Compaq New Products (WITH ADSL):
Compaq Introduces New Feature-Rich, Value-Packed Home PCs at Prices Substantially Lower Than Dell and Gateway
URL: xdsl.com
September 22, 1998 -- HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 22, 1998-- Committed to offering consumers the most
enriching Internet computing experience at the best value, Compaq Computer Corporation today announced the worldwide
availability of its most advanced and competitively-priced line of Presario Internet PCs.
Building on the award-winning Presario line, the new models include the fastest processors, state-of-the-art digital technologies,
easy Internet access, and rich visual and sound qualities. The new PCs are priced up to 24 percent lower than Dell and up to
14 percent lower than Gateway for similarly configured products with less robust features(1).
"Compaq is passionate about offering consumers the best computing and Internet experience possible, at the best value," said
Rod Schrock, Senior Vice President and Group General Manager, Consumer Products Group, Compaq Computer
Corporation. "Not only do our new Presario PCs offer more features and capabilities than competitive products, but they are
substantially less expensive. With today's announcement, we continue to lead the industry with the highest quality, most
innovative and best priced products available."
New Models Feature Latest Technologies, Enhanced Connectivity,
Great Value
Today Compaq introduced two additions to its Presario 5100 Series of minitower PCs -- the Presario 5150 and 5170. The
new Internet PCs feature next-generation technologies, such as the industry-standard Digital Flat Panel Port, for connection to
digital flat panel monitors; an integrated 56K ITU V.90 modem(2), and a cable modem ready(3) 10 Mbps Ethernet Port, for
the fastest available Internet access and ADSL high-bandwidth access support. The 10 Mbps Ethernet Port will also support
home networking, enabling consumers to share Internet access, as well as files and printers.
Along with these features, the new Presario 5150 and Presario 5170 also include Compaq's unique Easy Access Internet
Keyboard for one-touch access to the Internet, e-mail, a search engine and secure online shopping and Compaq's Creativity
Action Center(4), for easy connection to game and USB peripherals. Designed to give consumers an incredible multimedia
experience, both Presario models include 128 MB 100 MHz SyncDRAM, upgradeable to 348 MB; 512KB L2 pipeline burst
cache; and 2X AGP (with 4 MB 100MHz SyncGraphics video memory) 3-D graphics, powered by the ATI RageLT Pro
graphics controller.
The Presario 5150, with a 350 MHz AMD K6-2 processor with 3DNow! Technology and an 8GB(5) hard drive is priced at
$1,199(6) (after rebate(7)). This is 24 percent less than the closest Dell Dimension V and seven percent less than the closest
Gateway G6-333C, which both have a slower clock speed (Intel Celeron 333 MHz) processor and a smaller (6.4GB) hard
drive(8).
The Presario 5170, with an Intel Pentium II processor -- 350 MHz, an Iomega ZIP BUILT-IN drive for storing large Internet
and multimedia files, and a 10GB hard drive, is priced at $1,499 (after rebate), which is 22 percent less than a comparable Dell
Dimension V and 14 percent less than a comparable Gateway G6-350(9).
For consumers with on-the-go lifestyles who want an exceptional multimedia and Internet experience, Compaq has redesigned
the Presario 1200 Series of consumer notebooks with optimized audio, video and graphics, and a one-touch Internet button.
Three new all-in-one models -- the 1235, 1240, and 1250 -- combine JBL Pro Audio speakers, Aureal A3D Interactive 360
degree Positional Sound and high-performance 128-bit 3D Accelerated Graphics to provide users with a realistic "as if you
were there" audio and visual experience during gaming or Web surfing.
The Presario 1235 Series features a 266 MHz AMD K6 MMX Enhanced processor, 32MB of memory, a 4.0GB hard drive,
and is priced at $1,699 (after rebate). The Presario 1240 comes with an Intel Pentium processor with MMX technology --
266 MHz, 64MB of memory, a 4.0GB hard drive, and is priced at $1,999 (after rebate). The Presario 1250 includes a 300
MHz AMD K6 MMX Enhanced processor, 64 MB of memory, a 6.4GB hard drive, and is priced at $2,399 (after rebate).
