1993

• Apple Computer debuts the StyleWriter II printer.
• Apple Computer shows off test versions of its Newton Personal Digital Assistants at the Winter Consumer Electronics Show.
• IBM reports a year-end loss, of US$4.96 billion, on revenues of US$64.5 billion. This is the highest single-year loss for any US company in history.
• Novell ships UnixWare.
• Cyrix announces the 486S processor.
• Stac Electronics files a lawsuit against Microsoft over inclusion in MS-DOS 6.0 of file compression, which it claims infringes on Stac's patents.

• Pinnacle Micro introduces the RCD-202 recordable CD-ROM drive for the Macintosh.
• Apple Computer makes its largest product announcement in its history, and makes it in Japan: the Macintosh Color Classic, Macintosh LC III, Macintosh Centris 610 and 650, Macintosh Quadra 800, and PowerBook 165c.
• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh Color Classic, replacing the Macintosh Classic II. It features a Sony Trinitron 10-inch built-in color display (512x384 pixels), 4 MB RAM, 80 MB hard drive, 16-MHz 68030, 256 KB video RAM, for US$1389.
• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh LC III. It features a 25-MHz 68030, 80 MB hard drive, 4 MB RAM, 512 KB video RAM, and 14-inch monitor, for US$1349.
• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh Centris 610. It features a 20-MHz 68LC040, 80 MB hard drive (optional 230 MB), 4 MB RAM (optional 8 MB), 512 KB video RAM (optional 1 MB), for US$1859.
• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh Centris 650. It features a 25-MHz 68LC040 (optional 68040 with math coprocessor), 80 MB hard drive (optional 230 MB or 500 MB), 4 MB RAM (optional 8 MB or 24 MB), 512 KB video RAM (optional 1 MB), for US$2699.
• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh Quadra 800. It features a 33-MHz 68040, 230 MB hard drive (optional 500 MB or 1 GB), 8 MB RAM (optional 24 MB), 512 KB video RAM (optional 1 MB), for US$4676.
• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh PowerBook 165c. It features a 33-MHz 68030, 68882 math coprocessor, 80 MB hard drive (optional 160 MB), 8.9-inch disgonal color passive-matrix LCD screen, 4 MB RAM (optional 14 MB), 512 KB video RAM, for US$3399. It weighs 7 pounds.
• Apple Computer discontinues the Macintosh IIci and the Quadra 700.
• Apple Computer ships the 10 millionth Macintosh computer.
• IBM announces nine new systems in its RS/6000 line, priced between US$4000 and US$25000.
• NeXT announces that it will drop its hardware line, to focus on becoming a larger player in the object-oriented software industry. Approximately 50,000 NeXT machines were built in total.
• The US Federal Trade Commission votes on whether to charge Microsoft with unfair trade practices. The vote is a tie. Another vote will be taken in following months.
• Digital Equipment announces the 200-MHz Alpha 21064 processor.
• Sun Microsystems ships the 50-MHz Sun SuperSPARC processor.

• Texas Instruments and Dell settle their lawsuit, with Dell paying cash royalties to Texas Instruments.
• Amstrad begins shipping the Amstrad Pen Pad PDA600 Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) in England. It is the first PDA to be shipped. The Pen Pad weighs under a pound, is 1 inch thick, and features a 240x320 resolution 3x4 inch screen. It uses a 20-MHz Zilog Z8S180 microprocessor, and can run for 40 hours on three AA batteries. It includes 128KB RAM, with a PCMCIA expansion slot for memory expansion to 2MB.
• Lou Gerstner replaces John Akers as chairman of IBM.
• Intel introduces the Pentium processor. It uses 32-bit registers, with a 64-bit data bus, giving it an address space of 4 GB. It incorporates 3.1 million transistors, using 0.8-micron BiCMOS technology. Speeds are 60-MHz (100 MIPS) and 66-MHz (112 MIPS). Prices are US$878 (60-MHz) and US$964 (66-MHz).
• The Software Publishers Association reports that MS-Windows applications are outselling MS-DOS programs for the first time.
• Apple Computer cancels project Tesseract, which was working on a RISC-based Macintosh. Project Cognac continues, which was working on an alternative RISC design.
• Microsoft introduces the MS-DOS 6.0 Upgrade, including DoubleSpace disk compression. 1 million copies of the new and upgrade versions are sold through retail channels within the first 40 days.
• Microsoft ships Microsoft Encarta, the first multimedia encyclopedia for a computer.

