Compaq Extends Consumer Market Leadership with Broadest Line-up Ever of Powerful Presario Home Computers.NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 30, 1997-- Completely New Designs; Pair of New Compaq PCs Shatter $1,000(a) Price Barrier Editor's Summary -Compaq Presario 1200, 1600 Series: Compaq extends leadership in consumer notebooks with industry first 8-Hour DisqPlay(b) for music CDs, unprecedented notebook upgradeability. -Compaq Presario 2200 Series: A powerful $799 PC that shatters the brand name price barrier; Compaq multimedia PC, when purchased with high quality Compaq color monitor See monitor. , for $999. -Compaq Presario 4500 Series: A breakthrough minitower min·i·tow·er n. A computer cabinet that is about half the height of a cabinet that houses a tower computer. design that includes powerful Intel Pentium MMX A Pentium CPU with added instructions for improved multimedia performance. See MMX and Pentium. and Pentium processors, one touch Internet access See how to access the Internet. , starting at $999. -Compaq Presario 4800 Series: The latest generation home computing experience: exclusive Creativity Imaging Center; breakthrough home theater An audio/video entertainment center that has a large-screen TV and hi-fi system with three speakers in the front (left, right and center) and left and right speakers in the rear. Starting in the early 1990s, video inputs were added to stereo receivers and preamplifiers. surround sound An audio recording and playback system that uses five or more channels plus a subwoofer channel. See 5.1 channel and 3D audio. , DVD DVD: see digital versatile disc. DVD in full digital video disc or digital versatile disc Type of optical disc. The DVD represents the second generation of compact-disc (CD) technology. , Pentium II The successor to the Pentium Pro from Intel. Pentium II refers to the CPU chip or the PC that uses it. Code named "Klamath," the Pentium II was a Pentium Pro with MMX multimedia instructions. processors, and uniquely designed backlit An LCD screen that has its own light source from the back of the screen, making the background brighter and characters appear sharper. Easy Access Buttons. -Compaq Presario FX 500 Monitor: A revolutionary new multimedia monitor with integrated easy-access buttons, JBL JBL James Bullough Lansing (audio/speaker engineer) JBL Journal of Biblical Literature JBL John Bradshaw Leyfield (wrestler) JBL Jonathan Bell Lovelace (investment research) Pro "Wall-of-Sound" Speakers and USB ports. -Strategic Partnership with Epson, Inc.: Compaq and Epson offer the new Epson 600Q for Compaq Presario Presario is a series of desktop computers and notebooks from Compaq. The Presario family of computers was launched for the consumer marketplace in September 1993. Although HP has since acquired Compaq, the Presario name was not discontinued due to its marketability. , a photo-quality, color ink jet printer See inkjet printer. that works seamlessly with Presario home PCs. Extending its leadership in the consumer PC market, Compaq Computer Corporation (company) Compaq Computer Corporation - The largest US manufacturer and vendor of IBM PC compatible personal computers and servers. Compaq was started in 1982 by three ex-Texas Instruments employees. Quarterly sales $2499M, profits $210M (Aug 1994). http://compaq.com/. (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange :CPQ CPQ Compaq CPQ Conseil du Patronat du Québec (Canada) CPQ Configure-Price-Quote CPQ Conseil de Presse du Québec (Québec Press Council, Canada) CPQ Companion Parrot Quarterly ) today launched the industry's broadest, most powerful and intuitive line of home PCs that include breakthrough multimedia features and expanded ease-of-use, all at unprecedented price points. Designed to meet the wide range of consumer requirements, this product line-up positions Compaq for significant consumer market share growth in the back half of the year. "Compaq remains focused on leading the industry by providing consumers with the most enriching home computing experience," said Mike Heil, senior vice president and group general manager, Compaq Consumer Group. "Now we are delivering this experience to the broadest range of customer segments with the widest array of mobile and desktop PC price points. Combined with a holistic focus on retailer and customer support, this strategy has enabled Compaq to significantly increase its retail shelf space in the U.S. Globally, this line-up continues our quest for Verb 1. quest for - go in search of or hunt for; "pursue a hobby" quest after, go after, pursue look for, search, seek - try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of; "The police are searching for clues"; "They are searching for the market share growth by delivering products at a low total delivered cost, at the right time, while we are providing enhanced customer support and closer relationships with our customers and retailers." Breakthrough Pricing: Low Total Delivered Cost Compaq, the company that legitimized the under $1,000 consumer PC price category, extended its ability to offer consumers the best in