Jon, yes I read about them but haven't used one...here's the low-down...
Compaq Introduces World's First Broadband-Ready Internet PCs
New Presario Line Delivers Internet Access Up to 25 Times Faster(1) Than Competitors At Prices Up to $300 Lower Than Dell and Gateway(2)
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 16, 1998-- Editors' Summary
New Presario 5100c Series and award-winning Presario 5600 Series are the world's first Internet PCs equipped with 1.5Mb Max Digital modems
Presario 5100c Series and Presario 5190 feature leading price/performance 400MHz AMD-K6-2 processor and suite of leading-edge digital technologies
New digital flat panel monitor - FP700 - delivers brighter digital images and large 15'' viewing area for just $899
Presario 5600 Series with 450MHz Pentium II Processor, 1.5Mb Max Digital modem and FP700 Monitor available for only $2,793 (after rebate)(3)
New Presario Broadband-ready Internet PCs available now through 6,000 ''Built for You'' stations nationwide or online at compaq.com or direct at 1-800-888-0220
Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ - news) today announced the world's first broadband-ready Internet PCs with integrated Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) modems, providing Internet connections up to 25 times faster(1) than current 56K modems. With this announcement Compaq is redefining home PC value by delivering this technology to consumers first and by offering these new PCs at breakthrough prices - up to several hundred dollars less than competitive systems.
''Compaq once again delivers on our commitment to offer consumers the best possible Internet computing experience with the fastest and easiest Internet access,'' said Rod Schrock, Senior Vice President and Group General Manager, Consumer Products Group, Compaq Computer Corporation. ''Only Compaq offers products rich in technology and value that are available for purchase in the most convenient fashion consumers choose. For example, Compaq's exclusive 'Built For You' program, in 6,000 store locations nationwide, allows our retail partners to offer Compaq's first-to-market broadband-ready Internet PCs at remarkable prices.''
Compaq First to Deliver Future Technology with 1.5Mb Max Digital
Modem
The new Compaq 1.5Mb Max Digital modem enables consumers to prepare for the emerging digital communication speeds of tomorrow. With this modem, consumers will be able to download multimedia-rich Web pages up to 25 times faster than current 56K modems over existing phone lines. In addition, consumers can surf the Internet and talk on the telephone at the same time over a single existing phone line(4). This modem also supports an ''always on'' Internet connection, making Internet access as simple as turning on the TV. In geographical areas where broadband digital Internet access is not yet available, the Compaq 1.5Mb Max Digital modem also supports 56K dial-up speeds.
Compaq worked with Lucent Technologies to develop the Compaq 1.5Mb Max Digital modem, which adheres to the new G.Lite standard for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) communications. The G.Lite standard will make access to broadband Internet services as simple as plugging a phone into the wall. The Universal ADSL Working Group (UAWG), comprised of over 100 industry members, supports this standard for mass market high-speed network access. G.Lite was recently determined for standardization by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
It is expected that G.Lite Internet access service will be available in 1999. Compaq plans to alert Presario Internet PC users when service becomes available in their area through e-mail or the Compaq Web site. Because Compaq designed its current Internet PCs with the future in mind, consumers can take full advantage of high-speed Internet access when it becomes available.
Compaq Also Announces ''Triple Play'' Broadband Internet Access
Partnerships
Compaq also announced today its ''Triple play'' strategy to bring U.S. consumers the widest choice of ultra-fast Internet access across three high speed communications technologies: cable, DSL, and satellite. For more details, see related press release, ''Compaq Announces Triple Play Broadband Internet Access Program.''
Presario 5100c Series Delivers Industry-Leading Value and
Internet Speed
The new Presario 5100c Series, which starts at just $1,599 (after $100 rebate)(3), is equipped with Compaq's new high-speed 1.5Mb Max Digital modem and the just-announced powerful 400MHz AMD-K6-2 processor with 3D Now! technology. Also standard is 128MB of memory, 8GB hard drive(5), 5X DVD ROM drive(6), and ATI 2X AGP graphics with 8MB video memory. It also comes with a 17-inch (15.9-inch VIA) V720 Monitor and Microsoft Featured Home Collection software.
In addition to featuring leading-edge technology, the new Presario 5100c Series delivers industry-leading value when compared to similarly-configured competitive systems. For example, the Dell Dimension, which sells for $1,913(7) (20% higher), and the Gateway G6-400, which sells for $1,901(8) (19% higher), are more expensive, yet do not offer broadband-ready digital modems.
The Presario 5100c Series can be purchased through Compaq's ''Built for You'' custom configuration stations, located at over 6,000 U.S. retail stores nationwide, or through Compaq's On-Line Store on Compaq's Web site (http://www.compaq.com). Customers can configure their own Presario 5100c by selecting a variety of options including additional memory (up to 384MB), larger hard drives (up to 16.8GB), 100MB ZIP drives, JBL Pro Premium speakers, and ultra-fast 3Dfx Voodoo II graphics upgrades.
New Presario 5190 Delivers Exceptional Performance and Value
Compaq also announced today the Presario 5190, a powerful Internet PC priced at just $1,499 (after $100 mail in rebate)(3). The Presario 5190 comes with the 400MHz AMD-K6-2 processor with 3D Now! technology, 128 MB SyncDRAM memory, 512KB L2 pipeline burst cache, ATI 2X AGP Graphics with 4MB video memory, 12GB hard drive, 100MB ZIP drive and third-generation DVD-ROM.
