tim, I guess you noticed that cpq just lowered the bar on Tuesday.
the issue is cpq will make great money selling low priced pc, mid priced pc, business pc, servers, and super servers.
Hp so far has not demonstrated that at any price they can make money.
I've stated many times HP has core problems they have yet to address.
Please prove that hp's new prices will make them money, when they cannot make money at the old higher prices.
cpq's new prices
Register
Compaq Shatters the Value Equation with Broad New Presario Line; New Presario PCs
target the Home, School and Small Business
BusinessWire, Tuesday, January 06, 1998 at 08:36
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 1998--
Editor's Summary
--New Compaq Presario desktop and notebook PCs provide
uncompromising multimedia performance and breakthrough value by
combining significantly more processor power, memory and hard drive
capacity, at compelling price points.
--Presario consumer desktops deliver up to 35 percent higher
system performance(a) over competitive offerings. Plus, Compaq
enhances Internet experience with 50 free hours(b) of Internet access
and 56K(c) modems standard on home models.
--New Presario ES education products offer compelling multimedia
and networking performance required by school systems, colleges and
universities.
--Compaq announces new Presario Small Business notebook, an
efficient mobile computing solution for retail customers in a
networked or stand alone environment.
Further extending its leadership position in the consumer,
education and small business computing markets, Compaq Computer
Corporation (NYSE:CPQ) took a major step forward today by introducing
its broadest lineup ever of Compaq Presario multimedia PCs, configured
and priced to deliver the best value in the U.S. marketplace.
"Compaq's new Presario lineup delivers unprecedented customer
value," said Mike Heil, Senior Vice President and Group General
Manager, Consumer Products Group, Compaq Computer Corporation. "With
today's announcement, Compaq sets a new standard for value with PCs
that offer exceptional multimedia power and performance at every price
point. The products empower customers to access the growing number of
uses for the PC, especially the Internet, which has become one of the
key reasons to purchase a PC."
The Broadest Line of PCs and Notebooks at an Unbeatable Value
Building on the market share gains that Compaq has achieved with
previous Presario products, the three separate Presario lines -- the
Presario home series, Presario ES education line for K-12 schools,
colleges and universities, and Presario SB small business notebook PC
-- have been engineered and configured to deliver feature-packed
computing at an unbeatable value. Throughout each distinct line, there
are a few things in common: the new models are expandable and include
powerful MMX(TM) enhanced processors, exceptional multimedia features,
large amounts of memory, large hard drives, 56K modems(d) and
user-friendly designs.
PRESARIO HOME COMPUTING HIGHLIGHTS
The new Presario PCs designed for the home confirm Compaq's
commitment to high quality, affordable computing that the whole family
can enjoy. The home PC line includes the latest microprocessor
technologies from Intel, AMD, and Cyrix to deliver outstanding
performance and value at every price point. System performance is
further enhanced with SyncDRAM memory technology and optimized
graphics solutions.
For example, the new Presario 2240 and Presario 4540 desktop
models perform up to 35 percent faster than similarly priced Packard
Bell NEC models(e) which were recently introduced at retail. The new
Presario 4660 is one of most powerful multimedia PCs that breaks the
$2,000 price barrier with a 300MHz Intel Pentium II processor
featuring MMX technology, 512KB L2 cache, 64MB of SyncDRAM and an 8GB
hard drive. The new Presario 1220, priced at $1,999(f), is the most
aggressively priced full-featured multimedia notebook ever introduced
by Compaq.
All Presario home PCs are backed by Compaq's fast and efficient
Extra Mile Service program. The products also come standard with a
suite of Microsoft products: Windows 95, Works, Encarta, Money,
Bookshelf and Internet Explorer 4.0.
"We applaud Compaq's continuing efforts to enhance the value of
the home personal computer experience," said Rich Tong, Vice
President, Personal Business Systems Group, Microsoft Corporation. "By
bringing to market even more powerful and lower cost multimedia
products, Compaq customers will enjoy a more satisfying experience
using Windows 95 and Windows-based products."
Many of the new Presario products are currently available at
retail with other models to follow by the end of the month. Product
highlights include the following:
Presario 2200 Series: Redefining standards for performance and
value, the new Compaq Presario 2240 model, available for $799 (without
monitor), is expandable and upgradeable, offering the best combination
of power, performance and affordability in a desktop. It offers
powerful multimedia performance that fits into any home or lifestyle.
The Presario 2240 incorporates a 200MHz AMD-K6(TM) MMX(TM) enhanced
processor, 32MB of SyncDRAM memory, 2.1GB hard drive, one open bay and
two open slots. When purchased with the Compaq Presario V410e 14-inch
(13.2-inch viewable) color monitor, consumers can purchase the total
system for $999.
