IBM fails to keep up with Toshiba and Compaq

As predicted here early in August, Toshiba and Compaq duly rolled out re-vamped version of their notebook lines, to coincide with the launch of the PII/300 mobile chip from Intel. But IBM does not have a ThinkPad using the chip, the company admitted today. That will mean future channel conflict, as the few distributors who sell notebooks in Europe and the UK, are being forced to sell small form-factor PCs at a reduced price. Over the next few weeks, Toshiba, IBM and Compaq distributors will be forced to discount stock, albeit with price protection, because of Intel's launch. Distributors told The Register last month of Compaq, Toshiba and IBM plans. ®