Targeting another niche in the computer industry, Intel this week introduced a workstation aimed specifically at conference rooms. The TeamStation System 4.0 combines video conferencing, Internet access, corporate network access and PC applications.

Intel says it "will allow people in a meeting to complete work without rushing back to their desktops for final adjustments". The company estimates there are as many as 10 million conference rooms worldwide and that 37 per cent of employee time is spent in meetings.

"Technology has revolutionised desktop productivity, but meeting productivity hasn't changed much since the 1950s," said Mr Scott Darling, general manager of the Intel Business Communication Products. The TeamStation, using the Pentium II processor and Windows NT, comes with a suggested retail price of $10,000 (£7,142).