IBM Refuses to Tip Hand on Plans for PC Computer

Even in this city, where the strongest of inhibitions can be lost in one flip of a card, International Business Machines is maintaining its usual poker face.

Among the more than 60,000 computer manufacturers, dealers and buyers gathered here for the eighth annual Comdex trade show, speculation was rife that IBM would open up a bit about its plans for a new-generation personal computer.

That speculation was fueled by the scheduling of a Monday morning IBM press conference and by hopes that new product introductions from the industry leader would spur a yearned-for revival in small computer sales.

But it was no dice.

IBM cancelled its press conference, and a spokeswoman said the scheduling of one was merely a “misunderstanding” with the show’s sponsors.

William Lowe, president of IBM’s personal computer division, declined all comment on when--or if--IBM would introduce a new low-end PC to replace its 5-year-old basic PC. One industry expert predicted that such an announcement may not come until March.