Compaq Completes Commercial Desktop Redesign With Introduction of Aggressively Priced Deskpro EX
Deskpro EX Delivers Latest Technology at Breakthrough Prices; New 'S' Edition Armada and Deskpro Models Provide Ready-to-Run Business Applications and Services
HOUSTON, Sept. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ - news) today
completed the redesign and simplification of its commercial desktop line with the introduction of the
Compaq Deskpro EX, a new line of aggressively priced products designed for customers who value
the best performance for the price and want to take advantage of the newest technology as it becomes
available. Compaq will also expand the Deskpro commercial desktop line and the Armada
commercial notebook line to include new ``S'' edition models -- Deskpro EXS, Armada E500S and
Armada 100S -- designed for the small and growing business markets.
Continuing its strategy to deliver simple, targeted product offerings to its customers, Compaq makes
purchasing decisions easier for business desktop users by providing two distinct product lines
designed toward specific customer needs. The new Deskpro EX Series is designed for customers
seeking the optimal balance between price and performance, as well as for those who want a wide
range of industry-leading products at breakthrough prices. Customers who rely on stable platforms
with exceptional manageability and enhanced serviceability will find that the Deskpro EN Series,
introduced in June, continues to meet their requirements.
Simplified Solutions for Small and Growing Business
Compaq will take this simplification a step further by transitioning the current Prosignia product line
of SMB products into the Deskpro and Armada ``S'' edition products. By streamlining its product
family, Compaq provides growing businesses the outstanding features and reliability for which the
Armada and Deskpro lines are known, while still providing the flexibility, out-of-box productivity
and services previously offered with Prosignia products.
``Growing businesses and enterprise customers have the same core IT requirements -- quality and
reliability at breakthrough prices,'' said Mike Pocock, Vice President and General Manager,
Customer Marketing, for Compaq's Commercial Personal Computing Group. ``By focusing our
resources on the Armada and Deskpro lines, we can improve the customer's buying experience by
better addressing his or her requirements through a simplified product offering.''
Above-the-Box Solutions
All new ``S'' edition products, including the Deskpro EXS, Armada E500S and Armada 100S,
feature access to MyWorkspace.compaq.com, a customizable business-to-business Web site offering
news, information, and access to Compaq Online Services. Comprising comprehensive business
oriented content, MyWorkspace.compaq.com allows users to automate and streamline business
practices. These online productivity tools include Compaq's Small Business Resource Center, Free
All-in-One eBusiness, Online Training, Online Postage, and Internet access through
Compaq.NET(TM) for Business. The ``S'' edition products also feature a suite of services, including
a three- year warranty, self-help tool, installation and network assessment solutions.
Deskpro EX -- Compaq Quality at Breakthrough Prices
The new Deskpro EX models provides Compaq quality at aggressive prices, regardless of whether
the customer is an enterprise or growing business. Starting at $699(1), and available in either a
desktop or minitower chassis, the Deskpro EX is designed with flexibility in mind. It features Intel®
Celeron(TM) and Pentium® III processors with speeds ranging from 566 MHz to 1 GHz, memory
configurations up to 512MB and a variety of component options, including the latest graphics
offerings from NVIDIA.
In order to maintain the best combination of price and performance, the Deskpro EX Series will
offer new models quarterly and will incorporate new technologies even more frequently. The
Deskpro EXS models feature similar configurations and options available on the Deskpro EX
models, but add the choice of a pre-installed Microsoft Office application and include Norton
AntiVirus software.
Select Deskpro EX and EXS models are available immediately with the entire product line expected
to be offered worldwide in October. The EX models will be available thorough traditional Compaq
sales channels including resellers, agents and directly through Compaq's DirectPlus Web site. The
EXS models are only sold direct through the DirectPlus Web site or through Compaq's Partner
Direct and agent programs.
(1) All prices listed herein are suggested U.S. selling prices. Actual
pricing will vary.
Portable Solutions for the Growing Business
Starting at $ 1,099, the new Armada 100S is designed for the budget- conscious user who is looking
for a low cost, easy-to-use notebook that incorporates mainstream computing technologies without
compromising basic functionality. It features the latest in notebook technology, including a mobile
AMD K6®-2+ 533MHz global processor, up to a 13.3-inch TFT screen, 2X AGP graphics, 24X
MAX CD-ROM, 5.0 GB hard drive, and v.90 56 K modem (AC97).
The Armada E500S, starting at $2,099, is the perfect all-in-one portable computing solution that can
be configured to meet the most demanding needs of a growing business. Providing both outstanding
expandability and performance, the Armada E500S allows business users to customize a unique
configuration with choice of Intel mobile Pentium III processors with speeds of up to 650 MHz, an
integrated MultiBay, choice of up to a 14.1-inch TFT display and either a five, 12 or 18GB SMART
hard drive. The Armada E500S also allows users to configure an integrated Mini PCI modem,
integrated Mini PCI modem/NIC combo, touchpad or pointing stick pointing device. All Armada ``S''
products offer a choice of pre-installed business productivity software.
About Compaq
Compaq Computer Corporation, a Fortune Global 100 company, is the largest supplier of computing
systems in the world. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures, and markets hardware, software,
solutions, and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant
business-critical solutions, and communications products, commercial desktop and portable
products, and consumer PCs.
Compaq products and services are sold in more than 200 countries directly to businesses, through a
network of authorized Compaq marketing partners, and directly to businesses and consumers through
Compaq's e-commerce Web site at compaq.com. Compaq markets its products and
services primarily to customers from the business, home, government, and education sectors.
Customer support and information about Compaq and its products and services are available at
compaq.com.
Compaq is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Product names mentioned herein
may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. This press release
may contain forward-looking statements based on current expectations that involve a number of risks
and uncertainties. The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially include: delays in the implementation of changes in delivery models, increased
competitive environment and pricing pressures, delays in product rollout schedules, component
shortages, slow acceptance for new form factors, employee retention, disruptions related to
restructuring actions, the financial condition of resellers, delays in new systems implementation,
operational inefficiencies related to sales cycles, equity investment volatility, and emerging market
political or economic instability. Further information on the factors that could affect Compaq's
financial results is included in Compaq's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings,
including the latest Annual Report on form 10-K and the latest Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
SOURCE: Compaq Computer Corporation
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