All models in the 5100 Series are designed to provide consumers with an incredible multimedia experience through the superior 3-D audio and 2X AGP graphics. They come standard with an impressive array of advanced digital technologies including the Digital Flat Panel (DFP) Port for connecting next-generation digital displays. A cable modem/ADSL-ready 10Mbps Ethernet Port is available for ultra-fast Internet connection and future high speed home networking. The Presario 5100c Series and Presario 5190 also feature the Creativity Action Center for easy connection to game and USB peripherals, and the Compaq Easy Access Internet Keyboard for one touch Internet access, e-mail, Web searching and secure online shopping.
The Pioneer in Digital Flat Panel Displays
Compaq -- the pioneer in delivering digital flat panel displays to consumers -- also announced today the FP700, its latest digital flat panel display, priced at just $899. Supporting a standard Digital Flat Panel (DFP) interface, the FP700 offers sharp, crisp, exceptional distortion-free images on a large 15-inch viewing area. The sleek, lightweight, space saving design takes up 60 percent less space than a standard 17-inch CRT monitor.
Internet Technology and Value Leadership Extends to Presario 5600
Series
The new 1.5Mb Max Digital modem is also available as an option on the award-winning Presario 5600 Series through Compaq's ''Built for You'' custom configuration stations or Compaq's On-Line Store. For an outstanding value of just $2,793 (after rebate)(3), the Presario 5600 can be configured with a 450MHz Pentium II processor, 128MB SyncDRAM, 13.5GB hard drive, 5X DVD drive, high-performance 2X AGP ATI Rage LT Pro Graphics Card, 100MB ZIP drive, 1.5Mb Max Digital modem, and the new FP 700 monitor (with digital interface).
Compaq's exclusive Digital Creativity Imaging Center is also available for customers who want to conveniently connect digital cameras, digital camcorders, and other digital peripherals for creating and editing the highest quality consumer digital video and still images. The connections are made through an industry-standard 1394 port and two USB ports located on the front of the unit.
When compared to competitive systems, the Presario 5600 provides more robust features at a better value. For example, a similarly configured Dell Dimension XPS with a 15-inch Analog Flat Panel monitor (not digital) is offered at $2,801(9) -- and does not include the 1.5Mb Max Digital modem. Likewise, a similarly configured Gateway G6-450HE with a 15-inch Flat Panel monitor - also without the 1.5Mb Max Digital modem - is $2,930(10).
Compaq Easy Access Internet Service
Compaq makes surfing on the Internet as attractive and easy as possible by offering consumers a $100 mail-in rebate simply by signing up for a 50-hour trial of Compaq's Easy Access Internet Service, powered by GTE.
Compaq Extra Mile Service For Total Customer Satisfaction
Compaq provides Compaq Presario customers a comprehensive service and support program. With Extra Mile Maintenance, customers can keep their Presarios in peak operating condition through free automated software updates via the Web. Also standard is Extra Mile Assistance, for quick diagnosis and resolution of problems, and Extra Mile Solutions, giving Presario users the information and tools they need to keep their PCs running smoothly.
Company Background
Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation is a Fortune Global 100 company. Compaq is the second largest computer company in the world and the largest global supplier of computer systems. Compaq develops and markets hardware, software, solutions, and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, networking and communication products, commercial desktop and portable products and consumer PCs. The company is an industry leader in environmentally friendly programs and business practices.
Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners. Customer support and information about Compaq and its products are available at compaq.com.
(1) The Compaq Digital modem is designed to allow downloads of rates
up to 1.5 Megabits per second. Maximum achievable download speed
may not reach 1.5Mb and will vary based on choice of access
package, line conditions, proximity to the central offices and
other telephone line constraints.
(2) All Compaq prices shown herein are estimated U.S. prices.
Comparisons based on current U.S. prices and configurations
listed on Dell and Gateway's Web sites on 11/13/98.
(3) $100 mail-in rebate offer valid with activation of 50-hour free
trial of Compaq Easy Internet Access from Compaq Internet Setup.
The 50 hours must be used within 30 days from initial set-up. A
valid credit card is required in order to initiate the service
although no charges will be incurred until the 50-hour trial has
expired. There is no obligation to continue with the service once
the 50-hour free trial has expired. If you do not have a major
credit card or GTE does not provide local service to your area,
please call 1-800-322-9435 for rebate options. Rebate offer is
valid only in the USA, US Territories and US Military Bases and
expires 4/30/99. See rebate coupon included with this product for
additional terms and considerations.
(4) Simultaneous use of a single phone line for Internet access and
regular voice/fax usage may require a line splitter or filter
under certain conditions. Installation of a line splitter is
available at an additional cost and must performed by your local
telephone company.
(5) For hard drives, GB=billion bytes.
(6) 5X DVD-ROM drives transfer rate is up to 6762KB/s compared to
1352KB/s for 1X DVD-ROM drives.
(7) Dell Dimension V Series Minitower listed at $1,913 with Pentium
II 400MHz processor, 128MB memory and 8.4GB hard drive.
(8) Gateway G6-400 listed at $1,901 with Pentium II 400MHz processor,
128MB memory and 6.4GB hard drive.
(9) Dell Dimension XPS R Minitower listed at $2,801 with Pentium II
450MHz processor, 128MB memory and 12.9GB hard drive.
(10) Gateway G6-450HE listed at $2,930 with Pentium II 450MMHz
processor, 128MB memory and 13.6GB hard drive.
Note to Editors: Compaq, Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office. Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or
registered trademarks of their respective companies.
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