Apple's new PowerPC Macintosh computers.

Since Apple Computer introduced the Macintosh in 1984, the battle has raged over whether its attractive picture-based graphical user interface (GUI) is easier to use than the character-based Microsoft disk operating system (MS-DOS) that is standard on most IBM-type personal computers (PCs). But a few years ago Microsoft Corp. introduced Windows 3.1, which provides a GUI for MS-DOS machines. Windows runs on any 386 or faster PC, and Windows looks almost as good as a Macintosh program.

In the past, some lawyers who saw the Macintosh system and compared it with Windows-based machines tried to get their firms to "go Mac," but many law firms opted to stay with MS-DOS. The IBM-type machines using MS-DOS and Windows allegedly had more useful legal software available and controlled the hon's share of the legal market.

This March, Apple introduced the PowerPC Macintosh. lawyers no longer have to choose between Apple and IBM-type computers, because now MS-DOS and many Windows programs designed to run at 386 or 486 speeds will run on Apple's computers. The PowerPC chip used in the new computers was developed with IBM and Motorola over the course of three years.(1)

PowerPC technology makes faster, stronger Macintosh systems possible. It allows Apple to provide significant performance increases and new capabilities while preserving compatibility with existing Macintosh application and peripheral programs. In addition, new application programs are being created for both the Windows and Macintosh computer systems.

PowerPC microprocessors are a new family of chips - central processing units, the computer's "brains." These new chips use reduced instruction-set computing (RISC) tedmology. RISC processors simplify the internal workings of computers.

Most traditional processors - for example, the Intel 286, 386, and 486 chips - are based on complex instruction-set computing (CISC) technology, which uses a different instruction for every task. In contrast, RISC processors have only a small set of basic, frequently used instructions built in. When a complex instruction is needed, a RISC processor creates it by combining several simple instructions. These processors execute the basic directions so quickly that this compensates for the time spent creating lessoften-used instructions.

Before the PowerPC Mac, RISC technology was only used in systems like engineering workstations and commercial database servers - big machines designed for raw computational power. These machines generally used programs based on the UNIX operating system that were difficult for PC users to install, learn, use, and maintain. However, the performance improvement of successive CISC processors is leveling off, while RISC performance is continuing to improve, so Apple is bringing this technology to personal computing. Enough RISC-based computers will be manufactured to make them cost-effective for the PC market.

Apple, to my knowledge, is the only personal computer vendor publicly committed to moving its entire product hne to RISC technology. The benefits of RISC will be available in entry-level, high-end, and notebook Apple systems.

Microprocessor Highlights

The new PowerPCs will be able to

* use the current Macintosh System 7 operating system with the same GUI as today's Macintosh systems, so users will require no retraining;

* run all the old Macintosh applications plus new ones developed especially for the PowerPC microprocessor;

* function with most currently available Macintosh printers, networking cards, and other hardware accessories; and

* share data and coexist on a network with current Macintosh models.

Apple will eventually offer PowerPC versions of all its product lines, from Macintosh Quadra and Macintosh Centris systems to Performa, Classic, LC, and PowerBook systems.

When considering the benefits of faster personal computers, many people think only of improved graphics drawing or spreadsheet calculation. It is true that graphics productivity will run much faster on Macintosh systems that use PowerPC processors than they do now on personal computers that use Motorola 680x0 or Intel 486 chips. But the real promise of PowerPC technology is that it will enable Apple and other hardware developers to deliver machmes with new software capabilities that are currently available only on the most sophisticated and expensive workstations.

For example, with PowerPC technology, Macintosh systems can be integrated with telephone systems for modem, fax, and voice communications without purchasing additional equipment. It is likely that Macintosh will also continue to be the best desktop system for presenting videos. The faster, more powerful performance provided by PowerPC processors will make Apple's QuickTime software work better and allow more sophisticated video processing. This could be important for trial attorneys who are turning to graphics for powerful and convincing presentations in the courtroom.

The million to PowerPC Macintosh systems will be nearly seamless. Users can continue working with their current software and peripherals, because they will run on the new systems.

The only change will be a greater choice of Macintosh models and applications. Now, when purchasing a mid-range or high-end Macintosh system, users can choose between PowerPC processor-based and 680x0-based models, selecting the one that best meets their needs. The two types of equipment will coexist for some time, and upgrades will be offered for many 680x0 models. Apple expects to phase PowerPC technology into the rest of the Macintosh family over the next several years, eventually replacing the 680x0 models.

