Compaq, Gateway Compete in High-Speed Desktop Computer Market
Apr. 8 (The Orlando Sentinel/KRTBN)--In the Mel Brooks Star Wars spoof,
Spaceballs, a rocket accelerates from light speed to ridiculous speed.
The same thing is happening in the computer world, where the megahertz battle
has accelerated into gigahertz range.
Computers running at 1,000 MHz -- or 1 GHz -- appeared on store shelves
recently, about six months earlier than expected.
Rival chipmakers Intel and Advanced Micro Devices pushed up production of 1-GHz
chips as they sprinted past each other every other month in a race to produce
the fastest processor.
Two of the first systems to reach consumers are the Compaq Presario 5900Z and
the Gateway Select 1000, both powered by AMD Athlon 1 GHz processors. Other
systems, featuring Intel 1 GHz Pentium III processors, fall into the same
performance and price range.
The new Compaq and Gateway computers are high-end systems, loaded with memory,
storage, multimedia and connectivity. They are priced at more than $3,000.
Despite the hype and the hefty price tags for 1 GHz systems, consumers come out
ahead because:
-- The systems offer head-turning speed that appeals to gamers and megahertz
junkies.
-- These faster systems drive down the price of slightly slower but still-speedy
computers with chips ranging from 600 MHz to 850 MHz.
For example, a Gateway system with a 650 MHz Athlon chip, 128 MB memory, 10 GB
hard disk and 17-inch monitor lists for $1,428, about half the cost of the 1 GHz
system. For a little more performance, consider another Compaq 5900Z model
equipped with a 700 MHz Athlon chip, 128 MB memory, 20 GB hard disk and 17-inch
monitor for $1,771.
Stepping up to a 1-GHz model brings about 33 percent more speed for about double
the price. Of course, the more-expensive models include components with more
oomph, such as bigger, faster hard drives and more-realistic sound systems.
Both the Compaq and Gateway systems feature 19-inch monitors that offer plenty
of space for multi-tasking and Web surfing. The Gateway monitor includes 12
buttons across the bottom for screen adjustments, while the Compaq unit offers
video fine-tuning primarily through on-screen menus.
Neither company skimps on video circuitry to drive the big monitors. Graphics
cards equipped with 32 MB of memory drive the 19-inch displays at 32-bit color,
the most realistic level available.
A DVD drive is standard on both systems, but Compaq includes a CD-RW drive for
users who want to burn their own CDs. The CD-RW drive is an option on the
Gateway system.
Multimedia enthusiasts won't be disappointed in the speakers on either system.
Subwoofers provide low-end sound that adds realism to action games.
The keyboards shipped with each system feature extra buttons for controlling
CD/DVD tasks, Web access, sleep and other functions. The Compaq keyboard's extra
keys are larger and easier to read, but the typing action of the Gateway keys is
more solid and satisfying.
The Compaq Presario 5900Z system includes a few extras not found on the Gateway:
four USB ports, two of them conveniently located on the front of the unit; and
two high-speed IEEE 1394 ports for digital cameras and other connections.
The Gateway has no ports on the front, but there are three USB ports and two
serial ports, along with a connector for a digital monitor in the rear. And
Gateway has Compaq beat when it comes to the warranty. The Gateway system has a
three-year parts and labor warranty, while the Compaq warranty is for one year.
COMPAQ 5900Z
CPU: AMD Athlon 1 GHz
Memory: 256 MB
Hard disk: 30 GB
Monitor: 19-inch
Modem: 56K
DVD: 10x DVD
Optical storage: CD-RW drive
Graphics card: Creative Annihilator GeForce 256
Video memory: 32 MB
Sound: Sound Blaster Live
Speakers: Altec Lansing three-piece speaker set
Software: Microsoft Office Small Business Edition 2000
Warranty: One year parts and labor
Price: $3,416
GATEWAY SELECT 1000
CPU: AMD Athlon 1 GHz
Memory: 128 MB
Hard disk: 30 GB
Monitor: 19-inch
Modem: 56K
DVD: 8X
Optical storage: Not included
Graphics card: Nvidia GeForce 256
Video memory: 32 MB
Sound: Sound Blaster Live
Speakers: Boston Acoustics three-piece speaker set
Software: Microsoft Office Small Business Edition 2000
Warranty: Three years parts and labor
Price: $3,028
By Chris Cobbs
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