End-User Benefit
With ACPI, the end-user benefit is closely related to the goals of the instantly available PC concept. From the computer user perspective, the PC is off and quiet when not in use, and returns to fully operating capability when needed. Many system components, including hardware and software, must contribute in order to obtain the desired system operation. Consistent and reliable behavior can only be achieved through OSPM, which can control the power policy and coordination across a wide-range of computer types (server, desktop, mobile PC, and network computer).
To achieve the desired operation, software components such as applications, drivers, and firmware (BIOS) are all affected. As an example, when the user pushes the Power button at the end of the day on an ACPI-compliant system, it will enter an S3 (Suspend to RAM) or S4 (Suspend to Disk) state. The next morning, when the user comes into work and presses the Power button, the system will resume (~ 3 to 5 s for S3 and ~ 10 to 15 s for S4) instead of rebooting (~ 1 to 2 min).
Other benefits the user will see are smarter PM and improved battery life for mobile PCs. With ACPI, mobile users will no longer have their systems prevented from entering low-power system-sleeping states because they had enabled a screen saver. ACPI will also address the other extreme: the system performing a PM feature when it is not appropriate. A good example can be found today, when giving a presentation on a mobile computer the screen will blank if a key has not been pressed within a certain time. This type of issue will no longer be a problem with ACPI.
The PnP aspects of ACPI also will benefit end users. It won't make configuration errors disappear, but it should prevent days and/or nights of unsuccessful computer upgrades.
Availability
ACPI support is required as part of PC98 compliance in April 1998. Systems will begin featuring hardware support for ACPI as early as January 1998, with provisions for BIOS upgrades when Windows 98 or NT 5.0 testing has been completed. According to Microsoft, Windows 98 is currently scheduled for release in the first half of 1998, and NT 5.0 in the second half of 1998.
Intel, Microsoft, and the major BIOS vendors are all providing support for OEM's to ensure there will be no hardware road blocks to the release of ACPI-compliant systems. Intel, Microsoft, and Toshiba, to help speed development of ACPI-compliant systems, have hosted ACPI Implementation Workshops. Microsoft is providing a Hardware Compatibility Test that checks for ACPI hardware compatibility. Intel provides three tools focusing on testing system power with different levels of accuracy: Intel Power Monitor, Intel Power Management Analysis Tool, and Intel Power Analyst. For more information on these tools and the Intel Mobile Power Initiative please visit http://developer.intel.com/design/mobile/intelpower.