The Fall of IBM PCs: Factors Leading to the Company’s Departure from the Market

Founded in 1911, IBM is a remarkably old entity that initially dealt with some of the first data tabulating machines, alongside pioneering the punch-card data format. The company consistently advanced computing potential, transitioning to extensive mainframes employed by corporations and organizations such as NASA. Currently, the market for personal computers aimed at consumers is highly varied, featuring brands and producers that present devices across a wide range of prices and functionalities globally.

In the 1980s, however, computers were primarily viewed as instruments for businesses and enthusiasts rather than for everyday domestic use. IBM was the organization that transformed this perception, yet its dominance in this domain was fleeting, as it was eventually edged out of the very market it had energized.

Although IBM became synonymous with the PC revolution and reaped significant profits, its unprecedented accomplishment unwittingly raised the stakes too high for any subsequent endeavors. After the introduction of the IBM PC, all eyes in the industry turned towards IBM’s PC advancements, causing its other ventures, like mainframes and microcomputers, to diminish in visibility. Meanwhile, competitors capitalized on this shift, creating circumstances that eventually facilitated Lenovo’s acquisition of IBM.

IBM’s inaugural consumer-grade PC revolutionized the market

IBM’s initial consumer-oriented PC dramatically altered the landscape.

The Explanation Behind the Prohibition of a Timeless Steven Spielberg Sci-Fi Film in Scandinavia

and one of the few to support “Star Wars: Attack of the Clones,” but when Steven Spielberg brought “E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial” to audiences, his effort to phone home was not welcomed in Scandinavia. In 1982, E.T. and his illuminated finger were capturing hearts worldwide, one shattered moment at a time. Scandinavia, however, had imposed limitations on children younger than 10 from viewing the delightful tale of a boy and his extraterrestrial friend.

It’s not uncommon for certain movies to be prohibited internationally, as was the case with “Akira” in Russia. However, concerning “E.T.,” a UPI article from 1983 noted that the film depicted adults unfavorably, particularly with respect to the alien’s fleeting demise. Spielberg himself contested the review, advocating for a reduction of the age limit to 7 rather than 10. Instead, the Council of Children’s Films countered with a conclusive remark, stating, “The council’s view is that the film ‘E.T.’ could pose psychological harm to children aged over 7 but under 11 years.”

The then head of censorship, Gunnel Arrback, stated, “A significant portion of the film is embedded in a menacing and alarming atmosphere, rendering it unsuitable for children aged 7-8.” This ruling incited protests from children outside cinemas. While Spielberg attempted to present his argument for the film, it would take years before he modified the adult roles in the movie, leading to backlash for doing so.

An E.T. re-release introduced some digital enhancements to a pivotal scene in the film

<div class="slide-key image-holder gallery-image-holder credit-image-wrap " data-post-url="https://www.bgr.com/

YouTuber Develops DIY RAM to Tackle Soaring Costs in 2026

The persistent RAM issue has been escalating costs for almost all contemporary technology lately, prompting YouTuber Dr. Semiconductor to take action. He has opted to create his personal class 100 semiconductor cleanroom in a shed on his property, reclaiming the power (or in this instance, memory) from the major three manufacturers by producing RAM himself.

[embedded content]

The aforementioned top three companies, Micron Technology, Samsung, and SK Hynix, dominate an astonishing 95% of global RAM output. As demand has surged, largely fueled by tech enterprises aspiring to bolster their extensive AI initiatives, prices have correspondingly risen, with some instances skyrocketing by hundreds of percent.

With recent predictions suggesting that prices won’t stabilize until at least 2028, DIY enthusiasts have begun taking charge of production in an effort to delay RAMaggeddon. This highlights the seriousness of the crisis to motivate YouTubers to respond with a significant — and remarkable — degree of DIY creativity.

The origins of the RAM crisis

5 Errors to Steer Clear of When Buying a Foldable Android Smartphone

Samsung’s introduction of its inaugural foldable phone in 2019 made the category popular, and there’s speculation that Apple is also developing a foldable device. Sadly, several years following the debut of the first foldable phone, we still see limited options for such devices in the market. One contributing factor is the steep costs associated with these phones. For example, the Honor Magic V5 is priced at upwards of $1,600, while Samsung’s Galaxy Fold 7 begins at $1,999, clearly showing that these phones are not accessible to everyone.

Considering the significant investment required, purchasing a foldable phone should not be a spur-of-the-moment choice. It’s crucial to evaluate various aspects before committing to your first foldable phone to ensure you won’t regret your decision weeks or months later. More critically, it’s essential to be aware of the common traps that many individuals encounter when selecting a foldable phone.

Through the evaluation of numerous foldable phones over time, we’ve identified some of the prevalent errors that buyers make when acquiring this type of device, aiming to help you avoid these pitfalls. Staying alert to these missteps will help ensure you experience the most seamless ownership journey with whatever foldable Android phone you choose to purchase.

Overlooking additional coverage

Crucial Battery Storage Advice for Extended Device Maintenance

charging error that may be endangering your laptop battery or the batteries in your other devices. The concept is that remaining within that range minimizes chemical strain on the battery, enhancing its longevity and performance. But what should you do when you’re storing a device for an extended period? What steps should you take for a gadget you won’t be using for a while? Particularly since the battery continues to drain even when a device is switched off, albeit gradually.

