New Compaq 'MultiPort' Technology
Delivers Integrated Wireless Connectivity to Mobile PC Users
Compaq, Intel and Ericsson Microelectronics to Provide Wireless Solution In
Next-Generation Commercial Notebooks That Adapt to Customers' Wireless
Needs
HOUSTON, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ - news) today
announced MultiPort, a modular solution that provides Compaq commercial notebook PC users all the
time, everywhere wireless access to their business information.
Designed by Compaq and supported by Intel Corporation and Ericsson Microelectronics, the MultiPort
interface is an embedded, fully compliant Plug-and-Play USB port located in the back of a notebook
display. Initially available with 802.11b wireless Local Area Network (LAN) and Bluetooth(TM) modules,
the MultiPort can grow and adapt to meet both current and future wireless standards.
``The MultiPort interface will provide customers a common wireless solution across our entire
commercial notebook line and allows a user to connect to various wireless standards by simply
changing out the wireless module based on their needs,'' said Ken Willett, Vice President, Product
Management, Commercial Personal Computing Group, Compaq Computer Corporation. ``This flexibility
will allow customers to easily migrate to other wireless standards as they evolve and come to market.''
The MultiPort module combines the antenna and radio transceiver into a single assembly and is located
on the top rear of the display, the optimal position for omni-directional signal reception. This not only
provides maximum signal strength and receive sensitivity in an aesthetically pleasing form factor, but
also keeps PC Card and Mini-PCI slots free so that MultiPort users do not have to trade-off other
functionality to get a wireless enabled notebook. Combining the radio transceiver and antenna into a
single package solves many of the RF (Radio Frequency) integration issues facing the notebook
industry, and eliminates the need for RF connectors and coaxial cabling which can induce noise and
cause signal loss.
802.11b MultiPort Module
Intel has designed a new wireless LAN module to support Compaq's MultiPort form factor. Compliant
with the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11b wireless LAN standard, the
Intel PRO/Wireless 2011 LAN Module for the MultiPort will provide a high-speed, reliable, flexible and
secure wireless LAN connection. The module will have the ability to support advanced roaming
capabilities that allow mobile workers to freely move throughout a building while maintaining a
consistent network or Internet connection through a series of access points, which are wireless hubs.
Transferring data at speeds up to 11 Million bits per second (Mbps), the module will also provide ample
bandwidth for video streaming, file transfers, voice over IP (Internet Protocol) or other demanding
applications used in e-Business transactions. Intelligent power management features in the module will
also help preserve battery life for longer connectivity.
Bluetooth(TM) Module
The Bluetooth (TM) MultiPort module Compaq has designed is based on the Ericsson Microelectronic
Bluetooth Module. Bluetooth is an RF specification for a small form-factor, low-cost, cable replacement
technology that will enable wireless connectivity between various computing and telecommunication
devices without the need for propriety cables.
Compaq has collaborated with a variety of software, antenna and manufacturing partners, including
Ericsson Microelectronics, to deliver what will be one of the first notebooks with integrated Bluetooth
capabilities. The module will support both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint operation and will be
compliant with the soon-to-be-released 1.1 version of the Bluetooth specification.
Compaq expects to introduce the MultiPort interface into its commercial notebook line-up starting in the
Spring of 2001. Information on Compaq wireless products including Bluetooth(TM) and 802.11b can be
found at www.compaq.com/products/wireless/
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 and the Compaq logo Registered 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: component shortages, delays in the implementation of changes in delivery models,
increased competitive environment and pricing pressures, delays in product rollout schedules, 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 report on Form 10Q.
SOURCE: Compaq Computer Corporation |