As these new options in hardware appear, so will new versions of favorite application program, upgraded for use vhth PowerPC processors.

PowerPC v. Pentium

Intel Corp. recently released a new CISC microprocessor called the Pentium. (Because of litigation, Intel could not call this system the "586," which would have been logical after the earlier 286, 386, and 486 systems.)(2) Motorola says that even the first-generation PowerPC microprocessor matches Pentium in performing basic calculations, and future generations will exceed Pentium in speed and performance for graphics and other applications.

I have seen comparisons, and not only does PowerPC appear to outperform Pentium, but it is smaller and runs cooler. Size affects a microprocessor's cost - smaller ones cost less. Heat output determines which equipment can use a particular microprocessor. Honer processors need more space and electrical power; they cannot be used in notebook computers. The size, heat output, and cost of the PowerPC microprocessor are all about half those of the Pentium.

These factors, combined with its performance, appear to make the PowerPC chip a less expensive yet more versatile foundation for the next generation of personal computers.

Other Joint Projects

In 1991, Apple and IBM announced that they would cooperate on other personal computer research and development, in addition to working with Motorola on the PowerPC chip. The alliance agreements cover four additional areas, and each independent project will assist the other projects.(3) lawyers should know about these projects because they show where law office computing is heading and where to invest automation dollars.

Apple continually strives to make Macintosh systems easier to use. By taking advantage of the power of PowerPC processors, Apple will be able to improve the system for years to come. The combination of ease-of-use and more powerful graphics capabilities will be of growing importance to law firms.

Best of all, with a Macintosh, users don't have to worry about the features of MS-DOS that tend to drive lawyers crazy - for example, the mysterious "config.sys," "autoexec.bat," and "win.ini" files necessary to run Windows-based machines. Memory management," another area of terror for lawyers in the MS-DOS and Windows arenas, does not even exist on the Mac. All software has memory requirements (low, high, extended, or expanded), needs, and preferences that need to be prioritized by the computer in order to run efficiently. Macs either have enough memory to run all he programs at once, or they don't and they post a message on the computer screen that says so.

All the best features of Macintosh have been enhanced with the advent of the PowerPC chip. Now users can run MS-DOS and many Windows programs on the Mac.(4) Isn't progress wonderful?

Notes

(1) In 1991, to stay competitive with Intel Corp. (the maker of chips for IBM-type microcomputers) and Microsoft Corp. (the largest and most successful software developer), Apple, IBM, and Motorola started working together to develop a new family of PowerPC microprocessors - the "chips" that drive personal computers. The three companies created the Somerset Design Center in Austin, Texas, assigning 300 engineers to the project and investing over $1 billion. In March 1994, Apple Computer, Inc. (20525 Mariani Ave., Cupertino, CA 95014) introduced the first Macintosh computers based on the PowerPC microprocessor, a chip that will raise microcomputing to its highest level ever. (2) Intel filed suits against other chip manufacturers to protect the use of numbers as its exclusive intellectual property. They lost the right to protect this numbering approach and had to rename the "586" chip the "Pentium." (3) The four areas are

* Interoperabiliry. IBM and Apple agreed to make Macintosh computers work smoothly with IBM's systems. This effort has already produced a number of networking and communication products such as the IBM-certified Apple Token Ring card.

* PowerOpen. IBM and Apple are developing a new version of the UNIX operating system called PowerOpen. This open-systems platform combines the best features ofIBM's RS/6000 AIX family and Apple's A/UX operating system. PowerOpen support both Macintosh and UNIX application software, offering a version of the UNIX system that will give users access to many AIX-compatible and Macintosh applications.

* Kaleida. Kaleida Labs is a new company funded by Apple and IBM to create standards for multimedia products.

* Taligent. This company, also funded by Apple and IBM, is now creating a new object-oriented operating system. Due in the middle of this decade, Taligent software will run on Apple's RISC-based systems. (4) I have not yet had the opportunity to run Windows programs on the new PowerPC Macintoshes. Lawyers are advised to test their choice of software on a new computer before purchasing. Lawyers with a Windows-based application that is a "must" in their practice should make sure it will run on the new Macs.