Search

The article reports on the statement from several Japanese computer firms that they would include either Blu-ray or HD-DVD drives in upcoming models in the coming months, but so far their U.S. counterparts would only give the indications to when they would follow suit. Sony and Fujitsu expect to have their Blu-ray drives out in Japan by June 2006 with Toshiba releasing an HD-DVD-equipped computer in May. Hewlett-Packard would only say that consumers would start seeing the drives in its desktop and notebook sometime in 2006 but the company refused to narrow the date down any further.

This article presents news briefs about new products in the computer industry as of December 2004. After a three-year absence Gateway has returned to the Japanese market where it will sell two notebook and a desktop computer line. Gateway announced it intended to return to this market earlier in 2004 when it acquired eMachines. eMachines' previously established presence in the Japanese retail sector gave Gateway a quick and easy way to return to a market where it once sold 1.5 million personal computers (PCs) between 1994 to 2001. Meanwhile, U.S. Robotics earlier in December 2004 introduced its 802.11g wireless network starter kit, which is selling through TigerDirect.com and distribution. The kit utilizes U.S. Robotic's three-step installation plan, contains a router, Universal Serial Bus adapter and has a $99 suggested retail price. In the meantime, Alienware has introduced the DHS 2 Media Center PC series. These configure-to-order computers have a startling price of $1,399 and can be customized to take up to 4GB of memory 250GB hard drive. It features a low-profile stereo-component industrial design and is intended to act as a home's entertainment center.