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Monday November 16 1:01 PM ET
Compaq unveils 'Internet PCs'
PC Week
By John Dodge and Rob O'Regan, ZDNet
LAS VEGAS - Compaq Computer Corp. on Monday introduced a new line of "Internet PCs" equipped with digital modems, as well as a series of partnerships to give consumers a range of options for hooking up to the Internet.
The Houston-based computer maker's new Presario 5100c series comes with an ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) modem, offering download speeds of 1.5M bps. The modem, which Compaq (NYSE:CPQ) built with Lucent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:LUC), adheres to the emerging G.Lite ADSL standard.
There's only one caveat: The G.Lite standard is not yet final, and Internet services based on the standard are not expected until 1999.
The 5100c series, available through retail channels or directly from Compaq, includes Advanced Micro Devices Inc.'s 400MHz K6-2 processor, 128MB of memory, 8GB hard drive and a five-speed DVD ROM drive. Pricing begins at $1,699, though customers will receive a $100 rebate if they sign up for a 50-hour free trial of Compaq's Easy Access Internet Service, which is powered by GTE.
Triple play
GTE is one of the partners in Compaq's new "Triple Play" program, under which Compaq has forged relationships with several cable, DSL and satellite service providers. In addition to GTE, Compaq is working with Road Runner/MediaOne Express, @Home Network, Ameritech, Bell Atlantic, BellSouth, Hughes Network Systems/DirecPC, SBC Communications Inc., Sprint Corp. and MCI Worldcom Inc.'s UUNet division.
Compaq is hooking up with these companies to provide a variety of broadband Internet access services. Details on the program so far are sketchy; deliverables will depend on the service providers' schedules for rolling out new high-speed broadband services.
Compaq CEO Eckhard Pfeiffer is expected to talk about the new Internet PC strategy during his keynote speech at Comdex on Monday, November 16 at 11AM PT live on ZDTV. |
