- July 18
- Maxtor announces the Diamond Max 80 hard drive, with 80 GB capacity. [1559]
- Circuit City Stores announces it will again carry Apple Computer’s Macintosh computer products. The company dropped the Apple line three years ago. [1748.104]
- In New York City, New York, the Macworld Expo / New York trade show is held, over three days. [1127.66] [1247.70] [1717.102] [1748.102]
- July 19
- At the Macworld Expo show, Apple Computer introduces the PowerMac G4 Cube. It features 450 MHz PowerPC G4 processor with Velocity Engine, 64 MB RAM, 20 GB hard drive, DVD drive, two FireWire ports, two USB ports, 10/100Base-T Ethernet, 56 kbps v.90 modem. The main system unit is enclosed in an 8-inch clear case, with air flow designed to eliminate the need for a cooling fan. Price is US$1799. Price for a 500 MHz version is US$2299. [1050.33] [1180.76] [1236.99] [1559] [1884.22] [2605.299]
- At the Macworld Expo show, Apple Computer announces a new low-cost iMac computer. It features 350 MHz processor, 64 MB RAM, 7.5 GB hard drive, CD-ROM drive, in indigo blue case. Price is to be US$799 when the system ships in September. [1180.76] [1559]
- At the Macworld Expo show, Apple Computer announces the Apple Pro Mouse, with no buttons, and an elliptical shape. [1180.76] [1559]
- Apple Computer begins shipping the first personal computers with standard dual processors, the Power Mac G4 with dual 450 or 500 MHz processors. [1559]
- Apple Computer releases the iMac DV computer. It features a 400 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, 64 MB RAM, FireWire connector, iMovie2 software, AirPort wireless networking support. It is available in an indigo or ruby color case. Price is US$999. [1046.36] [1180.76] [1559]
- Apple Computer releases the iMac DV plus computer. It features a 450 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, FireWire connector, 64 MB RAM, 20 GB hard drive, DVD-ROM drive, iMovie2 software, AirPort wireless networking support. It is available in an indigo, sage, or ruby color case. Price is US$1299. [1046.36] [1180.76] [1559]
- Apple Computer releases the iMac DV Special Edition computer. It features a 500 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, FireWire connector, 128 MB RAM, 30 GB hard drive, iMovie2 software, AirPort wireless networking support. It is available in a graphite or snow color case. Price is US$1499. [1046.36] [1180.76] [1559]
- July
- Market share of notebook computers, by units shipped: Compaq Computer 26.2%, IBM 21.8%, Toshiba 21.1%. [1236.42]
- At the Microsoft Professional Developers Conference, Microsoft releases a pre-beta version of Windows 2000 64-bit Edition. [1106.16]
- July 31
- Intel releases the 1.13 GHz Pentium III processor. It incorporates 44 million transistors in a 0.13-micron process. Code-name during development was Tualatin. [1119.1] [1179.54] [1559] (August [11.23])
- (month unknown)
- Casio introduces the Cassiopeia EM-500 handheld computer. It features 150 MHz processor, 16 MB RAM, MultiMediaCard slot, 65,000-color 240×320 pixel TFT LCD display, various Microsoft software. The battery powers the system for about six hours. The case is available in five colors. Price is US$499. [1829.98]
- August 1
- Palm and Claudia Schiffer launch the Palm Vx Claudia Schiffer Edition handheld computer. The device features a blue brushed-metal case, some special software, and will only be sold through the model’s Web site. [1559]
- August 7
- Palm introduces the Palm m100 handheld computer. It features 16 MHz Intel StrongARM processor, 2 MB RAM, 2 MB ROM, 2×2-inch monochrome LCD display, and Palm OS 3.5 operating system. Price is US$149. [1179.40] [1412.100] [1559] [1722]
- Palm introduces the Palm VIIx handheld computer. It features 8 MB RAM, Palm OS 3.5. Price is US$449. [1179.40] [1559] [1830.89]
- Palm unveils the Palm Vx Limited Edition handheld computer, a special version of the Palm V, with 8 MB RAM, available in Millenium Blue or Champagne color, for US$399 sold only through the Palm Web site. [1559]
- August 15
- Compaq Computer introduces the Compaq iPAQ Home Internet Appliance IA-1. It features infrared keyboard, AMD K6-2 processor, 32 MB SDRAM, 16 MB flash memory, 56 kbps modem, 10.1-inch 800×600 resolution color display, Windows CE operating system, Price is US$599, or U$199 with a three-year MSN access contract. [1179.44] [1559] [1750.89]
