To upgrade or not to upgrade: get the facts before you add components to your system - personal computers

Black Enterprise, Sept, 1997 by Tariq K. Muhammad

Newer, better, faster! If computer hardware and software manufacturers are to be believed, every day is a good day to upgrade. Of course, the decision to invest in more technology should be based on your growing computing needs and fiscal ability, not marketing hype. And don't forget to research the product before you decide to add it to your system. If possible, talk to someone who has used the product. As with any hardware or software upgrade, be sure to check requirements and compatibility issues between your system and the proposed component. With many new products, it may make sense to wait until the kinks have been worked out before you make a move.

Consider the new 56 kpbs modem technology which promises to let you surf the Web at rocket speed. The claim is not untrue, but there are underlying factors to consider before buying into this technology. Most importantly, there are competing standards for 56 kbps modems. Both U.S. Robotics (www. usr.com) and Rockwell (www.rockwell.com) have developed methods for achieving this speed and have in turn, licensed to other modem makers such as ZOOM Telephonics (ZOOM has licensed Rockwell's technology).

Unfortunately, the two methods are incompatible with one another, which means consumers must find out which technology their ISP uses in order to reap the benefits of the faster modem (although they will both support speeds of 33.6 kbps regardless of the technology). International standards for 56 kbps modems should be set by mid-1998, but they will likely be a combination of various parts of the two technologies and will therefore conflict with both of the current methods.

A surer upgrade decision is to increase your system's RAM. Mac or PC, a RAM upgrade is generally a simple procedure that will boost computer performance, and with memory prices continually falling, any day really is a good day for a RAM upgrade. You can get 8MB of RAM for around $50. For the boost in performance, it's worth it. Even neophyte computer users can manage the task effectively if the directions are followed closely. Most computers have specific upgrade paths for memory modules. Also check your computer manual to find out the specific type of memory needed. Here are some other upgrade ideas:

IBM ThinkPad 560: The ThinkPad 560 is a lightweight and speedy notebook computer that is a good choice for the mobile professional. At a minuscule 1.2-inches thick and 4.1 lb., it's compact enough to fit into a briefcase along with the rest of your documents and it won't cause back problems from carrying the unit around all day.

The 560's 133 MHz Pentium processor is speedy enough for most users, and the unit is available in two basic flavors: a 12.1-inch active matrix display ($3,899) or a 11.3-inch dual scan display ($2,499). The 2.1 GB hard disk is enough to hold numerous PowerPoint presentations, although the standard 8MB of installed RAM leaves a "bit" to be desired. An internal modem would also be a welcome addition to the standard version.

Most mobile professionals don't use CD-ROMs on the road (which would add another 2 lb. to the unit) and, in keeping with the majority of the notebook market, the 560 is not equipped with one. Instead, it has a more practical external floppy drive. Add the AC adapter to the mix and the 560 is still lightweight enough to prevent a pain in the neck, and that's what counts when you're on the road. For more information, contact: 800-426-2968 or www.pc.ibm.com.

HP LaserJet Companion: Targeted at the SOHO user, the LaserJet Companion is a low-cost, all-in-one alternative to cluttering your office with numerous peripherals. Compatible with HP LaserJet printers (series 4, 5 and 6), the device packs copying, faxing and electronic filing capabilities into one unit. Essentially, the LaserJet Companion is a scanner with enhanced functionality.

Connected through your system's parallel port, the companion can automatically send documents directly to the PC or the printer for filing or copying. The PC need not be turned on for copying unless you want to fine tune the image before it goes to the printer. File documents electronically using the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software included with the Companion. While the HP LaserJet Companion may not provide professional image quality with its 15 seconds per scanned page and 300 dpi output, it is a reasonable alternative to separate fax, scanner and copiers. It retails for $249, or $598 bundled with the LaserJet 6Lse series printer. (The 6Lse retails for $399 and is sold separately.)

SCSI Devices (pronounced "scuzzy"): SCSI (small computer system interface) is a hardware device that enables between seven and 15 peripherals (printers, scanners, CD-ROM drives, etc.) to be connected using a single expansion board or parallel port in the computer. It's useful for users who have run out of expansion ports and need to add more devices. Peripherals are connected to the system via cables running between consecutive devices rather than being connected directly to the system. Mac users need not apply; they come with built-in SCSI adapters. For the PC, however, there are two choices--an external SCSI that connects through the parallel or an internal SCSI.