Presario 4500 Series: Delivering uncompromising quality at
unparalleled low desktop prices ranging from $1,099 to $1,299 (without
monitor), the Presario 4500 series uses a fast 233MHz AMD K-6 MMX
Enhanced Processor, 32 or 48MBs of SyncDRAM memory, and large hard
drives, all in a sleek minitower design. Unique to the Presario 4550
model is an internal Iomega Zip Drive (100MB) that is ideal for
storing large amounts of data quickly and easily.
Presario 4600 Series: Providing consumers with advanced
multimedia features at an unbeatable value, the new Presario 4600
Series brings computing to life with 266MHz and 300MHz Intel Pentium
II processors featuring MMX technology, 48 to 64MBs of SyncDRAM and
DVD-ROM drives(g) that offer an exceptional home theater and arcade
experience. With 2X AGP graphics delivering 3D realism, consumers can
maximize their multimedia experience. Models range in price from
$1,799 to $1,999 (without monitor).
The Presario 4500 and Presario 4600 Series can be purchased with
a choice of high quality Compaq Presario color multimedia monitors
ranging in price from $219 to $699, including the new Presario V410e,
the Presario 1525 15-inch (13.5-inch viewable) monitor or the Presario
1725 17-inch (15.6-inch viewable) monitor.
Presario 4800 Series: The flagship Presario 4800 Series combines
power, performance and the latest multimedia technology to deliver the
next generation home computing experience. Offering the very latest
Intel Pentium II processor, arcade level 3D graphics and
second-generation DVD-ROM drives(h), the Presario 4800 Series delivers
a stunning 3D graphics, video and audio experience. Users have the
power to create and the tools to explore a world beyond traditional
computing, including full function videophone capability. The new
Presario 4800 Series, expected to be available shortly, will start at
$2,399.
Consumers also have a choice of high-powered Compaq Presario
multimedia monitors ranging in price from $399 to $699. This includes
the Presario FX500 15-inch (13.8-inch viewable) color monitor and new
FX700 17-inch (16-inch viewable) color monitor.
New Presario Notebook PCs for Home
Building on its position as the leading notebook brand at retail,
the new Presario 1200 and 1600 Series now include High Performance
Addressing (HPA) displays, JBL Pro audio speakers, and 56K(i) modems
in a consumer-friendly, all-in-one design. The new HPA display
technology delivers bright, crisp images comparable to TFT displays.
New Presario 1200 Series: The Presario 1200 Series provides
uncompromising value in a fully loaded multimedia notebook for less
than $2,000. The Presario 1220, priced at $1,999, features a 200MHz
Media GX(TM) MMX enhanced processor, 32MB SyncDRAM, 20X Max CD-ROM(j),
2.1GB hard drive and 128-bit graphics acceleration.
Presario 1600 Series: Designed for serious work and serious play,
the Presario 1600 Series offers the ultimate in high performance in a
consumer notebook. Delivering one of the fastest notebook solutions,
the Presario 1600 Series features 233MHz MMX enhanced processors. The
new models also incorporate Compaq's exclusive DisqPlay feature, which
enables users to enjoy audio CD music without powering up the PC. The
Presario 1621, expected to be available at the end of January, will be
priced at $2,499; the Presario 1681 will be priced at $2,999.
50 Hours Free Internet Access
Continuing to lead the market in making Internet access easy and
intuitive, Compaq is providing 50 free hours(k) of Internet access and
e-mail with the new Presario models. No credit card is required for
the initial 50-hour trial period, eliminating concerns about unplanned
expenses after the trial period. In response to customer requests, the
Compaq Easy Internet Access solution combines the Internet Setup
Wizard and 50 hours of free Internet access from GTE, enabling users
to quickly and easily select an Internet Service Provider (ISP),
connect to the ISP, and launch the preinstalled Microsoft Internet
Explorer 4.0 browser. Pioneered by Compaq, the Instant Internet button
found on most Presario models provides the easiest Internet access
ever offered.
Compaq Extra Mile Service
Unlike competitive offerings, Compaq has enhanced its 24-
hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week customer support operations to deliver
the most comprehensive service and support in the industry. For
technical support, Compaq has added a new remote access program,
specially loaded on all Presario home PCs, that enables Compaq
technicians -- with the consumer's permission -- to remotely access
the PC to troubleshoot, solve software problems and diagnose hardware
issues. All new Presario models will also ship with a Selective
QuickRestore CD, giving users the ability to restore individual
preinstalled software. Compaq multilingual telephone technical support
is free during the warranty period. After the warranty period,
Presario owners can receive free technical assistance from Compaq
engineers through electronic mail and the Compaq support areas on the
major online services.
