IBM's new 8514-A graphics adapter: clears a path for driverless software and peripherals. (Ideas and Trends)

IBM's NEW 8514/A GRAPHIC ADAPTED

Two years ago, IBM's Enhanced Graphics Adapter (EGA) brought acceptable color graphics to IBM PCs and compatibles. EGA displays, with their 640-by-350-pixel resolution, were soon eclipsed, first by the higher 640-by-480-pixel resolution of IBM's Video Graphics Array (VGA) board, then by super VGA-type boards from other companies, which have resolutions of 800 by 600 pixels and higher.

Now, perhaps, a more permanent standard is quietly in the making. IBM's 8514/A Display Adapter, introduced with little fanfare when the company brought out its PS/2 line of computers, is beginning to spawn clones of its own. The 8514/A outdoes even the most capable VGA boards. Like some super VGA adapters, it delivers high-end resolution: 1,024 by 768 pixels. Unlike the super VGAs, however, it can display 256 …