Chapter 204: Equal Footing

To put it seriously, Intel's 80286 had pretty decent performance. Although it wasn't as good as Motorola's 6800 series, it was still better than the 6700.

Intel was quite peculiar, using a 24-bit data bus to stay a step ahead.

As mentioned earlier, the 6800 was essentially still a 16-bit CPU but used a 32-bit bus. This was crucial for software that required large memory or major data transfers.

From a data perspective, the 80286 wasn't as impressive as Motorola's 6800. However, that was just on paper. In practical use, large data sets were rarely an issue, and large memory was even less so.

When compared, Intel's advantages became quite apparent. The 6800 series was also manufactured in America, but Motorola's production management wasn't as good as Intel's. Forget about a price war; Intel had the upper hand overall.

Of course, Motorola had its advantages too. Apple and Commodore both had computers based on the 6800 CPU. The models they focused on just had lower core frequencies.

In simple terms, with high RAM prices and not much database application, everyone's level was about the same.

IBM was quite devious. They easily spotted the weaknesses of Apple and Commodore, or rather, the personal PC market at the time was a mess with everyone doing their own thing.

William White tried convincing Apple or Commodore, but unfortunately, no one paid attention to him.

...

Looking at the two computers before him, someone was speechless. Steve Jobs was becoming more like a fashion designer, while Commodore computer continued to be like a word processor.

"Sir, these two things just don't cut it; there's nothing exciting about them."

"Tom, let it go. Let's deal with IBM first. They didn't mess around this time, did they?"

"Nope, in fact, that Bill Gates fellow often comes here. We can get software first-hand."

"Hmm, keep in touch."

William White actually wanted to say, "You idiot Tom, daring to underestimate Bill Gates, you must be out of your mind."

But in the end, William White didn't warn him, because it was meaningless. Even with his small wings clipped, things that couldn't be changed remained unchanged.

For instance, Bill Gates - despite William White messing with him once - seemed unfazed. Could it be the legendary protagonist halo?

"Damn it, I'm the real hero here."

Though William White was displeased, he didn't intend to change his stance. He didn't want to overwork himself and saw no need to meddle with operating systems.

Money is endless, but a person's energy is limited. He intended to live comfortably, and if he was surrounded by beauties, that'd be perfect.

Once money reaches a certain number, it really is just numbers. If the number becomes too terrifying, it wouldn't just disturb a household; it might shock the whole neighborhood.

Why was Citibank always giving him trouble?

Simply because they were jealous. Without corresponding strength, too much money becomes the original sin.

Countries and companies are the same; those with similar strengths naturally become competitors. Citibank saw this. William White's current power was negligible, but the old folks at Citibank believed his potential was too great, making a bit of suppression a logical move.

The CPU released by Intel was quickly adopted by IBM, and the 286 computer made its historic debut. What puzzled people was why folks of that era loved using numbers so much.

For example, Intel just rolled out 286, 386, and Motorola wasn't much different either. Whether it was the influence of too many German scientists, who knows? Germans did like using numbers. The same device, its suffix number represented different functionalities. Although William White didn't like it, he didn't want to change it either. 6800 was just fine, as it at least looked like a large number.

Apple's Lisa computer finally met a strong rival. Although saying it "retreated at every step" was an exaggeration, its slight decline was an undeniable fact.

The only good news was that after upgrading, the Apple II still showed steady growth in sales. Because of this, Apple's stock also performed quite nicely.

...

"Jobs, is our closed system really not favored?"

"Markkula, that jerk naturally hopes we use a unified system. They sell office software, and different systems are a headache for them."

"So that's the case; what we used to do on the farm has become such a hassle now."

"I went to see it; it really isn't convenient. Aside from us and Commodore, Microsoft's system has already stopped the development of other systems."

While Jobs was cursing William White, William White was cursing him. Would you call this being on the same wavelength or just great minds thinking alike?

"Darn it, how can this grass-eating guy be so stubborn? Now there's nothing to do, no chance anymore."

"Sir, IBM isn't dominating though!"

Hearing Tom's response, William White was momentarily exasperated. Apple has been through several generations! If they're not dominating yet, they might as well jump into the Pacific.

"Tom, do you know once IBM published the standard, not only third-party computer manufacturers, even we need to improve relationships with them. What kind of company is a first-rate company? It's one that sets the standards."

"While the reasoning is right, unfortunately, neither of them yields to the other."

"Alright, let's leave it at that. This thing might still last a few more years; after that, it won't be worth paying much attention to."

"Sir, it's not like that, isn't it? They're still growing rapidly."

"Remember this, a first-rate company sets standards. Losing that first move, there won't be any miracles. Keep this in mind; we are 18 months away from bankruptcy, don't think I'm fear-mongering. The company that might replace us is probably sharpening its knives in some garage right now. Make this a banner and hang it where everyone can see it, to make people in the company aware of the crisis. Taking down Lotus so early might have been a mistake; it might be better to have a competitor."

Hearing these words, Tom could no longer stay calm. Although a bit skeptical, he became much more cautious.

Even if some of his subordinates weren't reliable, William White's advice was nothing short of nonsense, imagining Apple and Commodore collaborating.

It's hard to deny this idea carries a hint of romanticism. The two companies were already at each other's throats, how could they possibly collaborate?

William White was the sort who held a severe sense of romanticism. If not for his cheats being fully open, he might have long met his fate.

That's why folks moan about artsy types. They shouldn't manage companies or countries; otherwise, there might be serious errors.

*****

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