IBM is expected to try to pre-empt Compaq Computer Corp by today announcing an 80486-based board, the 486/25, for the PS/2 Model 70 A21, the only PS/2 Model 70 with a 25MHz clock. The company may also preview a server based on the 80486 – the so-called Model 90 that was to have used the 80386 – and there may be details of the second generation Micro Channel, and of the OS/3 or OS/2-386 operating system. Key que stions on the 80486 board are when it will ship – Intel is promising volume in the fourth quarter – and whether IBM will price it keenly. It will not be the first 80486 prod uct to be announced – Apricot Compu ters won itself that distinction.