EDUCATION: PRESARIO ES VALUE FOR SCHOOLS
Compaq, the leading provider of Windows-based computing for
schools, introduced its new Presario ES line -- the next-generation of
today's leading multimedia-rich educational PCs. The new line,
designed specifically for education, provides breakthrough value and
incorporates the latest technology to support productivity and
creativity in the classroom, the dorm room or wherever learning takes
place. The advanced Presario ES family delivers a wide-range of
computing options to meet the specific needs of K-12 schools, colleges
and universities.
"Technology has become so pervasive in the workforce that parents
and teachers alike recognize how critical computer skills are for a
student's success," said Don Weatherson, Vice President, Education,
Compaq Computer Corporation. "As a result of our commitment to provide
innovative educational technology and services, educators and students
continue to rely on Compaq for both teaching and learning solutions.
With our new Presario ES models, we have greatly enhanced
computer-based solutions for classrooms and dramatically improved
price and performance features for schools."
Innovative Features Designed for Education:
Providing educational institutions with complete solutions, all
Compaq Presario ES models are Novell certified, backed by a three-year
limited education warranty, and are network-ready for easy integration
into today's classroom, lab or dorm room. These products are specially
priced for educational institutions through Compaq's National
Education Pricing. Each Presario ES desktop PC comes with a choice of
a 14-inch (12.9-inch viewable), 15-inch (13.5-inch viewable) or
17-inch (15.6-inch viewable) color monitor.
With each Presario ES model, customers can also choose from one
of nine Compaq LearningPaqs, unique compilations of popular
educational software grouped by subject matter and grade level. With
each LearningPaq, Compaq includes Claris Corporation's ClarisWorks(l),
the leading K-12 productivity tool, and Roger Wagner Publishing,
Inc.'s HyperStudio for Windows, the leading multimedia authoring tool
used by educators and students.
Each model also comes with Citadel Technology Inc.'s WinShield
and McAfee Software's VirusScan, valuable tools that improve
educators' ability to manage and control their PCs in the fast-moving
school environment where PCs may be shared by administrators, teachers
and students. Compaq also offers schools the option to buy Microsoft
Office 97 Professional with Bookshelf Basics. Educators, students and
administrators will have a choice of the full packaged product, or
licensing rights to the product, which can be ordered and
pre-installed at the time of purchase.
With today's announcement, educators and students can now choose
from three new innovative and user-friendly educational desktop
systems and a newly designed powerful notebook from Compaq:
Presario 2244ES Desktop: With outstanding prices starting at
$1,199 with a 14-inch (12.9-inch viewable) monitor, the Presario
2244ES delivers excellent value to the education market. This
network-ready, powerful multimedia PC is an affordable, entry-level
education desktop, great for schools just beginning to incorporate
technology into the classroom. With a 200MHz AMD-K6(TM) MMX(TM)
enhanced processor, a space-saving chassis and integrated speakers,
the Presario 2244ES is specifically designed for educational
environments where space is as limited as school budgets.
Presario 4230ES Desktop: Compaq's newly designed flagship
education PC offers a high-performance, expandable, network-ready
solution for use in today's connected classroom. This machine is a
multimedia powerhouse featuring a 266MHz Intel Pentium II processor
with MMX technology, 2X DVD-ROM drive(m) and optional support for
Compaq's Education VideoPaq. It is the ideal PC for the sophisticated
user, such as high school or college students or teachers who require
advanced computing capabilities. The Presario 4230ES is priced
starting at $1,799 with a 14-inch (12.9-inch viewable) monitor.
Presario 4565ES Minitower: A sleek, space-saving, network- ready
minitower, the Presario 4565ES is great for multimedia labs, libraries
or classrooms where space is a key consideration. With a footprint
that is the size of a standard sheet of paper (8 1/2" x 11"), the PC
is small enough to fit on top of, or underneath, a school desk.
Powerful, expandable and upgradeable, the Presario 4565ES, which
includes a 233MHz AMD K-6 MMX enhanced processor, starts at $1,599
with a 14-inch (12.9-inch viewable) monitor.
Presario 1220ES Notebook: The newly designed, network- ready,
multimedia notebook is an outstanding resource for students and
educators demanding the power of a desktop in a notebook solution at
an incredible value. This high-performance notebook PC includes a
200MHz Media GX(TM) MMX enhanced processor, a friendly, integrated
all-in-one design and a built-in security slot for $2,099.
