Defense bill could stifle computer trade

"In a move that has re-energized the debate over export controls on high-performance computers, the latest version of a defense-spending bill would require companies to seek licenses to export even underpowered desktop computers. "

"Today, computer sellers are required to get a license to export any computer with performance equal to or greater than a system with 32 Intel Itanium processors. The current version of the defense authorization act would lower that limit to systems deemed "militarily critical" by the Department of Defense. That level is currently set to the equivalent of a computer using a Pentium 3 processor running at 650MHz, state of the art in 1999 but considered feeble today. "


Didn't the Manhattan Project scientists develop the first atomic weapons with sliderules?


The rest of the story:
http://news.com.com/Defense+bill+cou...?tag=nefd.lede

I think gaming consoles are also covered by a similar document when exporting is brought into question.

Well they wouldnt allow more than 56bit encryption in xp when they first shipped them to the Middle East too.