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From: jablow@brahms.BERKELEY.EDU (Eric Robert Jablow)
Newsgroups: net.rumor
Subject: Re: A new PC from Cray?
Message-ID: <11997@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU>
Date: Sun, 23-Feb-86 23:51:03 EST
Article-I.D.: ucbvax.11997
Posted: Sun Feb 23 23:51:03 1986
Date-Received: Wed, 26-Feb-86 06:24:22 EST
References: <196@octopus.UUCP>
Sender: usenet@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU
Reply-To: jablow@brahms.UUCP (Eric Robert Jablow)
Organization: Mathematical Sciences Research Institute
Lines: 36

In article <196@octopus.UUCP> pete@octopus.UUCP (Pete Holzmann) writes:
>
>A copy of an internal memo... a proposed Press Release for March 3, 1986:
>
>
>This computer, however, is not for all: It's exteremely fast -- using GaAs
>ICs, tunnel diodes, and Josephson-junction circuits, it has a clock rate
>of 2.2 GHz. It costs $4,000,000.00 (US).  For many PC users, however, the
>cost might be justified.  For a Lotus 1-2-3 application that takes 2.3
>seconds for recalculation on an AT, for example, the Cray requires
>only 7.1 nano-seconds.  This time savings, of course, allows the operator
>to devote 2.3 seconds (otherwise wasted) to useful pursuits.
>
>The Cray's performance is even more dramatic in other applications. For
>programs smaller than 1-2-3, according to the company, the Cray can perform
>its operation even before the diskette is inserted.  Such power, alas, does
---------------------------------------------------
>not come without a penalty. Although about the size of a Compaq portable
>PC, the Cray portable requires a tractor-trailer support truck for the
>liquid helium, the 1 MWatt power generator, and the fire extinguisher; all
>are required for normal operation.
>
Actually, it uses thiotimoline-based organic superconducting circuits.




			Respectfully,
			Eric Robert Jablow
			MSRI
			ucbvax!brahms!jablow

	I may be a screwy little wabbit, but at least I'm not
	going to Alcatraz!

				--E. Fudd--