powerful multimedia features at compelling price points by re-engineering its product design, manufacturing and operational processes. The results of this focus on total delivered cost enabled Compaq to launch the new Presario line, which features eight new high quality Presario systems and two notebooks, with very compelling price points. The new models also include the latest technologies and features that consumers want: exceptional audio and video capabilities, speedy processors, fast modems, large hard drives, and easy access to the most often used features. The products are backed by Compaq's new Extra Mile service program, which includes free technical telephone support for the warranty period(c). For example, Compaq now offers a pair of powerful multimedia systems that shatter the $1,000 price barrier. This includes the new Presario 2200, which starts at $799 with a 180 MHz (MegaHertZ) One million cycles per second. It is used to measure the transmission speed of electronic devices, including channels, buses and the computer's internal clock. A one-megahertz clock (1 MHz) means some number of bits (16, 32, 64, etc. Media GX processor. When purchased with a monitor such as the high quality Compaq 14-inch (13.2-inch viewable) color monitor, consumers can buy the total system for $999. The new Presario 4504, which features a breakthrough minitower design and an Intel Pentium 200 MHz proc- essor, starts at just $999 (without monitor). Breakthrough Features Many models sport unique new Compaq features that make home computers more useful and enjoyable. These include: Creativity Imaging Center - Unique to the Presario 4800 Series, the innovative Compaq Creativity Imaging Center allows customers to play an interactive role in the development of exciting multimedia content. Only the Compaq Creativity Imaging Center allows capture of both still images and motion video content from a camcorder, VCR VCR: see videocassette recorder. VCR in full videocassette recorder Electromechanical device that records, stores on a videotape cassette, and plays back on a TV set recorded images and sound. , TV or stereo via standard RCA See RCA connector and video/TV history. audio and video jacks. Compaq uniquely places these input jacks on the front of the sys tem for the most convenient access. The fun and easy photo editing See photo editor. software enables users to unleash their imagination by editing photos and producing video postcards, calendars, desktop wallpaper, screen-savers, greeting cards See e-card. and collages. 8-Hour DisqPlay Mode(b) - A breakthrough for portable PCs, the Compaq 8-Hour DisqPlay Mode on new Presario 1200 and 1600 Series notebooks enables users to play audio CDs for extended hours of listening pleasure without having to boot up the computer and unnecessarily drain battery power -- all with just a flip of a switch. The feature is on all Presario retail notebooks. One Touch Internet access - Compaq has made connecting to the Internet more simple and more enjoyable. All new Presario desktop and minitower models and most notebook PCs come equipped with K56flex technology(d) -- some are standard while the others are upgradable. Many of the new models (Presario 4500 and 4800 Series) feature a new Instant Internet button that enables users to access the Internet with one touch. The often complex and time consuming process of connecting to the Internet and establishing an Internet Service Provider Internet service provider (ISP) Company that provides Internet connections and services to individuals and organizations. For a monthly fee, ISPs provide computer users with a connection to their site (see data transmission), as well as a log-in name and password. (ISP (1) See in-system programmable. (2) (Internet Service Provider) An organization that provides access to the Internet. Connection to the user is provided via dial-up, ISDN, cable, DSL and T1/T3 lines. ) for the first time is simplified by an intuitive set up wizard which walks the user through signing up with an ISP the first time the user pushes the button. This one-touch function enables access to various platforms for connecting to the Internet, including Sprynet, America Online, and the Microsoft Network of ISPs. Following set-up, the button serves to take the user quickly to the Compaq Adventure Zone Internet web site, an easy jumping off point to the World Wide Web. Awesome Home Theater Experience - Compaq now provides a true home theater experience on its Presario minitower PCs. Featuring MPEG (Moving Pictures Experts Group) An ISO/ITU standard for compressing digital video. Pronounced "em-peg," it is the universal standard for digital terrestrial, cable and satellite TV, DVDs and digital video recorders (DVRs). 