March 1, 2000
Compaq's iPaq is
Actually a
Corporate PC
We're not sure why Compaq calls the iPaq an Internet
device. Is it the sub-minitower size? The limited
expandability? The less-than-workistation performance?
One thing is sure, this is a corporate product at heart,
not a home or SOHO Internet device.
The iPaq is small, though not particularly thin in terms
of hardware or software. It comes with standard
Microsoft operating systems and applications. The only
processor speed currently available is 500 MHz, but
you can get either a Celeron or Pentium III in this
closed-box machine. The only way you can buy one is
direct from Compaq's site. Does that make it an
Internet device?
The most interesting thing about the iPaq is that you
can get it with legacy ports ? serial, parallel, and PS/2
? or as a legacy-free machine. Compaq has evidently
listened to its customers, and realizes that corporations
are in no particular hurry to leap onto the USB
bandwagon. Both models have built-in Ethernet; there's
no suggestion that you should attempt to network
through the USB port.
The iPaq has strong manageability features. While
they're not unique, some of them are a new offering, at
least from Compaq. We've got the details in the review.
Check it out.
(http://www.siliconinvestor.com/readmsg.aspx?msgid=13009000)
Many people are resistant to the idea of a
non-expandable machine. So they go out and buy
mini-towers, which then go to their graves without ever
having the cover removed. I'm warming to the idea of
closed-box machines, as long as they have the right
stuff inside at the outset.
What do you think? Are you ready for closed-box
machines? How attractive is the manageability issue for
you? |
