While the quest for forever increasing CPU performance has ensued since the invention of the personal computer, the arrival of notebook computers has forced manufacturers to redefine their thinking in terms of providing power on the move.
With notebooks now a viable alternative to desktops, the quest for longer battery life and lower power consumption has in many ways overtaken the quest for performance, since mobile workers are prepared to sacrifice some performance for the ability to work untethered.
"Acer set a new industry standard in increasing battery life with its heuristic power management in 1996. Unlike traditional timer-based power management, this patented technology adapts to a user`s work habits and responds by maximising power management and battery life," says Traci Maynard, Acer product manager at Tarsus Technologies.
"Called `power-on-demand` there is no compromise in performance in using this technology. The computer dynamically profiles and predicts the user requirements, curtailing the lengthy and complicated set-up process normally associated with power management and replacing it with a simplified set of user preference inputs," Maynard says.
The ability of Acer`s range of TravelMates to increase mobility is also bolstered by the fact that the C302, TM6000 and TM8000 series notebooks all have the capability to take a second battery, which increases battery life to a maximum of nine hours. Additionally, nine of the notebooks in the TravelMate range feature Intel Centrino technology, which eliminates significant inefficiencies in power usage.
"Using developments like intelligent power distribution and enhanced SpeedStep technology, Intel`s Centrino technology dynamically optimises application performance and power usage. It also automatically adjusts power consumption and `powers down` the notebook to preserve battery life whenever possible," Maynard says.
Power management will not be the overall saviour, however. "Vendors are beginning to run out of options as far as decreasing power consumption is concerned. New innovations in battery design will come to the table in the coming years, with the capability to even further extend notebook users` ability to work in an untethered manner," Maynard concludes.
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Tarsus Technologies is rated by suppliers and channel partners as SA`s leading hardware distributor for its stability, service ethos, product knowledge, excellent support, competitive pricing strategies and channel focus.
Distributing a wide range of products from the world`s leading manufacturers, including Acer, APC, HP, IBM, OKI, Samsung and Tally, and supplementing this range with its own brand - the Tarsus PC - Tarsus focuses strongly on long-lasting partnerships with its suppliers and resellers. In line with this philosophy, Tarsus provides a comprehensive range of services to its resellers that enables them to add value to their own offering, and assists them in growing their business.
It is this service offering that has afforded Tarsus a number of channel accolades. The latest include: Channel Executive Awards - 2002; Best Distributor Overall - 2002; Compaq`s "BDG Distributor of the Year" award - 2001 and CRN Outlook Awards - 2002.
More information about Tarsus is available at http://www.tarsus.co.za.
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