2 video playback, JBL 3D VirtualTheater and Dolby Digital Surround Sound, the Presario products offer a truly engulfing multimedia experience. Dolby Digital Surround Sound (AC-3) and JBL 3D VirtualTheater (VMAx) provide an incredibly realistic home theater sound experience with five speaker positional audio emanating from just two hi-fidelity JBL Pro Speakers. MPEG2 provides laser sharp quality video for a sharper resolution and smooth playback. Next Generation DVD - Planned for availability on select Presario models in September, the Compaq 2nd Generation DVD solution will support DVD movie playback and run a new generation of media-rich interactive software delivered on a single DVD-ROM DVD-ROM: see digital versatile disc. A read-only DVD disc used to permanently store data files. DVD-ROM discs are widely used to distribute large software applications that exceed the capacity of a CD-ROM disc. . When coupled with Intel Pentium II processor-optimized MPEG2 and Digital Dolby Surround Sound (AC-3), the unique DVD experience from Compaq will provide a true home theater-like experience on the PC. Compaq will include a 2X DVD drive that will run at twice the transfer rate of current DVD drives, and can play DVD media with storage capacities of up to 14 times that of standard CD-ROM CD-ROM: see compact disc. CD-ROM in full compact disc read-only memory Type of computer storage medium that is read optically (e.g., by a laser). . Send and Receive Videophone (1) (VideoPhone) A line of videophones (definition #1 below) from AT&T that were introduced in the early 1990s and later pulled off the market due to poor sales. The first models came with a price tag above $1,000, and a pair were needed. See Picturephone. Software - In an effort to make powerful video communications easier and more affordable, Compaq now includes both send and receive videophone software with Intel ProShare(R) technology capabilities standard on the Presario 4800 Series. By simply connecting a camcorder through the front audio and video jacks of the Creativity Imaging Center, and using the streamlined Compaq Phone Center, consumers can make videophone calls over standard phone lines(e). Backlit Easy Access Buttons - Featured on the Presario 4800 Series and FX 500 multi-media monitor, the redesigned Easy Access Button Panel is backlit and includes buttons with extended functionality, such as one touch Internet Access, and a user configurable Launcher button to immediately call up a favorite application. Full audio CD, speakerphone and telephone answering machine controls are also included. Robust, Full Version Software Titles - Compaq will be the first in the industry to ship high quality, full version software titles with every Presario product. Now, every new Presario will be bundled with a Featured Microsoft Collection including full versions of Microsoft Money, Microsoft Works, Microsoft Encarta '97 MPEG, Microsoft Bookshelf, and Microsoft Creative Writer 2. The Presario 4800 series will also include Sega's hit title "Virtual On MMX (MultiMedia EXtensions) A set of 57 additional instructions built into the Pentium MMX chip for improved multimedia and modem performance by performing mathematical operations on multiple sets of data at the same time (see SIMD). " and a streamlined, easy-to-use and easy to set-up videophone software package. Compaq Presario 1200 and 1600 Series: Powerful Multimedia Notebooks Designed for the mobile consumer who demands state-of-the art multimedia, the new Presario 1200 and 1600 Series offer new levels of performance and features, from the power of upgradable Intel Pentium Processors(f) with MMX technology for better protection from technological obsolescence ob·so·les·cent adj. 1. Being in the process of passing out of use or usefulness; becoming obsolete. 2. Biology Gradually disappearing; imperfectly or only slightly developed. , to the industry's first 8-Hour DisqPlay(b). The Presario 1200 and 1600 Series distinctive all-inclusive design seamlessly integrates CD-ROM, diskette The official name for the floppy disk. See floppy disk. diskette - floppy disk drive, modem, hard drive, Easy Access Buttons and stereo speakers in a convenient, no-hassle portable solution. New Presario 1200 and 1600 Series models feature the ultimate multimedia platform, delivering the power of traditional desktop computers. Compaq has incorporated upgradable Intel Pentium processors, 16 MB of high performance SyncDRAM (expandable to 80 MB), 1.44 GB to 2.1 GB hard drives, and 14X to 20X Max CD-ROM drives(g). The Presario 1600 Series includes a 56K modem(d) and PremierSound with 4X Bass Reflex to provide some of the best high fidelity audio, including enhanced bass output, available on notebook computers today. The Presario 1200 Series includes a 33.6K modem, 12.1-inch high contrast STN (SuperTwisted Nematic) A passive matrix LCD technology that provides better contrast than twisted nematic (TN) by twisting the molecules from 180 to 270 degrees. See DSTN. color display, and PremierSound Audio. The Presario 1210, 1610, and 1620 will range in price from $2,299 to $2,999 and are expected to be available in retail stores nationwide in July and August. Compaq Armada 1585DMT See DSL. To meet the unique needs of small and medium business customers, Compaq introduced a new retail specific model of the popular Armada 1500 Series: the Compaq Armada 1585DMT. It features a 12.1-inch active matrix display (hardware) active matrix display - A type of liquid crystal display where