<<<One more update -- recently there was a rumour about ESST not being able to meet demand of PCI audio chips for Compaq. Unfortunately, this rumour may have been incorrect. Not a single, current Compaq PC model uses ESS PCI audio.
All Compaq Deskpro PCs use ESS's ISA audio chip (extremely high volume).The Compaq Presario series of consumer PCs have an Aureal 8820 PCI card.The buy-direct Prosignia series have a Creative PCI sound card.>>>
Sir, you should be a little more careful of what you post. My 5600 Presario series Compaq arrived about 7 days ago and indeed has a PCI Maestro in it.
compaq.com
Furthermore, if you are familiar with Intel's AC-97 spec (and it's many pages of updates revisions) you would know that Jan 99 (18 months from June 97) is the slated time for full compliance to the spec from box makers. This does not mean they have to comply...it would be wise though since migration to that platform will likely become a, "Forced" issue from Intel -via- it's underground network of persuasion if you know what I mean.
Furthermore...I am the person that stated the Compaq rumor...I also informed any and all readers that it was a tip I received and was not comfirmed within ESST internally. I simply do not have the resources to confirm it at ESST.
Now if you want to reaaaaaaaly believe that Compaq, Asus, IBM, etc stocked up on ISA -vrs- PCI chips this last qtr., well...then that's up to you. The only hint I can give you to point you in the right direction is products are always ordered well in advance for the supply chain. In order for you to start seeing Compaq's committment to ESST's architecture on their web page or in the stores it will take a bit more. BTW, here is another rumor for you...Compaq is committed to ESST's PCI audio solution. Hmmm, maybe it's not even that much of a rumor since you can find verbage of it littered all over Compaq's web site.
compaq.com
(Above URL...read at the bottom of the web page. Also, notice the page was upated 1/5/99...so it is not an ignored page from Compaq with outdated print)
Have a good day.......
Rich |