- Michael Cowpland resigns as chairman and chief executive officer of Corel. [1046.14] (September [11.14])
- August
- Adobe releases the Photoshop 6 image editing software for the Macintosh. [1595.29]
- August 18
- Some personal computer manufacturers in the US begin shipping computers running Windows Me operating system. [1559]
- August 22
- Intel announces the 1.4 GHz Pentium 4 processor, incorporating 42 million transistors. [1750.78]
- August 23
- Intel announces the XScale processor for future handheld computers, and demonstrates a processor running at 1 GHz. [1559]
- August
- The first Trojan horse program for a Palm handheld computer is released. [1559]
- August 28
- Think Outside releases a portable keyboard for Hewlett-Packard’s Jornada 540 Pocket PC. [1559]
- Advanced Micro Devices begins volume shipments of its 1.1 GHz Athlon processor. [1046.6] [1179.54] [1260.64] [1559]
- Intel temporarily ceases production of its 1.13 GHz Pentium III processor, and recalls those that have been shipped, due to the discovery of system hangs under certain conditions. [1046.6] [11.23] [1119.13] [1179.54] [1260.64] [1559] [1751.50]
- August 29
- Sony unveils the Clie handheld computer in New York. It features Palm OS, monochrome display, Memory Stick slot, 8 MB RAM, 8 MB Memory Stick. Price is US$399; weight is 4 ounces. “Clie” stands for Communication Link Information Entertainment. [1559]
- August
- 51% of US households have at least one personal computer. [1459.27]
- (month unknown)
- Apple Computer announces that profits for the latest quarter year will not meet expectations. (Apple stock price drops by half in one day.) [1722.11]
- Apple Computer introduces an updated iMac computer, with 350 MHz G3 processor and indigo case. Price is US$799. [1722.106]
- Apple Computer introduces an updated iMac Special Edition computer, with 400 MHz G3 processor, FireWire port, video-out port, CD-ROM drive, and indigo or ruby case. Price is US$999. [1722.106]
- September 1
- Apple Computer begins shipping the new iMac computer. It features a 350 MHz PowerPC G3 processor. It is availble in an indigo blue color case. Price is US$1199. [1046.36] [1559]
- September 5
- Compaq Computer discontinues the ProSignia line of personal computers, expanding the DeskPro and Armada lines in its place. [1559]
- Advanced Micro Devices unveils the 750 MHz Duron processor. Price is US$181 each in 1000-unit quantities. [1172.162] [1236.41] [1559]
- September 13
- Apple Computer releases the Mac OS X Public Beta. Price is US$29.95. [11.41] [14.24] [1705.34] [1880.20] [1886.71] [1918.45] [2605.280]
- September 14
- Microsoft launches the Windows Millenium Edition (Me) operating system. (400,000 copies of the retail upgrade copy are sold in the first month.) [1231.57] [1236.99] [1559] [1638.51] [1648.53] [1748.26]
- September
- Apple Computer introduces a new iBook computer. It features 366-MHz G3 processor, 64 MB RAM, 10 GB hard drive, ATI Rage Mobility 128 with 8 MB SDRAM, CD-ROM drive, 56 kbps modem, 10/100BaseT Ethernet, USB port, FireWire port, Video out port, 12.1-inch display, iMovie 2 software, case colored indigo or key lime. Price is US$1499. [1722.26]
- Apple Computer introduces a new iBook Special Edition computer. It is similar to the regular iBook, but with 466 MHz G3 processor, DVD-ROM drive, and case colored graphite or key lime. Price is US$1799. [1722.26]
- Intel cancels a processor code-named Timna, that was to integrate graphics and memory controllers. [1260.64]
- September 21
- McAfee.com and F-Secure researchers discover the first handheld computer virus “Phage”, which targets the Palm OS. [1260.198] [1559]
- September 25
- Intel releases 800 and 850 MHz mobile Pentium III processors. Prices are US$508 and US$722 each in 1000-unit quantities. [1559]
- Intel releases the 700 MHz mobile Celeron processor. Price is US$181 each in 1000-unit quantities. [1559]
- September 28
- Compaq Computer chairman Benjamin Rosen resigns. [1753.12]
- Apple Computer announces it will fall short of revenue and profit expectations for the period July to September. The price of Apple stock drops 52% to US$25. [1753.58]
- (month unknown)