The optimal approach is to turn off the device, as you typically would, but ensure the battery is at about half charge beforehand. Storing a fully drained device may lead the battery into a condition known as deep discharge. In this state, the battery will be unable to retain a charge. Conversely, if you keep the battery at full charge, it may lose capacity, reducing its overall lifespan.

If you’re keeping your device for an extended period, it’s advisable to power it on at least once every six months to verify the charge levels. If it reads 50%, you’re in the clear; if not, top it up slightly before turning it off again. An additional crucial factor to take into account is the location where you’re storing the device, especially the ambient temperature. Always avoid placing batteries in environments subject to extreme heat or cold. The preferred temperature range is between 50 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

Don’t let stored devices remain on a live charger, as well

The Functional Advantages of a 3D Printed Luggage

**The Creative 3D-Printed Luggage: A Fusion of Imagination and Functionality**

Flying is frequently an indispensable yet burdensome aspect of many individuals’ routines. Although large power banks are not allowed in carry-ons, intelligent luggage with tracking capabilities is permitted. Generally, travelers are confined to the options available in stores, but what if you could customize your own luggage with distinct attributes?

Recently, Matty Benedetto from the YouTube channel “Unnecessary Inventions” presented a 3D-printed suitcase. Motivated by his encounters with pricey Rimowa luggage that easily gets damaged, Benedetto chose to develop his own. His suitcase features a MagSafe phone holder, snack compartment, gimbal cup holder, foldable laptop table, and detachable feet for concealing Apple AirTags. It also includes a smart dial that shows airport weather. While Benedetto refers to these attributes as “unnecessary,” numerous travelers would value a suitcase that serves as a table and provides easy access to snacks.

**The Creation Process of the Suitcase**

Benedetto employed a Bambu Lab H2C printer, capable of producing multi-colored prints, which costs $2,399. Although pricier than the original suitcase, the H2C is a beneficial investment for diverse 3D-printing endeavors. Benedetto used TPU filament for shock-resistant corners and PLA filaments for wheel interiors. While the majority of components were 3D-printed, certain ones, like metal latches and hinges, were standard stock. He halted the printing of wheels to incorporate ball bearings for seamless rolling. The assembly process involved printing segments with metal dowels for robustness, applying Gloop glue to the shell, and securing metal components with screws.

**The Outcome of This Suitcase Experiment**

To evaluate his invention, Benedetto traveled with the suitcase on two flights. An unexpected problem occurred when the overhead compartment proved smaller than anticipated, resulting in a wheel detaching. Luckily, it was simple to reattach. However, during checked baggage storage, the suitcase lost the lid of the snack compartment and cup holder, developed a minor crack, and incurred scuffs. Despite these concerns, the suitcase remained in one piece, and the AirTag remained securely fastened.

Benedetto concluded that the 3D-printed suitcase “wasn’t a total loss,” but it was not the most practical option. While replacing lost components is doable, the usefulness of the suitcase as a laptop table may not warrant frequent repairs.

Aged Smartphones Could Present Concealed Fire Hazards

Marques Brownlee, known by the username @mkbhd, along with several of his contemporaries, observed that the batteries in their older Samsung devices were swelling at a significantly quicker pace compared to those from other manufacturers. The crucial term here is “quicker pace,” as it suggests that while batteries from other brands can also swell, their swelling occurs at a more gradual speed.

A swollen battery is one of the most evident indicators that a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery might be on the verge of exploding. Even when a device is turned off, the battery keeps draining, though at a lesser rate. Eventually, it will completely discharge, reaching a point of deep discharge. At this stage, the situation can become perilous. Marques explains that during this inactive phase, the battery’s electrolytes progressively evaporate. This process generates gases, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen, which can accumulate over time, leading to a visible bulge on the device due to the resulting internal pressure. 

Therefore, it’s time to retrieve your old smartphone from the drawer, closet, or cabinet where it’s been stored for years, and inspect it to make sure it’s not a fire hazard. Naturally, the most prudent choice would be to sell or recycle any devices you no longer foresee using.

Proper storage of your old phone could avert a potential fire

Comparison of One UI and Pixel UI: Selecting the Optimal Android Phone Configuration

A notable advantage of the Android smartphone ecosystem is that device makers introduce subtle tweaks to the operating system and its features to attract consumers to their products. No two Android devices are identical, particularly when comparing those from Google and Samsung. Samsung’s devices feature a deeply customized variant of Android known as One UI. This is a tailored skin that overlays the foundational Android software. It encompasses features like One UI Home, Galaxy AI, and enhanced theming (with Good Lock integration). This represents Samsung’s unique visual identity across its smartphone offerings, apparent in all its devices.

Google employs a similar strategy. While many would acknowledge that the Pixel phones from Google provide an almost stock Android experience, the Pixel UI introduces certain distinctions. The Pixel UI includes the Pixel Launcher, which is the default interface dictating the appearance of your device. It encompasses UI element arrangements on your home screen right down to the typography. Numerous updates from Google are directly applied to it, aiding in delivering a more streamlined Android experience compared to other UI overlays.

Who is One UI designed for?