Laptop computers are currently the hottest segment of the personal computer market, and suddenly everybody is trying to get in on the act. IBM, currently trying again with its PS/2 P70 386, has made a dismal showing in the portable computer market so far, but IBM Japan is reportedly right up with the latest trend for notebook size computers. According to the Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun, IBM Japan has been showing off prototypes and talking to customers about a 16-bit machine that will weigh less than 6 lbs, run for a couple of hours with the batteries fully charged, use a black and white liquid crystal display, and memory cards as secondary storage devices. The machine, which would compete with Toshiba Corp’s $1,400 DynaBook (nothing to do with US products or companies of the same name), is expected to be announced and to start shipping this autumn. NEC Corp and Fujitsu Ltd are also reportedly ready to introdue notebook sized computers soon.