- The Federal Trade Commission closes its antitrust investigation of Intel, concluding that no action is required at this time. The investigation was initiated in September 1997. [11.14]
- Red Hat begins shipping Red Hat Linux 7. [11.36]
- The October issue of Playboy magazine shows the cover model holding an Apple Computer iBook SE portable computer. [1722.27]
- October 2
- Corel announces a technology partnership with Microsoft. Microsoft will purchase about US$135 million shares of Corel stock, giving it about 25% ownership in the company. In return, Corel will integrate its software with the Internet, in line with Microsoft’s .NET strategy. [11.1] [1140.6] (October 3 [14.22] [1559])
- October 3
- Handspring begins selling its handheld computers in Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. [1559]
- October 4
- Maxtor announces it will acquire Quantum’s hard drive business, for about US$1 billion in stock. [1559]
- October 6
- Portugal issues a postage stamp of Snoopy on his dog house typing at a personal computer. [2525.427]
- Sony releases the Vaio PictureBook laptop computer in Japan, the first with a Transmeta Crusoe processor. [1559]
- October 9
- El Salvador issues a 5-col postage stamp depicting a personal computer. [2525.953]
- October 10
- Diamond Multimedia Systems announces its first handheld computer, the Diamond Mako. It features 16 MB RAM, 36 MHz ARM processor, monochrome display, Epoc OS, optional 56 kbps modem. The computer is based on Psion’s Revo Plus hardware and software. Price is US$399. [1559]
- October
- Transmeta releases the 600 MHz Crusoe processor. [1172.162]
- Sun Microsystems launches OpenOffice business application suite. [1455.41]
- Transmeta releases the 600 MHz Crusoe processor. [1172.162]
- October 16
- Handspring unbeils the Handspring Visor Prism handheld computer. It features a Motorola 33 MHz DragonBall VZ processor, Palm OS 3.5.2H, 16-bit color 160×160 pixel 3.1-inch diagonal screen, and rechargeable lithium ion batteries giving about two weeks use. Price is about US$450, size is 4.8 x 3.0 x 0.8 inches; weight is 7.2 ounces. [1168.50] [1559]
- Handspring unveils the Handspring Visor Platinum handheld computer. It features a Motorola 33 MHz DragonBall VZ processor, Palm OS 3.5.2H, 16 gray shades 160×160 pixel 3.1-inch diagonal screen, and two AAA batteries giving about 4-6 weeks use. Price is US$299, size is 4.8 x 3.0 x 0.7 inches; weight is 5.8 ounces. [1168.50] [1559]
- October 17
- Advanced Micro Devices officially releases the 1.2 GHz Athlon processor. Price is US$612 in 1000-unit quantities. [69.28] [1172.162] [1559]
- Advanced Micro Devices officially releases the 800 MHz Duron processor. Price is US$172 in 1000-unit quantities. [69.28] [1559]
- (month unknown)
- Micron Electronics introduces the Micron Millennia MAX XP computer. It features 1.2 GHz Athlon processor. [158.146]
- Toshiba America Information Systems releases the Toshiba Bluetooth PC Card wireless LAN card. Price if US$199. [158.38]
- Paul Somerson, vice president of Ziff Davis Development, predicts in the January 2001 issue of Ziff Davis Smart Business for the new Economy that Apple Computer will cease to exist in 2004. [1464.25]
- Hewlett-Packard releases the HP Pavilion 2755C Multimedia PC. It features 800 MHz Pentium III processor, 128 MB SDRAM, 20 GB hard drive, 32x/4x/4x CD-RW drive, 10/100 MBps LAN card, Windows Me operating system, MX70 17-inch monitor, 1024×768 graphics, and USB keyboard. Price is about US$1050. [158.58]
- Microsoft issues 20,000 copies of Whistler, code-name for its next consumer version of Microsoft Windows. [158.77]
- November 3
- Columbia Pictures releases the film Charlie’s Angels to theaters in the USA and Canada. The motherboard of an Apple PowerMac G3 can be seen as part of a mainframe computer. [2253]
- November 5
- The Fox Broadcasting Company airs the Futurama TV show in the US.
- A robot in the year 3000 has the name Tandy, and wears a t-shirt saying “Euro TRaSh-80”, a reference to the Tandy TRS-80 computer.
- A portrait painting on the wall of a castle has the name “COMMODORE LXIV”, a reference to the Commodore 64 computer.
- A scared character runs down a hall chased by the ghosts of a winged toaster and the Windows logo.
- A book “Curse of the Were-Car” says it is for Windows 98.
