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A MegaHertz (MHz) is a frequency unit of power or
speed; it tells how fast your computer's processor can manipulate
information. Just as you gauge your car's power by hp, its speed by
mph and its engine's speed by rpm, you gauge your computer's
power/speed by MHz.
Fifteen to 20 years ago, the average small business,
if it had a personal computer at all, was probably operating with a
processor of 25 to 33 MHz. When that business got its first computer
and initially transformed its office systems from typewriters and
manual (paper, pen, pencil) processing of information to computers,
that acceleration seemed tremendous.
As the last decade evolved, the MHz capability of
personal computers increased in almost a geometrical progression.
Today, many small businesses and individuals are routinely operating
with 500 to 800 MHz processors.
At the turn of the 21st Century, the first 1000 MHz
processors were in production for personal computers. Many considered
this an historical mark for the industry, equivalent to breaking the
sound barrier in the aviation world. These 1000 MHz computers - or 1
GigaHertz(1GHz) - were offered to the public early this year.
Gateway was one of the first computer manufacturers to
offer the 1 GHz computer to the public and aggressively priced it
starting at $1,999, plus shipping and handling, to launch it in
volume.
A few points for those more technologically
knowledgeable; Gateway chose the Athlon AMD processor and the
ADM-750TM chipset for its 1 GHz computer. Meanwhile, Intel developed a
1 GHz frequency processor on an 820 chipset-based platform. The AMD
Athlon 1 GHZ processor is designed to set a new performance standard
for x86 processors, delivering the highest available x86 performance
for many commercial and consumer software applications. The AMD Athlon
delivers compelling floating point and multimedia performance. The AMD
Athlon 1 GHz processor has the most architecturally advanced
floating-point engine ever delivered in an x86 microprocessor.
What does all this mean to you and/or your business?
The Gateway
Select 1000, the 1 GHz computer, offers myriad
benefits including:
* Driving business productivity.
* Allowing a system investment to last for years.
* Enhanced Internet capabilities
* Improved performance of digital entertainment and gaming.
* Improvied personal creativity.
* Engineering and Auto CAD applications.
Depending on the way you use your computer, for
business or personal use, determines how many MHz you need or may
want. Applications that require the highest levels of processor
performance -- such as content creation, video and image editing and
scientific applications -- respond handsomely in performance on a 1
GHz Gateway Select 1000.
If you are someone who always wants to have the latest
technology, providing the ultimate in audio, video and an enhanced
Internet experience, the 1 GHz is for you. The Gateway Select 1000
packs the power to enhance the latest communications technology, such
as ADSL (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Lines) for high-impact
Internet and communications.
I can tell you from personal experience, the Gateway
Select 1000 opens applications in the blink of an eye. It handles
graphics and hog applications like Photo Shop with such a comfortable
speed that it makes doing newsletters, brochures, greeting cards and
other graphics a pleasure instead of a chore. The creative process
flows much better when you don't have to wait forever for a photograph
to be processed. Scanning, graphics, word-processing all go very
quickly.
Gamers will love the instant response and fast
reaction of their favorite games and Internet explorers (although
limited by their ISP's speed) will find everything responds quicker,
too, on their computer's side of the World Wide Web.
Do you really need a 1GHz computer? It's up to you.
Need it or want it, it's nice to know it's available for only a few
more dollars, and within the reach of almost everyone these days.
If you have topics you would like to have covered in
future columns, please email them to susieneuman@gateway.net or
questions on this topic to Joe.Scaglione@gateway.com.
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