All three models come standard with a 24X Max(10) CD-ROM drive and SyncDRAM memory upgradeable to 96 MB.
Today's announcement follows on the heels of the recently introduced Presario 5660, the ultimate Internet PC for the digital
future and the latest addition to the award-winning Presario 5600 performance minitower series, and the Presario 1810
notebook, the first high-performance all-in-one consumer notebook with DVD-ROM to be sold through U.S. retail channels.
Compaq Delivers a Superior Internet Experience
With fast 56K ITU V.90 modems(2) standard across all products, cable-modem ready(3) 10 Mbps Ethernet ports on select
models and innovative features such as Compaq's Easy Access Internet Keyboard, Compaq offers consumers a fast and
enjoyable Internet experience. Compaq also continues to make surfing the Internet as attractive and as easy as possible with its
$100 rebate offer. Now, with the purchase of a new Presario desktop or notebook, customers can receive a $100 mail-in
rebate simply by signing up for a 50-hour free trial of Compaq's Easy Internet Access Service, powered by GTE(7).
To provide customers with choices in going online, a Compaq/America Online (AOL) co-branded Internet service is also
available. Customers who designate this selection as their Internet service provider are also offered a 50-hour free trial(11).
AOL will be included as an icon on Presario PCs and through Compaq's Easy Access Internet Keyboard.
In addition to selecting more than 20 leading brand-name Internet companies as partners for its Easy Access Internet
Keyboard, Compaq also delivers its fast and powerful AltaVista Search Service, the premier resource for locating information
on the Internet.
Compaq Built for You -- Custom Ordering for Value, Performance and Quality
Providing the value and flexibility of buying direct with the convenience of retail store support, Compaq's "Built for You" retail
program lets consumers configure and purchase a Presario 5600 Series desktop PC or Presario 1600 or 1800 Series
notebook PC with the options that best suit their needs.
With new pricing introduced last month, consumers can configure their own Compaq desktop or notebook PC at base prices
ranging from $1,299 to $3,499(6) (after rebate(7), shipping not included). In addition to new competitive prices, there are
several new options available for Compaq's desktop PCs such as JBL Pro Premium Powered speakers with sub woofers and
Diamond Monster II 3D (3Dfx Voodoo II) with 12MB of memory.
Consumers can also purchase Compaq's new V910 19-inch (18 inches viewable) monitor through the "Built For You"
program. This top-of-the-line display -- for PC users who also demand the best performance from their monitor -- features
razor-sharp .26 dot pitch resolution, 1600x1200 maximum resolution, 1280x1024 maximum flicker-free resolution, antiglare
screen and on-screen display controls. The monitor is priced at $429.
Compaq's Total Home Computing Solution at Value Prices
Compaq continues to provide consumers a total home computing experience at unmatched values with its multimedia monitors
and color inkjet printers. For use at home, in the dorm room or in a small office, Compaq color inkjet printers, priced from
$129, pack a big punch with their space-saving design, easy setup and pre-packaged creativity software.
Compaq's value-rich multimedia monitors have distinctive styling that feature newly-designed JBL Pro speakers for true-to-life
audio and an Integrated Telex microphone for optimum voice quality. Prices range from $179 to $899.
Compaq Extra Mile Service for Total Customer Satisfaction
Compaq is going the distance to care for its customers through its Extra Mile Service program. This comprehensive program
offers Extra Mile Maintenance to help keep a customer's Presario in peak operating condition through free automated software
updates via the Web. Also standard is Extra Mile Assistance, for quick diagnosis and resolution of problems, and Extra Mile
Solutions, giving Presario users the information and tools they need to keep their PC running smoothly.
Company Background
Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation is a Fortune Global 100 company. Compaq is the second largest computer
company in the world and the largest global supplier of personal computers. Compaq develops and markets hardware,
software, solutions, and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical
solutions, networking and communication 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 are available at compaq.com.
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