• Motorola Corp. ships the first PowerPC 601 chips. The processors use 2.8 million transistors, with 3 execution units.
• Compaq Computer, Intel, Microsoft, and Phoenix Technologies define the Plug and Play specification for PCs.
• Microsoft releases the OLE 2.0 specification for Windows development.
• Apple Computer demonstrates a prototype Macintosh running on an 80-MHz PowerPC 601 processor.
• Microsoft reports that there are 25 million licensed users of Microsoft Windows.
• Gateway 2000 ships its 1 millionth PC.
• Novell ships NetWare 4.0.
• Advanced Micro Devices ships its first Am486 processors, the 40-MHz Am486DX, and the 25/50-MHz Am486DX2.

• Lotus Development ships Lotus Notes 3.0.
• IBM releases OS/2 2.1, now including Windows 3.1 support.
• Microsoft formally launches Windows NT 3.1.
• Apple Computer holds a developers conference, inviting software companies to test their applications on the PowerPC-based Macintosh. None of the applications tested broke the 680x0 emulator.
• IBM introduces the RS/6000 POWERstation and POWERserver 230, 23S, 23T, and 23W computers, with a 45.5 MHz CPU.
• The PCI Special Interest Group completes the version 2.0 specification of the PCI local-bus standard for microcomputers.
• NeXT ships NextStep v3.1 for Intel-based PCs.
• MIPS Technologies announces availability of the 150-MHz 64-bit R4400 RISC microprocessor.
• Sega and Accolade settle their lawsuit out of court.

• The United States Environmental Protection Agency officially launches the Energy Star program. Together with 50 major PC manufacturers, the Energy Star guidelines are designed to reduce idle power use of computer system components.
• Apple Computer expands its PowerBook line with the PowerBook 180c and 145B.
• U.S. District Court judge Vaughn Walker rules against Apple Computer in its 63-month legal suit against Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard. The judge rules that 90% of the elements in Windows are covered by Microsoft's 1985 license from Apple Computer. Apple Computer files an appeal.
• Total sales of Apple Macintosh PowerBook Duo systems reaches 100,000.
• Digital Equipment ships the 200-MHz Alpha 21064 processor.
• John Sculley steps down as CEO of Apple Computer, remaining as chairman.
• Michael Spindler is appointed as CEO of Apple Computer.

• Apple Computer announces layoffs of 2500, nearly 15% of its worldwide staff.
• A fire destroys a Sumitomo Chemical Company plant in Japan. The plant had supplied 60% of the world's supply of cresol, used in memory chip casings.
• The US Federal Trade Commission votes a second time on whether to charge Microsoft with unfair trade practices. Again, the vote is a tie.
• Apple Computer introduces the "AV" Macintosh systems, which integrate telecommunications, video and speed technologies on the desktop for the first time.
• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh Quadra 840AV. It features a 40-MHz 68040, AT&T 3210 DSP, 1 MB video RAM, System 7.1 operating system, QuickTime, 8 MB RAM, NuBus 90 expansion slots, 230 MB hard drive, for US$4069. Codename during development was Cyclone.
• IBM introduces the RS/6000 POWERstation and POWERserver 34H computers. They feature 41.6 MHz CPU, 16 MB RAM, 400 MB hard drive, and 32KB cache.
• IBM releases AIX v3.2.4 for the RS/6000.
• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh Centris 660AV. It features a 33-MHz 68040, AT&T 3210 DSP, 1 MB video RAM, 8 MBN RAM, and 230 MB hard drive. Codename during development was Tempest.
• Microsoft begins shipping Windows NT Workstation 3.1, and Windows NT Advanced Server 3.1.
• The US Federal Trade Commission decides to take no action against Intel, after three years of investigating complaints of forcing exclusive dealing practices.
• IBM introduces its clock-tripled 25/75MHz Blue Lightning 486-based processor.
• Digital Equipment creates the Digital Personal Computer Business unit, to focus on PC sales.

• Quark ships QuarkXPress 3.2 for Windows.
• Sun Microsystems ships the 60-MHz Sun SuperSPARC processor.
• Apple Computer introduces the Newton MessagePad 100 personal digital assistant at Macworld Expo, in Boston's Symphony Hall. It features 640KB RAM, 3MB of ROM storing applications and the operating system (Newton Intelligence), a low-voltage 20-MHz 32-bit ARM 610 microprocessor, 240x336 resolution (85 dpi) 2.8 x 4-inch LCD screen, one PCMCIA Type II expansion socket, data transfer of 9600bps, and runs on four AAA batteries. 50,000 units sell in the first 10 weeks, but only 80,000 are sold during the product's life.
• IBM creates the Ambra Computer Corporation, a subsidiary of the IBM PC Company, to sell a new low-cost line of PCs.
• The US Federal Trade Commission decides to cease investigating Microsoft for unfair trade practices. The US Department of Justice begins its own antitrust investigation of Microsoft.
• Microsoft reports first US$1 billion sales quarter.
• Conner Peripherals sues IBM for infringing on five of its patents. IBM countersues Conner Peripherals for infringement on nine of its patents.
• IBM demos its first PowerPC RS/6000 workstation, using a 95-MHz PowerPC 601 processor.
• A U.S. Federal Court judge rules in favor of Lotus Development in its copyright infringement lawsuit against Borland International. Borland International stock falls to US$7 per share, from a one time high of US$82.
• Apple Computer loses its appeal of the ruling in favor of Microsoft in June, ending its legal battle against Microsoft Windows.
• Apple Computer ships the Apple PowerCD, a portable CD-ROM drive that supports audio CDs and Kodak Photo CDs as well.
• Compton's New Media Incorporated receives a patent on multimedia search and retrieval technology, from the U.S. Patent and Trade Office. Compton's New Media then issues a statement claiming that anyone wishing to sell information in a multimedia format must pay them a license fee.

