Compaq doing DVD decode with software...................................
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Compaq Touts 'Simple, Easy' Presario Lineup - -July 7, 1997
By James K. Willcox
Compaq unveiled its new Presario lineup, which runs the gamut from a $799 180MHz Cyrix MediaGX-based desktop system to a fully configured Presario multimedia notebook that will likely be priced above $3,000.
Compaq executives said at a New York press conference last week that the company continues to consistently gain market share, holding 21% of the U.S. retail market in both desktops and notebooks.
Compaq also showed a new retail-targeted Armada notebook, an Epson photo-quality printer that matches the Presario's cosmetics, and a new Extra Mile service and support program it claims will be a differentiating feature with consumers.
Among the highlighted new features: second-generation DVD-ROM drives, optimized for Pentium II systems, which will play DVD-ROM software and DVD movies; a Creativity Imaging Center, a 4800 Series enhancement for capturing still and video images; an eight-hour audio CD play mode on the 1200 and 1600 Series notebooks; a "Home Theater" sound package that includes MPEG-2 video playback, Dolby Digital Surround sound, JBL 3D Virtual Theater (VMAx) sound - which provides five-speaker positional sound through just two speakers - and JBL Pro speakers; and one-touch Internet access.
Interestingly, Compaq is not using an MPEG-2/AC-3 decoder chipset. Instead, it has taken the algorithms for the decoding - and decryption - and implemented them in software. When combined with the power of a Pentium II processor, an advanced 3D video card, and Intel's not yet announced dedicated graphics port, called AGP, Compaq's top-of-the-line PC is capable of impressive DVD performance.
In addition, Compaq has redesigned its Easy Access buttons, which are now backlit, and is including send-and-receive video phone software with Intel ProShare technology on its 4800 Series PCs for making video phone calls over telephone lines.
"Our goal is to become the preferred brand in the digital home," said Mike Heil, senior VP/general manager of Compaq's consumer group. "Customers have asked for simpler, more intuitive access to their most used features, more power, and some creative versatility. Our engineers have taken that feedback and delivered this feature-packed line of home computers."
Sales and marketing VP Mike Larson said that Compaq's "customer-focused approach" is paying dividends, with retail sales 50% higher than its closest competitor. "Shipments are up 34%, and we will ship more products in the back half of this year than [we did] in the entire 1996."
During his introduction of the actual products, Rod Schrock, Presario PC division VP, commented on Compaq's aggressive pricing, saying, "We have lowered our costs by changing the way we conduct our business. For example, the products have been designed with 40 fewer components, and there has been a 50% reduction in our development cycle, which is now six months or less. As a result, there has been a four-fold increase in operating efficiency."
From the stage, Schrock demonstrated how easy it was to use the Creativity Imaging Center by capturing a video image from a camcorder, editing the images, and then attaching the video to an e-mail.
Also displayed was Compaq's DisqPlay technology, included in the Presario 1200 and 1600 Series notebooks, which provides eight hours of audio CD play without booting up the computer.
As part of a collaborative effort with Epson, a special co-branded version of Epson's 1,440 dpi Epson 600 printer - called the 600Q - will be introduced, with cosmetics that match the new Presario lineup. All new Presario models come with the Epson 600Q drivers pre-loaded. The printer is expected to sell for $299 beginning in August.
Among the key product highlights:
The Presario 2200 Series, a $799 entry-level system ($999 with a 14" Compaq monitor) that uses Cyrix's new 180MH MediaGX processor and includes 16MB of RAM, a 1.6GB HDD, 8X CD-ROM, and a 33.6 modem upgradable to 56K.
The Presario 4500 Series, a line of entry-level mini-tower designs that start at $999 and run to $1,899, with 200MHz to 233MHz Pentium processors (some with MMX), 16MB to 32MB of SyncDRAM, 2.1-3.2GB HDDs, 16X-24X CD-ROMs, and 33.6 modems upgradable to 56K. The audio package includes JBL Pro speakers, JBL 3D Virtual Theater and Dolby Digital Surround, plus MPEG-2 video.
The Presario three-SKU 4800 Series, an ultimate multimedia offering with powerful processors, the JBL and Dolby audio package listed above, MPEG-2 video, and Compaq Creativity Imaging Center for capturing video and still images. Initial models will feature 200MHz or 233MHz Pentiums with MMX or 233MHz Pentium II processors, 32MB of SyncDRAM, 4.3-6.5GB HDDs, 24X CD-ROM drives, 56K modems and 2MB of SyncGraphics memory. One SKU, model 4814, includes a 100MB Iomega Zip drive.
Prices range from $1,899 to $2,699. However, the company is expected to sell a DVD-equipped SKU this September at a price of $2,899.
In addition to the new desktops, three Presario notebook models were introduced, along with a new retail Armada SKU. The Presario notebooks are priced between $2,299 and $2,999, while the Armada is expected to sell for $3,699.
The Presario 1210 includes a 12.1" STN display, eight-hour DisqPlay, a 150MHz Pentium processor upgradable to MMX, 16MB of SyncDRAM, a 1.4GB HDD, 14X Max CD-ROM drive, and a 33.6K/14.4 data/fax modem. The 1610 upgrades the modem to 56K, the HDD to 1.6GB, video memory to 2MB, and the audio with 4X Bass Boost Reflex. The 1620, which debuts in August at an undisclosed price, moves to a 166MHz Pentium MMX processor, 2.1GB HDD, and a 20X Max CD-ROM drive.
The Armada 1585DMT is a fully integrated business notebook that targets small- and medium-size businesses shopping in the retail channel.
The 1585DMT comes with a 150MHz Pentium processor with MMX, 12.1" TFT display, 16MB of EDO RAM, 2.1GB HDD, 12X CD-ROM drive, a removable diskette drive that can be swapped with an Enhanced Smart NiMH batter, and dual installation of both Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 95.
Compaq also unveiled a new multimedia monitor, the FX 500, a 15" color model that features front "quick-connect" USB connectors and JBL Pro ported speakers. |
