Compaq Shipping Microsoft Windows Millennium Operating Software to Consumers and
Small-Medium Businesses
Compaq's Millennium-Equipped Internet PCs Will Enhance and Reinvigorate a
Variety of PC Activities
HOUSTON, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ - news) today
announced the expanded availability of the newest operating software from Microsoft®, Windows
Millennium Edition (Windows Me).
Starting today, Compaq's Consumer and Commercial products groups will begin shipping Presario and
Deskpro personal computers preloaded with the new Windows Me operating software. Through
Compaq's ``Built for You'' program, consumers have been purchasing Presario Internet PCs with
Windows Me on the Web and at in-store kiosks since August 15. Equipped with this highly anticipated
software, these new PCs boast a variety of features that deliver significant benefits, such as robust
management of digital entertainment, improved stability, enhanced home networking capabilities and a
richer Internet experience. The inclusion of Microsoft Windows Me on new Presario and Deskpro PCs
creates a simpler computing experience for novice users, while enriching the activities of more
experienced users.
Certain Presario Internet PC models purchased between August 13 and October 15 without the new
software pre-installed are eligible for a free upgrade to Windows Me. Purchasers of those machines can
pick up a mail-in coupon, good for the free upgrade, at retail outlets. For more information, please see
the mail-in coupon.
``We are excited to offer Windows Me on both Compaq consumer and commercial products, allowing
our customers to get more out of their PCs,'' said Mike Larson, Senior Vice President of Compaq's
Worldwide Consumer Products Group. ``These products will bring a new level of simplicity, innovation
and fun to the PC experience for users of all backgrounds.''
There are a number of new and upgraded entertainment programs featured in Windows Me, including:
An upgrade of the popular Windows Media Player, making it even easier for users to download
their favorite music from the Internet, record from existing CDs, or listen to live Internet radio and
view video on the Web.
Windows Movie Maker, enabling PC users to create, edit and share movies online.
New digital photo capabilities, allowing for simple importing of photos from scanners and
cameras. Users can preview, rotate, print, store and organize photos without additional software.
The newest version of DirectX for the best 3D graphics and richest sound available.
The Compaq PCs not only expand their entertainment capabilities with the introduction of the new
Windows Me software -- they also bring the Internet to users more quickly and easily, facilitate
networking between equipment at home and in small offices, and function in a more secure and
organized way.
Compaq Presario Desktops with Windows Me: Bringing Home the Innovation
Models 5BW220 and 5BW250 of the Presario 5000 series are the first Compaq Consumer desktops
available at retail stores to feature the new Windows Me software. Both machines also are equipped
with Intel Celeron processors, 64 MB RAM, 15 GB hard drive, 40x CD ROM drive and 56K modem. The
5BW250 also comes equipped with CDRW, NIC and Logitech QuickCam Express.
At $699 and $899, respectively, the 5BW220 and 5BW250 are eligible for a $250 rebate if purchased
with an MV series monitor and IJ printer -- making these Presario PC's an even more affordable way to
experience Windows Me.
The 5BW220 and 5BW250 desktop PCs are available starting today through participating retail sites, by
calling 1-800-888-0220 and on Compaq's Consumer Web site, www.compaq.com/athome.
Compaq Knowledge Center: Simplified Access to Service and Support Solutions
In addition to these, another key benefit of the new Windows Me software, consumers can enjoy free
access to the new Compaq Knowledge Center, a simple and fast service and support solution available
24 hours a day whether at home, in the office or on the road. The Compaq Knowledge Center delivers
one- click access to built-in knowledge, self-guided support solutions, virus alerts, PC tune-ups,
diagnostics, tutorials, support forums and an online service escalation process with or without an
Internet connection.
Each new Presario notebook or desktop operating with Windows Me is pre- installed with Compaq and
Microsoft service and support content. Stored locally on the hard drive, this content provides answers to
the most frequently asked hardware and software support questions, enabling customers without an
Internet connection access to the most sought after information. For those customers who have an
Internet connection, the Compaq Knowledge Center connects them with the latest technology
information, support Web links such as Update Drivers and online service tools, while also refreshing
locally stored content.
In addition, built-in eService technology automatically collects and communicates critical system and
user profile information to a Compaq Service Technician over the Internet. With immediate access to
information, Compaq Service Technicians are able to more accurately diagnose the system issue,
identify the solution and implement the resolution. With the customer's permission, solutions can be
implemented remotely or if a customer prefers outlined in simple to follow instructions.
``When designing the Compaq Knowledge Center, we worked closely with Microsoft and our eService
partners to develop an integrated online help experience,'' said Larson. ``Compaq's eService strategy is
designed to effectively connect customers with the relevant information and assistance they seek, when
and where they need it.''
Compaq Presario Notebooks: Taking Millennium Where You Want It
The Presario 1800T, 1700T and 1200T notebook PCs incorporate the new Millennium software with the
latest portable technology and eye-catching design. Equipped with powerful Intel Celeron or Pentium
processors and a host of other features, these Presario PCs are the best way to take Windows Me on
the road.
The Presario 1800T, starting at $1849, includes the fastest mobile hard disk drive of 32GB running at
5400 rotations per minute, processor of up to 750 MHz, brilliant monitor panel of up to 15 inches, TFT
SXGA+, high- performing video with 2X AGP, ATI Mobility M-28 hardware, 3D Graphic with 16MB of
dedicated video memory and JBL pro audio speakers.
The Presario 1700T starts at $1499 and comes with a Celeron or Pentium III processor of up to 750
MHz, hard drives of up to 20GB, 512 MB of memory and a 14.1-inch TFT XGA panel. The 1700T also
supports the new Future Bay technology and weighs only five pounds.
The Presario 1200T, also featuring Windows Me, is priced starting at $999 and features a Celeron
566MHz processor, 32MB memory, a 5.0GB hard drive, a 24X CD-Rom, and a 12.1-inch HPA panel
Beginning today, Presario 1800T, 1700T and 1200T notebooks will be available with Windows Me
through Compaq's ``Built for You'' kiosks at participating retail sites, by calling 1-800-888-0220 and on
Compaq's Consumer Web site at www.compaq.com/athome.
The Presario 1800, 1700T, 1400T and 1200T notebooks will be available with Windows Me at
participating retailers later this fall.
Compaq Deskpro Personal Computers: The Millennium Advantage for Growing Businesses
Select models of Compaq's recently introduced Deskpro EXS line will include Windows Me
pre-installed. Compaq expects these models to be available in late September. Information on the new
Deskpro EXS models with Windows Me can be found at
www1.compaq.com
Compaq Consumer Printers: Millennium Compatibility and Connectability
For seamless connectability within the home, Compaq's IJ600 ($99), IJ1200 ($149) and A1000 ($199,
after a $100 rebate) printers are equipped with upgraded drivers compatible with Windows Me.
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 authorised 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 press release may
contain 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: delays in the implementation of changes in delivery models, increased competitive environment
and pricing pressures, delays in product rollout schedules, component shortages, slow acceptance for
new form factors, employee retention, disruptions related to restructuring actions, the financial condition
of resellers, delays in new systems implementation, operational inefficiencies related to sales cycles,
equity investment volatility, and emerging market political or economic instability. Further information on
the factors that could affect Compaq's financial results is included in Compaq'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.
SOURCE: Compaq Computer Corporation
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