• The 1992 Joint Development contract between IBM and Microsoft, in which each company had access to the other's source code for OS/2 and Windows, expires.
• Symantec acquires Fifth Generation Systems, maker of backup and security utilities for various operating systems.
• Berkeley Systems sues Delrina over Delrina's "Death Toasters" in the Opus N' Bill Screen Saver program.
• Gateway 2000 introduces the industry's first VESA VL-bus system.
• Cyrix begins shipping the Cx486DX microprocessor.
• Motorola begins volume shipments of the PowerPC 601 chip.
• IBM debuts and ships its first PowerPC-based RS/6000 systems, the RS/6000 POWERserver 25S, POWERserver/station 250, POWERstation 25T and 25W, all using the 66-MHz PowerPC 601 chip.
• IBM announces the POWER2 processor.
• IBM announces the POWERserver 990, with a 71.5 MHz POWER2 processor.
• IBM announces the POWERserver/station 590, with a 66.6 MHz POWER2 processor.
• IBM announces the POWERserver/station 58H, with a 55.5 MHz POWER2 processor.

• John Sculley announces his resignation from Apple Computer.
• Motorola produces the first copies of the PowerPC 603, the second chip in the PowerPC family.
• Apple Computer announces Macintosh TV, which includes Apple CD 300i CD drive for audio CDs and data CD-ROMs, 640x240 resolution 14-inch TV, internal cable-TV tuner, 60 MB hard drive, 5 MB RAM, 1.4 MB SuperDrive, speakers, video ports, 32-MHz 68030 CPU, for US$2079.
• NEC Technologies unveils the first triple-speed (450KBps) CD-ROM drive.
• IBM and Motorola introduce the 80-MHz version of the PowerPC 601 processor.
• IBM and Motorola introduce the 66- and 80-MHz version of the PowerPC 603 processor.
• Sun Microsystems ships the 85-MHz and 110-MHz MicroSPARC II processors.
• Atari sues Sega for patent infringement.
• Apple Computer renames the Macintosh Centris 610 as the Macintosh Quadra 610. It features a 25-MHz 68040, Ethernet port, 8 MB RAM, 160 MB hard drive, and 512 KB video RAM.
• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh LC 475. It features a 25-MHz 68LC040, 80 MB hard drive, 4 MB RAM, 512 KB video RAM, 14-inch monitor, for US$1299.
• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh Performa 475. It features a 25-MHz 68LC040, 160 MB hard drive, 4 MB RAM, 512 KB video RAM, and 14-inch monitor.
• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh Performa 476. It features a 25-MHz 68LC040, 230 MB hard drive, 4 MB RAM, 512 KB video RAM, and 14-inch monitor.
• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh Performa 460. It features a 33-MHz 68030, 80 MB hard drive, 4 MB RAM, 512 KB video RAM, and 14-inch Performa Display monitor, for US$1300.
• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh Performa 466. It features a 33-MHz 68030, 160 MB hard drive, 4 MB RAM, 512 KB video RAM, and 14-inch monitor.
• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh Performa 467. It features a 33-MHz 68030, 160 MB hard drive, 4 MB RAM, 512 KB video RAM, and 14-inch monitor.
• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh Performa 550. It features a 33-MHz 68030, 160 MB hard drive, 5 MB RAM, 768 KB video RAM, and 14-inch monitor.
• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh LC 520. It features a 25-MHz 68030, 80 MB hard drive, 5 MB RAM, 768 KB video RAM, 300 KBps internal CD-ROM, and 14-inch monitor.
• Apple Computer renames the Centris 650 as the Quadra 650, with a 33-MHz 68040, 8 MB RAM, 230 MB hard drive, and 512 KB video RAM.
• Apple Computer introduces the Quadra 605. It features a 25-MHz 68LC040, 80 MB or 160 MB hard drive 4 MB RAM, and 512 KB video RAM.
• Apple Computer introduces the PowerBook Duo 250. It features a 33-MHz 68030, 4 MB RAM, 200 MB hard drive, 9-inch 640x400 85 dpi grayscale active matrix LCD screen.
• Apple Computer introduces the PowerBook Duo 270c. It features a 33-MHz 68030, math coporcessor, 4 MB RAM, 240 MB hard drive, 8.4-inch 94 dpi 640x400 16-bit color active matrix LCD screen. Weight is 4.8 pounds.
• Apple releases System 7 Pro, which includes System 7.11, AppleScript 1.0, QuickTime 1.6.1, and PowerTalk 1.0.
• Advanced Micro Devices introduces the 66-MHz Am486DX2.
• WordPerfect ships WordPerfect 3.0 for the Macintosh.
• Microsoft ships Windows for Workgroups 3.11.

