The 30 pound PC portable is similar in function and capability to the PC, but is a one piece unit that folds into an oversized briefcase.
Both a business and student oriented computer, the DEC Rainbow can run approximately 2000 programs, and is highly comparable to the IBM PC. Again humanities and social studies users would find it particularly useful, while science oriented users might be better of with the IBM PC/XT, Sonnie says.
In sum, the IBM PC, Portable, and the DEC Rainbow are geared most towards the users who do a lot of writing, such as humanities majors. The Macintosh is a less expensive student oriented machine, with the drawback of limited software. Science oriented users would benefit most from the IBM PC/XT, and the DEC Professional 350 is a high powered all purpose computer. Finally, the DECmate II word processor is geared toward secretarial and administrative uses and is not often selected by students.
Networks
Harvard's computerization, however, is not focusing solely on sales, as administrators are exploring tying the personal computers together. This past summer, the University installed a cable network linking computers and terminals in several major administrative buildings on campus. Networking is crucial to any "computerized campus," as students and professors will want to communicate with one another, as well as retrieve data and other information from a central computer.
But networking is a complex business. The question of computability--that is, how to make different brands of computers talk to each other--remains a problem. Until this is worked out, networking here, and elsewhere, is likely to remain primitive.
"We're waiting to see how this first networking system works out before we extend it to other buildings and the dorms," says Paul C. Martin '52, dean of the Division of Applied Sciences.
When and if the University does establish such a system, officials say it is likely that the IBM, DEC and Apple machines would be compatible, but they are unwilling to speculate on the possibilities that lower priced brands would fit into the system.
"You're never 100 percent sure, but by going with IBM, DEC and Apple, you can expect to be pretty safe," Sonnie says.
Classes
On another front, the University will continue to experiment with personal computers in a number of courses. In Computer Sciences, the Macintosh will be used in Computer Science 11, "computers, Algorithms, and Programs." As in the past, an experimental section of Expository Writing will utilize IBM computers, and for the first time an experimental section of Social Analysis 10, "Principles of Economics," will utilize personal computers.
In foreign languages, programs have been developed to allow use of the Macintosh in courses ranging from German to Greek, says Scott Bradner, director of the foreign language software development program. He pointed specifically to computer directed vocabulary drills and translation testing as two examples of potential uses.
Further applications and designs of computer systems and programs at Harvard are currently under consideration by a set of five faculty task forces established last year by former Dean of the Faculty Henry Rosovsky. The committees are now closing out their discussions and are expected to submit reports this fall.