(PR NEWSWIRE) Compaq First to Deliver $99 Wireless Internet and Home Networki
Compaq First to Deliver $99 Wireless Internet and Home Networking Solution; New
Wireless Products based on HomeRF Standards Available Now
HOUSTON, May 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ)
today announces that it is the first to deliver a wireless Internet and home
networking solution starting at $99(1). Available now, this affordable option
brings the Internet everywhere the customer desires and without the
constraints of wires.
With the Symphony-HRF cordless solution from Proxim, Compaq customers can
now enjoy the freedom of wireless and convenience of home networking from
anywhere in and around the home within a 150-foot radius. Consumers are
afforded the liberty of accessing the Internet from the couch, files from the
kitchen and music while on the porch.
A small USB adapter for one-plug desktop access to wireless Internet and
network connectivity is available directly from Compaq and at participating
retailers via Compaq's "Built for You" program. For the mobile consumer, an
easy-to-install PC card is also available. Complementing the Presario
Internet PC line of products, the wireless adapter is offered at only $99 with
a customer's purchase of a new Presario desktop or notebook. Additional
adapters, or any bought as an option for an existing computer, are priced at
$119.
Combinations of desktop, notebook, wireless adapter and PC card create a
seamless, wireless home network that enables simultaneous Internet sharing,
printer and file sharing, head-to-head gaming, and distribution of V.90 or
broadband Internet throughout the home, home office and small office.
Compaq's software solution truly leads the market as the first home
networking product that includes the ability to seamlessly integrate HomeRF
wireless networking with existing Ethernet or Home Phoneline networks using
WinGate 4.0 from Deerfield.com. With seamless bridging, creating a wireless
network from an existing one is a simple process. And with Deerfield.com's
step-by-step Install Wizard, which requires no networking knowledge, customers
will be surprised to discover how easy setting up a home network can be. For
notebook computers, Compaq offers Symantec Mobile Essentials 2.0 profile
switching software, enabling the mobile user to connect quickly and easily in
multiple environments without having to reconfigure networking or Internet
settings.
"Convenience, cost and ease of use are the three most important
considerations for consumers buying new technology products," said Mike Wolf,
director of Enterprise and Residential Technology at Cahners' In-Stat Group, a
global high-tech market research company. "Cahners' In-Stat Group believes
the products that meet these non-negotiable requirements -- such as Compaq's
standards-based, wireless networking solutions -- will help drive the growth
of the emerging home networking market."
Compaq has responded to consumers' increasing desire for the eLifestyle
with a commitment to deliver innovative, Internet-focused products -- a
commitment made evident by the creation of the company's new Inter-Connected
Products organization in January of 2000.
"This product announcement is the first of many Internet-focused and
connectivity-driven solutions from Compaq's Consumer Group," said Mike Larson,
senior vice president and group general manager, Compaq Consumer Group, Compaq
Computer Corporation. "As home computing and communicating change radically
over the next five years, wireless networking is a critical step in -bringing
mobility and ease of use to consumers who demand access for their
eLifestyles". Today, due to its affordability and compatibility with other
home products, HomeRF is the wireless technology of choice for a completely
networked home and a truly connected consumer."
Sales and marketing materials about Compaq's $99 wireless products are
available at "Built for You" kiosks at participating retailers, on the Web
site through the "Options" page, and through portable options catalogs found
in retail boxes of portable units. For more information on wireless Internet
technology from Compaq, please call 1-800-888-0263 or visit our Web site at
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. 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 is registered with the 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 new distribution systems; changes in
product mix; unanticipated component shortages; increased competitive factors
and pricing pressures; market responses to pricing actions and promotional
programs; inventory risks due to shifts in market demand; volatility of
certain equity investments; and instability in developing countries that may
affect operations. Further information on the factors that could affect
Compaq's financial results is included in the company's Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including the latest annual report on Form
10-K and the latest quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
(1) The $99 price is good for the purchase of one USB wireless adapter
with the purchase of a new Presario desktop or notebook computer.
Additional adapters, or those bought for previously purchased
computers, are priced at $119.
SOURCE Compaq Computer Corporation
-0- 05/08/2000
/CONTACT: Cherry Harris, Public Relations of Compaq Computer Corporation,
281-927-8167, or cherry.harris@compaq.com; or Kim Kimmey of Hill and Knowlton,
713-752-1927, or kim.kimmey@compaq.com, for Compaq Computer Corporation/
/Photo: NewsCom: newscom.com
PRN Photo Desk, 888-776-6555 or 201-369-3467/
/Web site: compaq.com
compaq.com /
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