Apple Computer Inc chose PC Expo as a showcase to demonstrate a hardware board, bearing a 50MHz 80486DX2 processor which enables Power Macs to run MS-DOS and Windows emulation. Apple characterised the display as a technology demonstration, nothing more. Our interpretation is that something similar to the board will probably become a product, but Apple wants to avoid commitments about pricing or availability at present. The company fielded a similar board in February, for the 68040-based Quadra 610. That board, known to its friends as Houdini, used a 25MHz 80486SX processor but it has now been canned. The company says it always planned Houdini to have a limited production run; however, that fact was never stated at the launch and was missed by the press. However, David Levy, of Apple UK says the limitted run makes perfect sense given the limited life of the Quadra 610; the fact that the board contained many personal computer-type components that Apple does not normal purchase; and also the fact that the product was something of a shot in the dark when first designed. Apple is not saying how many boards the limited run produced. Apple spokesman Eric Wee says customer feedback suggested three improvements that were incorporated into the demonstrated Power Macintosh board. The most obvious change is the improved processing power; the board also incorporated an Ethernet port as well as SoundBlaster-compatible sound capability, which is missing from the current release of SoftWindows. Meanwhile, Apple executives are in a dilemma about what they can, and cannot say. On one hand they want to show commitment to MS-DOS compatibility; on the other they do not want to commit themselves to producing this kind of board. Ian Diery, executive vice-president and general manager of Apple’s Personal Computer Division, said in a statement: The technology demonstration underscores our commitment to keep our customers’ options open by developing the most flexible, most compatible personal computer platform.
