In addition, IBM will upgrade its ThinkPad 600x models with the new processors and introduce a new model with changes to digital video disc and video. For deployment of the latest notebook systems, IT organizations have one of two choices. Companies that plan to make the transition in January will have to start testing now. However, if the deployment schedule is set for the second quarter of 2000, companies can wait until the next mobile announcement from Intel in the first quarter. That's when the chip giant is expected to announce even faster Pentium III processors with the dual-speed Geyserville technology.
Desktops are more problematic.
In the wake of Intel's Pentium III launch, a slew of product announcements and upgrades have ensued, upping the ante on the desktop question of whether to buy now or wait for the maximum-performance chip set. IBM will ship its new Coppermine-driven PC 300 PL and 300 GL in early November. Big Blue spokesperson Bob Page warns that IT managers can expect system prices from all of the vendors to be high in the introduction phase. They are priced so high, we don't think many people will be buying them. But you can bet computer companies will still want to get their products to the market, as they don't want to be lined up at the starting gate with a crowd.