Morning victor,
Thanks for your thoughts. CPQ seems to have the hardest time getting
things right the first time. Here is another example of the
trials CPQ gets itself in when they don't appear to go to the ends
they need to to get a FINISHED product. CPQ continues to under perform
when compared to many of Dell's systems which frustrates me. I'll
post an example in a bit.
News article received, Saturday, April 17, 1999 7:26:44 AM EST
NeoServer Stumbles in Simplifying Network Setup
Apr. 16, 1999 (Windows Magazine - CMP via COMTEX) -- Small-business owners can reap tremendous
benefits from setting up a peer-to-peer network, including shared files, printers and Internet access, as well
as shared storage and backup systems. Compaq's Prosignia NeoServer is a potential new partner for those
who need to get a Windows 95/98/NT peer-to-peer network up and running quickly.
But this misnamed product, which I tested in beta, is not NT-Server-in-a-box. Instead, the NeoServer offers
6.4GB of sharable hard drive space (as well as an 8GB hard drive used for backup only), an eight-port
10BaseT hub, a network card and a V.90 modem in a sealed box running a variation of SCO Unix. (It's also
available without the modem.) Its price and inadequate documentation, however, might be obstacles.
The Prosignia NeoServer uses no monitor, mouse or keyboard of its own. You install a network card (if your
PC doesn't already have one) and then run an installation program on each of up to 25 PCs you want to
connect to your new network. (A single hub allows only eight connections, but you can use additional hubs
to reach the 25-unit ceiling.) The program checks for the network card, then configures your browser (or
installs Netscape 4.04 if you have none), sets all the network parameters and assigns a drive letter to-and
creates a folder on-the hard drive.
Server setup and administration are handled through the browser. It's simple enough for novices: The person
serving as administrator logs in and uses a password to make any changes. If you purchase the V.90
modem-equipped model, you can configure your ISP's parameters and share Internet access across your
network-even if your local ISP assigns dynamic addresses. The NeoServer's utilities let you set up new
users (specifying whether a user should have access to the Internet, for example) and view an error log. The
backup utility lets you run the backup on demand or at scheduled intervals (it does a full backup the first
time, then incremental backups thereafter) with little impact to processing. In addition, the setup program
can help you configure your e-mail parameters; I used Outlook Express (the program also supports Outlook
and Eudora Pro Email).
Installation woes
Though full of easy-to-understand terms, the printed documentation is severely flawed. The promised "15- to 30- minute setup" of my
first system took over 10 hours. The on-screen error message was misleading: It consisted of a full window's worth of text suggesting
the connection to the network from my system wasn't established and that I check cabling and possibly reinstall the network card in my
PC. Printed documentation was lacking: The real trouble turned out to be a hard drive that had dislodged in shipping. Despite
step-by-step instructions, the user guide didn't even tell me to turn the server on before trying to connect via the hub (this might not be
immediately obvious to novices). The included CD-based tutorial offers little you can't find in the user guide, except some 3D
animations.
You're paying a high price for this hardware; what you're really buying is easy configuration and hand-holding should something go
wrong. If your hard drive has problems, Compaq sends a replacement. You just remove the bad drive from its pull-out slot and insert
the new drive, then recover from the backup drive. (A second 6.4GB hard drive can also be added to expand storage.) If the modem
fails, you don't open the box (that voids the warranty). Instead, Compaq sends a replacement system with help through the recovery
process. I found the technical support friendly, patient and extremely knowledgeable.
Compaq says the Prosignia NeoServer is designed for small businesses that aren't already networked. I'd agree, but there's still room
for improvement. You're left to Windows' poor network installation procedures for installing a network card. While Compaq says you
can share peripherals (such as printers), don't count on the documentation's index to show you the way: It hides the topic under
"share," not "printers." Obviously, no one tested the documentation for usability as rigorously as they tested the hardware itself.
Promising, but no cigar
For a version 1.0 product, the Prosignia NeoServer shows promise. Given falling hardware costs, you'll have to decide if the premium
for support is worth it. The relatively small hard drive capacity (for a network of 25-or even 10-a maximum of 12.8GB of storage is
quite low) and the flawed documentation are substantial concerns that keep the Compaq Prosignia NeoServer off our WinList of
recommended products.
--Quick View--
Compaq Prosignia NeoServer
Bottom Line: Misnamed hardware offers quick peer-to-peer network setup
Pros: Administration; tech support
Cons: Price; documentation; HD capacity
Price: With modem, $1,899; without modem, $1,499 Platforms: 98, 95, NT
Compaq Computer Corp., 800-OK-COMPAQ, 281-514-0484. Winfo #563
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