Acer boss questions validity of quad core chips

PC DESIGN will become more focused on what the consumer really wants to do with their computer rather than try to be all things to all people, Acer boss Gianfranco Lanci says.

The small form factor PC will be in and the big box will be out. PC buyers may have to be educated to realise that expandability is a waste of space and power, Lanci suggests, but he believes that to cut costs and be kinder to the environment the small form factor box will deliver only what the customer needs "and no more".

For Lanci being green is not just a marketing message."It's something we need to do because it is important." It's the socially responsible thing to do.

"We are human beings and we want to live on this planet for as long as possible - I hope."

But it will become increasingly difficult in the short term to manage power in multi-core products, he suggests.

"Do we need quad core or not" he asked. "It's a very good question." µ