Intel inside means nothing in retail
Cyrix, fresh from Packard Bell deal, to hook up with
Wyse
By Lisa DiCarlo, PC Week Online
05.21.98 6:35 pm ET
Cyrix Corp.'s bid for a volume OEM isn't going to
stop with today's broad partnership with Packard
Bell NEC.
Next week, Cyrix, a National Semiconductor Corp.
subsidiary, will announce that Wyse Technology Inc.
is using its MediaGX processors in Windows-based terminals, sources said. That will
mark the first thin-client company to use Cyrix processors.
What's more, Cyrix officials pledge to sign on another tier-one PC maker for the
MediaGX by July.
It's big news for Cyrix, which for years lacked big-name OEMs for its processors.
That changed in February 1996, when it snagged Compaq Computer Corp. to use its
first MediaGX in Presario PCs.
Today, though, Cyrix and Packard Bell NEC announced they have entered into a
long-term agreement, with the PC manufacturer planning to use new Pentium
Processor with MMX Technology-based integrated MediaGX processors and the
300MHz M II.
In addition, Packard Bell will use Cyrix's highly integrated "system on a chip." That
has sparked speculation that Packard Bell could cut the cost of a home computer to
below $500.
The processors will be used in Packard Bell's retail desktops and NEC's Ready
desktops, also sold at retail. Packard Bell NEC's higher-end desktops and portables
will continue to use Intel Corp. processors.
"This is far more reaching than a point product offering,'' said Stan Swearingen, senior
director of business development at Cyrix. ''We are joined for the future. Packard Bell
is getting involved in the specifications ''
Packard Bell, of Sacramento, Calif., will announce specific configurations and pricing
next week, but Executive Vice President Mal Ransom said all the products will be
under $1,000. |
