Lippard.Multics 1985-11-14 17:24:17 mst Thu Subject: new DEC hardware Date: Wed, 13 Nov 85 19:03:41 EST From: mar@proteon.arpa To: info-cobol@MIT-CCC@MIT-MC.ARPA From: DELPHI::HOBBS "We are the knights who say NI" 13-NOV-1985 12:35 To: @CC354 Subj: on the safety front (...) Associated Mess New Wire DIGITAL ADVANCES TOWARD SAFER OFFICE SOLUTIONS Digital Equipment Corp, the nation's second largest computer manufacturer, yesterday announced plans to incorporate new safety technology in a new line of office computers. According to a Digital spokesperson at their Human Engeering Lab in Hudson, Mass., the company will be releasing the RAINBOW 190-AB (tm) later this month. The RAINBOW 190-AB is essentially the standard 190 with some impressive safety features. One of these is the inclusion of an Air Bag in the 190's keyboard. Digital Management Sciences conducted intensive studies of the office environment, and found that 93% of all office computer related accidents were the result of users falling asleep, and hitting their heads on the keyboard or desk. With the new Air Bag Keyboard, this problem is partially solved. The keyboard contains an infared sensor which triggers the release of the Air Bag whenever the user's head comes within four inches of the keyboard. The goal is to cushion the blow of the head hitting the keyboard, thus reducing the possibility of injury to both the computer and the user. Digital engineers are convinced this will work, once they figure out how to get the air into the bag. For now, all you get is the bag popping out. Engineers say that even though the bag does not inflate, this concept is still effective. In recent lab test using monkeys as keyboard operators, 8 out of every 10 monkeys tested were sufficiently startled by the 'H key' turning into a 4 foot square plastic bag to cause them to wake up prior to hitting the keyboard. The other major safety feature of the RAINBOW 190-AB is equally impressive. Studies also revealed the the second major cause of office computer injury was due to operators tripping over one of the several cables used to connect the cpu to terminals, printers, coffee makers, etc. To solve this problem, engineers designed the 190 to be cable-less. The slick 190 cpu communicates to the terminal and printer using a satelite dish, whiich is build into the top of the 190 cabinet. As long as the terminal or printer is within 300 yards of the cpu, this new communication process is pretty impressive. Engineering is still working out some of the problems introduced by this technology, such as complaints of radiation sickness and loud ringing in the ears from the secretaries involved in the testing of prototype systems. The 6 square foot satelite dish is also presenting some space constraints, but engineering is convinced this is part of Digital's total solution, and all these issues can be worked out. Meanwhile, Digital's lucrative Software Prodcuts Services business is taking advantage of this new technology, by offering yearly subscription service to HBO and the Movie Channel for 190 owners. DIGITAL CATERS TO THE YUPPIES In response to increasing market demands, Digital Equipment Corporation plans to announce a new office solution, designed to target the new breed of office professionals. Digital's new YUPPIE PUPPY is indeed an impressive system. Based on the PDP-8, the YUPPIE PUPPY is housed in a slick cabinet, and is available in 23 art deco color combinations. The PUPPY is unique in that it is the first office personal computer system to provide direct interfaces to control desk drawers, office lounging furniture, and the new Digital Personal Bar (PB-100-WET). The YUPPIE Puppy boasts an impressive 1024K memory, and 5 gigabytes of onboard disk storage. Although the PUPPY has none of these features in reality, Digital Marketing is not worried. Spokesperson Tella Tale was quoted as saying "We feel this is not a problem, as YUPPIES are not interested in the actual performance of this system. We have provided them with a system which looks nice on their desks, and, if you don't mind me sayinbg so, really imnpresses the hell out of of someone who might happen to walk into their office!". Preliminary marketing strategies are to offer the YUPPIE PUPPY for sale through BMW and AUDI car dealerships, and some selected health food stores. Associated MESS News Wire - The New Wire with Crass