[1930]
- The Fox Broadcasting Company airs The Simpsons TV show in the US. A laptop computer is used to access the Internet. [1979]
- November 8
- Comedy Central airs the South Park TV show in the USA. Several personal computers appear. [2481]
- November 12
- At the Comdex trade show, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates demonstrates a proposed Tablet PC initiative, which would convert handwritten pen strokes into graphics. [1559]
- November 13
- Intel releases the 733 and 766 MHz Celeron processors. Prices are US$112 and US$170 each in 1000-unit quantities. [1559]
- November 14
- Netscape releases the Netscape 6 Internet communications software package. It includes Netscape Navigator, Netscape Mail, Netscape Composer, RealPlayer 8, Net2Phone, and Netscape IM. The package is a free download from the Netscape web site. [158.43] [1559]
- November 15
- Comedy Central airs the South Park TV show in the USA. Several personal computers appear. [2482]
- November
- Compaq Computer introduces the Compaq iPAQ Home Internet Appliance IA-2. [1559]
- Microsoft releases the DirectX 8.0 software. New features include vertex shaders, pixel shaders, improved multiplayer capabilities, and improved 3D graphics capabilities. [1774.49]
- November 20
- At the Comdex trade show, Intel introduces the Pentium 4 processor, at speeds of 1.4 and 1.5 GHz. It features 8 kB Level 1 data cache, 12 kB Level 1 instruction cache, 256 kB Level 2 cache, 400 MHz system bus, NetBurst micro-architecture. The processor requires Rambus memory be used with it. The processor includes MMX and SSE instructions, and adds 144 new multimedia instructions: Streaming SIMD Extensions 2 (SSE2). The processor incorporates 42 million transistors in a 0.18-micron process. Code-name during development was Willamette. Prices are US$819 (1.5 GHz) and US$644 (1.4 GHz) in 1000-unit quantities. [52.13] [69.28] [1168.30] [1172.161] [1236.41] [1260.64] [1262.36] [1263.60] [1278.114] [1454.124] [1551.8] [1559] (September [1179.69]) (October [1897.132])
- At the Comdex trade show, several major American personal computer manufacturers release desktop computers using the Pentium 4 processor, including Dell Computer, Compaq Computer, Gateway, and IBM. [1559]
- November
- At Comdex, Advanced Micro Devices demonstrates computer systems running a 1.5 GHz AMD processor. [52.13]
- November 26
- The Fox Broadcasting Company airs The Simpsons TV show in the US. A personal computer is used to project the look of a family over 34 years. [1980]
- (month unknown)
- Advanced Micro Devices ceases production of the K6 mobile processor line. [1493.163]
- Sears, Roebuck & Company drops the entire Apple Computer line from its stores. [1761.45]
- December 3
- The Fox Broadcasting Company airs The Simpsons TV show in the US.
- A scene takes place in a computer store. One computer looks like a new Apple Macintosh, with front carrying handle.
- Personal computers appear at many people’s houses.
- A Web site includes the “Flying Toasters” animation, from Berkeley Softworks’ After Dark program.
[1981]
- December 6
- Infogrames of France acquires Hasbro Interactive of the USA for US$5 million cash and US$95 million in stock. [1559] [2176.35]
- December 11
- Gabon issues a postage stamp depicting a sledgehammer about to strike a personal computer, to eradicate the Y2K bug. [2422.20]
- December (month)
- Top selling computer game in the USA during the month: The Sims. [2535.32]
- Year
- Software shipments in North America on DVD: 182.4 million units. [1608.12]
- Unit shipments of personal computers worldwide during the year: 130-140 million. [1223.3] [1256.29] [1262.72] [1276.29] [1559] [1757.94]
- Unit shipments of personal computers in the US during the year: 48-52 million. [1256.29] [1276.29] [1298.7]
- Current installed base of personal computers in the US: 168 million. [1897.132]
- Percent of US households with a personal computer: 60%. [1559] [1756.58] [1897.132]
- Market share of personal computers worldwide during the year: Compaq Computer 12.8%, Dell Computer 10.8%, Hewlett-Packard 7.6%, IBM 6.8%, NEC 4.3%. [1559]
- Market share of personal computers in the US during the year: Dell Computer 19.1%, Compaq Computer 15.4%, Hewlett-Packard 11.4%, Gateway 8.6%, IBM 5.4%. [1559]
- Market share of personal computer processors: Intel 82.2%, Advanced Micro Devices 16.7%. [1559]
- Shipments of Apple Computer iMac computers worldwide during the year: 1.6 million. [1559]
- Unit shipments of handheld computers during the year: about 9-12 million. [1827.20] [1831.20] [1832.10] [1559] [1840.74]
- Unit shipments of handheld computers in the U.S. during the year: 3.6 million. [1559]
- Market share of handheld computer shipments in the U.S. during the year: Palm 71%, Handspring 14%, Hewlett-Packard 3%, Compaq Computer 2%, Sony under 1%. [1559]
- Market share of handheld computers in Europe: Palm 55%, Hewlett-Packard and Compaq Computer (combined) 31%. [1559]
- Market share of handheld computer operating systems: Windows CE 16.5%. [1833.44]
- Unit shipments of consumer personal computers in the US during the year: 18.9 million. [1223.3]
- Top selling personal computer game of the year: The Sims, 1,775,788 units. [2532.104]
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