Altos Computer Inc was quick off the mark with a 33MHz version of its Series 1000 Intel 80386-based line, but by no means the first as it claimed – Tandon jumped the gun with its own 386/33 PC at the Hanover Fair last month (CI No 1,131), and Compaq is also expected to launch 33MHz hardware at Comdex in Chicago. The Altos 1000-33 uses the same design as the previous 1000 Series boxes, but the 8 MIPS, 33MHz processor and 32Kb cache boosts performance by up to 30% over the 1000-25, according to Altos. Supporting up to 64 users, the machine comes with 4Mb memory (expandable to 28Mb), eight serial ports, and a 1.6Mb floppy disk drive. Combined with an 80186 file processor and 80286 processor controlling the input-output subsystem, the machine, claims Altos will challenge the performance of many RISC systems, with 11.25 MIPS of aggregate processing power. There are two configurations: with 145Mb or 300Mb full height SCSI disks. A disk expansion unit for four more drives is soon to be announced, along with new 700Mb disks, and enhanced tape back-up facilities. Available immediately, a typical systems configuration with the terminals and the company’s AIO office automation software costs from UKP23,500.