• IBM releases OS/2 2.1 for Windows.
• Apple Computer demonstrates a Macintosh Quadra 610 with an Apple-designed 486SX board, running MS-DOS, at Comdex.
• Apple Computer quietly discontinues the Apple II product line. In its 17 year history, 5 million units were shipped.
• Sales of Apple Computer's PowerBook series hits the 1 million mark.
• Microsoft releases MS-DOS 6.2.
• Benny S. Lee, of Everex Systems, Inc. is sentenced to one year in prison for manufacturing and selling counterfeit MS-DOS software. This is the first time a prison sentence is handed down for software counterfeiting in the U.S.

• Borland International files an appeal of the August 1993 court ruling in its legal battle with Lotus Development over Quattro Pro compatibility with Lotus 1-2-3.
• Samsung Electronics Canada introduces its SyncMaster GL series of 14-, 15-, and 17-inch high-performance "green" monitors.
• Lotus Development wins a preliminary judgement over Borland International in its spreadsheet copyright suit. Borland International removes its Lotus 1-2-3 compatibility macros from Quattro Pro and releases it.
• SunSoft (a subsidiary of Sun Microsystems) ships the first version of WABI, providing Microsoft Windows application compatibility on Solaris, Intel, and Sparc versions of UNIX.
• IBM posts a year-end loss of US$8.1 billion, on total sales of US$62.7 billion.

• Wang Laboratories sues Microsoft, claiming that Microsoft's OLE technology infringed on Wang Laboratories technology.

• The Multimedia PC Marketing Council sets the MPC Level 2 standard, dictating the minumum configuration required of a PC to run MPC-2 class software. The requirements are: a 486 processor, 160MB hard drive, double speed XA-ready multisession-capable CD-ROM drive, 16-bit sound card, and a 16-bit SuperVGA video card capable of 65,000 colors in 640x480 resolution.

• Novell buys Unix System V.

• A Sixth District Court of Appeals overturns Advanced Micro Devices' 1992 win against Intel, claiming that the arbitrator had exceeded his jurisdiction.

• Commodore Business Machines stops producing Intel-based personal computers.

• Spectrum HoloByte acquires MicroProse Software.

• Apple Computer licenses its PowerPC Macintosh operating system ROMs to DayStar Digital.

• IPC Corporation of Singapore acquires Austin Computer Systems.

• Apple Computer renames the Macintosh Centris 660AV as the Macintosh Quadra 660AV.

• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh TV, which combines a 32-MHz 68030-based Macintosh with a 14-inch color TV. The system includes 5MB RAM, 160MB hard drive, AppleCD 300i CD-ROM drive, and 512KB RAM.

• WordStar International buys ZSoft.

• The VESA group begins working on version 2.0 of its VL-Bus design.

• Cyrix ships the Cx486DRx2 processor in 16/32-, 20/40-, and 25/50-MHz versions. The chips replace the Intel 386DX processors. Prices are US$300-400.

• Microsoft releases FoxPro 2.5 for Windows.

• Work begins on SCSI-3.

• Apple Computer discontinues the Macintosh IIvx.

• Apple Computer discontinues the Macintosh IIvi.

• Apple Computer discontinues the Macintosh Performa 600.

• Apple Computer discontinues the Macintosh Quadra 800.

• Apple Computer discontinues the Macintosh Performa 400.

• Apple Computer discontinues the Macintosh Performa 405.

• Apple Computer discontinues the Macintosh Performa 430.

• Apple Computer discontinues the Macintosh Performa 450.

• Apple Computer discontinues the Macintosh Performa 200.

• Nintendo rereleases the Nintendo Entertainment System with an improved cartridge slot.

• Apple Computer runs its "1984" TV ad in Russia.