be challenged by IBM?
The company once famous for its white shirt-black tie uniforms is leaping into the world of fashion with prototype digital jewelry that could be either the best thing in nerdwear since pocket protectors or one of the most annoying inventions of our time.

AOL, Microsoft Revive Browser Wars

Watch out: Tech goliaths America Online(AOL) and Microsoft are gearing up for another rumble. On the same day that AOL 6 debuts, Microsoft is releasing an update to its competing MSN Explorer.
AOL is launching its revamped client interface at the Internet World Fall 2000 trade show, which opens here on Wednesday. Its 25 million subscribers will get new features such as "AOL by Phone," which allows telephone access to e-mail and calendars. Also new is a Media Player, so AOL's growing number of broadband customers will be able to access more multimedia content.

IBM Unveils IntelliStation Powerhouse Desktops

IBM Corp. is boosting its business IntelliStation PC line on Wednesday, rolling out workstation-worthy computers priced like desktops. IBM says its entry-level E Pro line starts at US$1400, but can handle processor-intensive tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and computer-aided design.

Microsoft Boosts MSN's Bandwidth

Microsoft Corp. is shifting its MSN Internet access into the fast lane, launching in November a two-way high-speed satellite service nationwide, and renaming the Digital Subscriber Line service it rolled out earlier this year.

I Want My ITV

So the boob tube doesn't do it for you anymore and you're convinced theJerry Springer Show is a sure sign of the apocalypse. To the rescue is a cavalcade of idiot-box IQ boosters that let you chat, shop, and play games using your TV from the comfort of your recliner.

Iomega Ships Digital Music Player

Iomega Corp. is hoping its next big hit will be on your hip. The storage maven is entering the crowded field of portable digital music players with the release of its HipZip player. The device uses Iomega's own 40MB PocketZip storage disks, which cost considerably less than competing players that use pricier flash memory to store music files.

Build Your Own Newscast

Don't like your evening newscast? Sick of your local television blab caster? If you've got a high-speed link to the Net, you may be able to get the news you want the way you like it.

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