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12/96 Cover Story: Ultimate Power
The centerpiece of this power user's dream
configuration is a system that packs a pair of Pentiums.
System: Micron Millennia Pro2 400 Plus
Price: $5,547
Micron Electronics
800-730-0931, 208-893-3434
http://www.mei.micron.com
If you think a 200MHz Pentium Pro is the ultimate in desktop power,
think again. Micron's mightiest system packs a pair of Pro CPUs,
and you just might spend as much time popping the hood to show
off its dual processors as you do behind the wheel of this workstation.
Not many apps take advantage of two processors, but when the software
finally catches up, you'll be ready.
The system complements its brace of processors with RAM that maxes
at 256MB. Its SCSI adapter ties in a 2GB disk drive, a 12X CD-ROM
drive and an Iomega Jaz drive. And when it's time to turn aside
the CAD app for a really rad app, the system's 3-D and MPEG capabilities
will make games and other diversions come alive. (Reviewed in
this issue)
Communication: 3ComImpact IQ ISDN modem
Price: $350
3Com Corp.
800-NET-3COM, 408-764-5000
http://www.3com.com/
If you can't install this external ISDN modem in 15 minutes, 3Com
will give you your money back. The unit configures itself to the
ISDN line, so all you have to do is enter the phone number.
Network: Kingston Technology EtheRx PCI 10/100 Fast Ethernet
Adapter KNE100TX
Price: $139
Kingston Technology Co.
800-435-2620, 714-435-2600
http://www.kingston.com
This card gives you a choice of plain or Fast Ethernet, and comes
with a custom configuration GUI.
Printer: Tektronix Phaser 350
Price: $3,495
Tektronix
800-835-6100, 503-682-7377
http://www.tek.com
Solid-ink wax sticks get the credit for this printer's bright
and clear laser-like color output. It's easy to install, and the
cost per page is a paltry 5 cents, thanks in part to the free
black ink sticks Tektronix supplies. Print speeds are a respectable
4ppm in standard and 6ppm in Fast Color mode. (Reviewed in November)
Scanner: Logitech PageScan Color
Price: $299
Logitech
800-231-7717, 510-795-8500
You can feed pages individually into the parallel-port-connected
Logitech PageScan Color, or remove it from its bed, place it on
a document or book and let its tractor mechanism crawl across
the page. As an added bonus to this versatility, it sets up in
minutes.
Upgrade Monitor: Samsung SyncMaster 21 GLS
Price: $1,779
Samsung
800-933-4110, 201-229-4000
http://www.sosimple.com
Treat your eyes to a terrific picture. The 21-inch Samsung SyncMaster
21 GLS monitor ships with a Colorific color-management CD-ROM
for easy calibration. (Reviewed in August)
CD Upgrade: Plextor 12PleX
Price: $349
Plextor
800-886-3935, 408-980-1838
http://www.plextor.com
The latest CD-ROM drive from the company that makes the best drives,
this SCSI speed demon transfers 1800KB per second and has an average
random-access seek time of less than 110 milliseconds.
Keyboard: Microsoft Natural Keyboard
Price: $99.95
Microsoft Corp.
800-426-9400, 206-882-8080
http://www.microsoft.com
The Microsoft Natural Keyboard is ergonomically and fiscally correct.
(Reviewed in October 1994)
Backup Device: SyQuest SyJet 1.5GB
Price: $499 external; $399 internal
SyQuest Technology
800-245-CART, 510-226-4000
http://www.syquest.com
In addition to its high storage capacity (1.5GB), the SyQuest
SyJet boasts a maximum data-transfer rate of 7MB per second.
UPS: ViewSonic Opti-UPS 1000E
Price: $489
ViewSonic Corp.
800-843-6784, 909-869-7976
http://www.viewsonic.com
The ViewSonic Opti-UPS 1000E is unobtrusive, keeps systems running
for a minimum of five minutes when power is disrupted and has
six status-indicator lights. All this and a replaceable battery
make the 1000E a smart choice.(Reviewed in August)
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