Compaq's full array of Presario ES products are sold through
Compaq and its Certified Education Partner resellers. Schools can call
1-800-88-TEACH to obtain help in choosing the Compaq education
products that best suit the needs of their school or to find a local
Compaq Certified Education Partner. For more details on Compaq's
education products, partnerships and programs, please visit Compaq's
web site at compaq.com
SMALL BUSINESS NOTEBOOK
Offering a winning combination of performance and functionality
in an all-in-one notebook design, the Presario Small Business (SB)
notebook offers incredible value at $2,299. It is designed for
business customers who shop at retail seeking a high quality notebook
for use in a networked or stand-alone environment. Featuring a 166MHz
Intel Pentium processor, preloaded business software, enhanced network
support, integrated AC adapter, large high-contrast display and a
56K(n) modem, the new Presario 1710 SB delivers desktop functionality
in a complete mobile computing solution. It is fully supported by the
Compaq Extra Mile Service program.
Company Background
Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation, a Fortune 100
company, is a global information technology company. Compaq is the
fifth largest computer company in the world and the largest global
supplier of personal computers. With worldwide sales of $20 billion in
1996, Compaq develops and markets hardware, software, solutions and
services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions,
fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, networking products,
commercial desktop and portable products and consumer PCs. The company
is an industry leader in environmentally friendly programs and
business practices. Compaq products are sold and supported in more
than 100 countries through a network of authorized Compaq marketing
partners. Customer support and information about Compaq and its
products can be found at compaq.com or by calling
1-800-OK-COMPAQ in North America. Product information and North
America reseller locations can be obtained by calling 1-800-345-1518.
Compaq North America is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Its
products and services are sold and supported through a network of more
than 25,000 commercial and consumer marketing partners across the
United States and Canada. Historical financial results have been
restated to reflect the pooling of Tandem.
Compaq, Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or
registered trademarks of their respective companies. Intel and Pentium
are registered trademarks and MMX is a trademark of Intel Corporation.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation. AMD and AMD-K6 are registered trademarks of Advanced
Micro Devices, Inc.
(a) The Presario 2240 was tested against the Packard Bell Model
R515, and the Presario 4540 was tested against the Packard Bell Model
S606, both using the Ziff Davis WinStone 98 Business WinStone test.
(b) 50 free hours of Internet access is offered when Easy
Internet Access is chosen from Compaq Internet Setup. The 50 free
hours can be used over a 90-day period, up to two hours per day. A
valid credit card will be required in order to continue service after
the trial period.
(c) The K56flex protocol is designed to allow faster downloads
from K56flex compliant sources. Maximum achievable download
transmission rates currently do not reach 56Kbps and will vary with
line conditions.
(d) 56K modems included in all home PC models and in select ES
models. The K56flex protocol is designed to allow faster downloads
from K56flex compliant sources. Maximum achievable download
transmission rates currently do not reach 56Kbps and will vary with
line conditions.
(e) The Presario 2240 was tested against the Packard Bell Model
R515, and the Presario 4540 was tested against the Packard Bell Model
S606, both using the Ziff Davis WinStone 98 Business WinStone test.
(f) All prices listed herein are estimated U.S. retail prices or
Compaq National Education pricing. Reseller pricing may vary.
(g) Presario 4600 Series DVD-ROM drives will not read CD-R media.
Second generation DVD-ROM drives run at a higher maximum transfer
rate of 2.76MB/s compared to first-generation DVD-ROM drives which run
at a maximum transfer rate of 1.348 MB/s.
(h) DVD-ROM drives will not read CD-R media. Second generation
DVD-ROM drives run at a higher maximum transfer rate of 2.76MB/s
compared to first-generation DVD-ROM drives which run at a maximum
transfer rate of 1.348 MB/s.
(i) The K56flex protocol is designed to allow faster downloads
from K56flex compliant sources. Maximum achievable download
transmission rates currently do not reach 56Kbps and will vary with
line conditions.
(j) 20X Max CD-ROM drive transfer rates may vary from 1200 to
3000 Kbps.
(k) 50 free hours of Internet access is offered when Easy
Internet Access is chosen from Compaq Internet Setup. The 50 free
hours can be used over a 90-day period, up to two hours per day. A
valid credit card will be required in order to continue service after
the trial period.
(l) Not included in the College Student LearningPaq.
(m) Presario 4230ES DVD-ROM drive will not read CD-R media.
Second generation DVD-ROM drives run at a higher maximum transfer
rate of 2.76MB/s compared to first-generation DVD-ROM drives which run
at a maximum transfer rate of 1.348 MB/s.
(n) The K56flex protocol is designed to allow faster downloads
from K56flex compliant sources. Maximum achievable download
transmission rates currently do not reach 56Kbps and will vary with
line conditions. |
