Putting together a digital office

Nation's Business, May, 1997 by Tim McCollum, Albert G. Holzinger

Now that the technology used in personal computers is available in other office equipment, small businesses can work more efficiently and productively than ever. Over the past two decades,

Over the past two decades, personal computers have become firmly established the primary office tool of small-business owners. Now, the digital technology that is standard in PCs is beginning to appear in other office equipment, including copiers, fax machines, phones, and cameras.

This development has generally increased the precision of these devices and, therefore, improved their performance. Also, it has made these products easier to use in concert with PCs. It is now possible for business people to assemble a closely knit collection of office equipment whose pieces work more efficiently and productively together than they ever could individually. This report describes some of the star per formers in the functional categories of computing, imaging, and communicating. It details one or more of the distinguishing characteristics of each.

Phone numbers for the companies whose products are described in this report can be found in the accompanying boxes.

Computing

Today's PCs can take on office tasks traditionally done by employees--managing documents, for example.

Small-business owners expect their desktop computers to function as more than inanimate word processors and numbers crunchers. They require computers to perform as communications managers, document librarians, duplicating-center coordinators, and sometimes more.

Many computers now provide these diverse capabilities via Intel Corp.'s MMX (multimedia extension) technology. MMX works with Intel's Pentium processor to turbocharge operations that involve multimedia-laden files such as desktop-publishing documents and World Wide Web pages. Even software programs that produce primarily text--word processors and spreadsheets, for example--perform somewhat better on MMX-enhanced systems.

Consequently, most of the PCs described here feature MMX technology. All are available with processors that work at the lightning-fast speed of 200 megahertz (MHz). They also come with 16 or 32 megabytes (MB) of memory to allow simultaneous operation of several programs, and they have a hard disk of 2 gigabytes (GB) or larger for abundant file storage.

Also commonly available are eight-speed or faster CD-ROM drives capable of accessing data at speeds of at least 1.2 MB per second; modems of at least 28.8 kilobits per second (Kbps) for efficient communications, and Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports for easy attachment of devices such as printers and scanners. Most of these computers run under Microsoft Corp.'s Windows 95 operating system.

Also described are selected peripherals that can make computing more convenient and, in some instances, more comfortable.

Computers

AST Bravo MS-T Pro 6200

Entrepreneurs who wish to run Microsoft's Windows NT operating system, a more crash-resistant alternative to Windows 96 should consider the Bravo MS-T Pro. The 6200's Pentium Pro processor is fine-tuned for high performance udder NT. The system's multimedia features, including a professional-quality graphics accelerator (which radically speeds up Windows and other graphical programs), make the most of its 200MHz of processing power. Retail price without a monitor: $2,654.

Compaq Deskpro 4000 Series

Deskpro 4000 systems are solid non-MMX performers available with either a 200MHz Pentium or a 200MHz Pentium Pro processor. They feature Compaq's innovative LS-120 floppy-disk drive, which reads both high-capacity 120MB and standard 1.44MB diskettes.

The 4000 series systems also have upgradeable network cards and software that facilitates system updates from Compaq over the Internet. Retail prices without monitors start at $2,300.

Dell Dimension XPS M Series

These 166MHz and 200MHz Pentium MMX systems are multimedia workhorses featuring 12-speed CD-ROMs, 32MB of memory, built-in audio and video capabilities, USB ports, and 33.6-Kbps data/voice modems. Prices, including a 15-inch monitor, start at $2,199 direct from Dell.

Digital Celebris FX 5200M

This 200MHz Pentium MMX machine's distinguishing feature is its built-in network adapter and system-management software, which ease setup and maintenance for companies whose computers are linked by a network. Retail price without a monitor: $2,589.

Gateway 2000 P5-200 Professional

This 200MHz Pentium MMX computer is loaded with features, including 32MB of memory, a 2.5GB hard disk, a 12-speed CD-ROM, and a 17-inch color monitor. Price: $2,299 direct from Gateway 2000.

IBM PC 350

IBM has beefed up its PC 350 system with a 200MHz Pentium MMX processor and a hefty 2GB hard disk. And the PC 350 comes ready to plug in to a computer network. Users can choose among operating systems: Windows 95, Windows NT, or IBM's OS/2. Retail price without a monitor: $2,571.

Micron Millennia Mxe 200

If you need a no-holds-barred multimedia performer, check out Micron's 200MHz Pentium MMX system with 32MB of memory, a 3.1GB hard disk, a 12-speed CD-ROM, top-notch three-dimensional-effect video, and sound that plays on high-quality speakers provided by Micron.