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Monday March 6, 12:01 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
SOURCE: Compaq Computer Corporation
Compaq Launches Presario Internet PCs with 1GHz Processors: A New Speed
Threshold for the New Millennium
The Presario 5900Z PC with 1GHz AMD Athlon Processor Begins Shipping This Week
HOUSTON, March 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ -
news), a global leader in consumer computing solutions, today announced the
first Internet PC featuring the 1GHz AMD Athlon, the fastest processor in the
consumer market. These systems will be available via Compaq's ``At Home' Web site and through Compaq's
``Built For You' kiosks located in thousands of popular retail stores across the United States. Customers
will be able to place orders beginning on Thursday, March 9, 2000.
The award-winning Presario 5900Z Series with the 1GHz AMD Athlon processor is the perfect multimedia tool
for the extreme power user and ultimate gamer. The 1GHz AMD Athlon processor makes it possible for consumers
to fully take advantage of numerous power-hungry applications, including digital content creation, imaging
and graphics development. Additionally, when properly configured, the Presario 5900Z will offer crisp, clear
visual images and premium audio sound never before experienced with a consumer PC. The rich combination of
incredibly fast microprocessor technology, combined with a diverse set of configurable options, makes the
Presario 5900Z an ideal consumer platform for digital video editing, Web site development and advanced
gaming possibilities.
``Compaq is committed to developing breakthrough, leading-edge technology solutions that offers a superior
computing experience,' said Compaq's Mike Larson, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Consumer
Products Group. ``From the beginning, our close alliance with AMD allowed us to utilize an engineering
design which quickly delivered a 1GHz platform that is a smart investment for power users seeking premium
performance at a great price.'
The Ultimate PC for the Digital Power User and Gamer
The Presario 5900Z Series PC equipped with a 1GHz AMD Athlon processor delivers the ultimate Internet, home
theater and gaming experience. With the growing interest in digital video editing, users can use the
Presario 5900Z Series PC to easily copy, record and edit both audio and video to any media. The Digital
Creativity Imaging Center (DCIC), a standard feature of the Presario 5900Z Series, offers 2 IEEE-1394 ports
that allow users to easily and effortlessly attach a variety of popular digital devices to the system,
including digital camcorders, scanners, digital cameras and VCRs. With MGI VideoWave IIII software, which is
bundled with the Presario 5900Z, consumers can capture, edit and publish high-quality digital movies and
still images with a level of professionalism and sophistication virtually unheard of just a few years ago.
``Partnering with a visionary technology company like Compaq helps us bring revolutionary processor
performance to consumers,' said Rob Herb, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at AMD. ``It is
exciting to be able to offer the advanced Internet technologies of the Presario 5900Z Series PCs with our
high performance 1GHz AMD Athlon processor.'
Pricing for a typical configuration, including 17`` (16.0' VIA) monitor, starts at $2,499. This
configuration includes 128MB SDRAM, a 30GB(a) hard disk drive, a 40X Max CD-ROM(b), a 56K/V.90 modem(c), a
Diamond Stealth 16MB S540 Video Card, JBL Pro Speakers and a 17`` (16.0' VIA) CV715 Monitor.
(a) For hard drives, GB = billion bytes.
(b) 40X Max CD-ROM drive data transfer rates may vary
from 2550 to 6000Kbps.
(c) V.90 modems are designed to allow faster downloads from V.90 compliant
digital sources. Maximum achievable download transmission rates are
currently unknown, may not reach 56 Kbps, and will vary with line
conditions.
Unprecedented Power with Personalization
Because performance-driven customers tend to have unique customization and personalization requirements, the
Presario 5900Z featuring the 1GHz AMD Athlon processor will be sold via Compaq's ``At Home' Web site and
through Compaq's ``Built For You' kiosk program. These programs offer ultimate configuration customization
for consumers by offering a diverse array of popular technologies, including video graphics cards, DVD and
CD-RW drives, networking, broadband modems and many other options. Customers will also have the option of
conveniently purchasing a Presario 5900Z Series PC by telephoning Compaq's toll-free number, 1-800-888-0220.
For additional information on Compaq's new Presario 5900Z 1GHz PCs or other consumer products, please call
1-800-AT-COMPAQ. For online information, please visit Compaq's Web site at
athome.compaq.com.
About Compaq
Compaq Computer Corporation, a Fortune Global 100 company, is the largest supplier of computing systems in
the world. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures, and markets hardware, software, solutions, and services,
including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, and
communications products, commercial desktop and portable products, and consumer PCs for the NonStop(TM)
Internet world. Compaq products and services are sold in more than 200 countries directly to businesses,
through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners, and directly to businesses and consumers through
Compaq's e-commerce Web site at compaq.com. Compaq markets its products and services primarily to
customers from the business, home, government, and education sectors. Customer support and information about
Compaq and its products and services are available at compaq.com.
Compaq, Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or
registered trademarks of their respective companies. This release contains forward-looking statements based
on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The potential risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include implementation of a new model of
distribution; the failure of systems associated with order fulfillment; changes in product mix; inventory
risks due to shifts in market demand; continued competitive factors and pricing pressures; market responses
to pricing actions and promotional programs; volatility of certain equity investments; component shortages;
and instability in developing countries that may affect operations. Further information on the factors that
could affect Compaq's financial results is included in its SEC filings, including the latest annual report
on Form 10-K, and the latest quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
SOURCE: Compaq Computer Corporation |