each display element (each pixel) includes an active component such as a transistor to maintain its state between scans. Contrast passive matrix display. and a 150 MHz Intel MMX processor for $3,699 (see separate release for product details). Presario 2200 Series: Unbeatable Value With No Compromises Setting a new standard in home PC affordability, the Presario 2200 Series is a powerful 180MHz multimedia PC with uncompromising features, available for $799 without monitor. When purchased with a coordinating Compaq Presario V410 color monitor (.28 dot pitch), the total system is priced at $999. Designed and engineered with Compaq quality, the line offers complete desktop functionality in a breakthrough PC design that fits into any home or lifestyle, while delivering the power and performance that consumers have come to expect from multimedia desktop computing. The Presario 2200 Series offers breakthrough technological features for this category of product including an improved PremierSound Audio with 10-stage equalization In communications, techniques used to reduce distortion and compensate for signal loss (attenuation) over long distances. and extra bass kick, and a 33.6K standard modem that is upgradeable to K56flex technology(d) for super fast Internet downloading over standard phone lines. The new model offers a robust core computing engine with a 180 MHz processor with MediaGX Technology, 16 MB of total system memory, a 1.6 GB hard drive, an 8X CD-ROM drive, and a complement of Microsoft software. The Presario 2200 is expected to be available at retail stores nationwide in July. Presario 4500 Series: Powerful Minitowers with Desktop Affordability The Presario 4500 Series includes powerful multimedia features in a revolutionary new minitower design, all at a low desktop price. In addition to taking up less desk space than a regular 8.5"x11" sheet of paper, the Presario 4500 offers a breakthrough value by combining laser sharp quality MPEG2 video, Dolby Digital and JBL 3D Virtual Theater sound, with retail prices starting at $999. New Presario 4500 models feature Intel Pentium processors, ranging from the 200 MHz Pentium through 233 MHz Pentium with MMX technology; 16X Max to 24X Max CD-ROM; 33.6K data/fax modems that are upgradeable to K56flex technology(d); MPEG2; 16 MB 32 MB of SyncDRAM; and 2.1 to 3.2 GB hard drives. Most models also include a 256K pipeline burst cache A common type of static RAM chip used for memory caches. After the first byte is accessed, access to subsequent memory locations takes fewer machine cycles than with previous designs. See L2 cache and static RAM. . The Presario 4504, 4508 and 4528 range in price from $999 to $1,899 and are expected to be available at retail stores nationwide in July. Presario 4800 Series: The Latest Generation Home Computing Experience The Presario 4800 Series offers breakthrough technologies including: the Compaq exclusive Creativity Imaging Center and backlit Easy Access buttons, Intel Pentium processors with MMX technology ranging from 200 MHz to 233 MHz, Intel Pentium II processors ranging from 233 MHz to 266 MHz; JBL 3D Virtual Theater and Dolby Digital for true-theater sound; laser sharp, full screen MPEG2 video playback; 24X Max CD-ROM(h); 56K video telephony modem(d); 6.5 GB hard drives; and 32 MB SyncDRAM on select models. The Presario 4814 model features a 100 MB Iomega Zip drive The Zip drive is a medium-capacity removable disk storage system, introduced by Iomega in late 1994. Originally it had a capacity of 100 MB, but later versions increased this to first 250 MB and then 750 MB. that stores mountains of data on removable disks. The Presario 4808, 4814 and 4824 range in price from $1,999 to $2,699 and are expected to be available at retail stores nationwide in July. Compaq FX 500: Ultimate Multimedia Monitor Due out later this summer, Compaq will ship the FX 500, a revolutionary all-inclusive multimedia monitor. This 15-inch (13.5-inch viewable) color monitor incorporates many ease-of-use features such as: dynamic on-screen on·screen or on-screen adj. & adv. 1. As shown on a movie, television, or display screen. 2. Within public view; in public. display, convenient backlit Easy Access Buttons for immediate multimedia action, a JBL Pro "Wall of Sound" with ported speakers for extended bass, and front accessible USB USB in full Universal Serial Bus Type of serial bus that allows peripheral devices (disks, modems, printers, digitizers, data gloves, etc.) to be easily connected to a computer. connectors to easily connect the latest game controllers, cameras, scanners and many other USB input devices. Strategic Partnership with Epson, Inc. In a collaborative effort with Epson, Compaq is introducing a co-branded color printer with a sleek design that takes advantage of the look and feel of Presario Home PCs. All new Presario models come standard with optimized Epson 600Q printer drivers so customers attach the printer and its ready to use. The new Epson 600Q for Compaq Presario printer provides photo quality color images 31 percent faster than other printers in its class(i). It is expected to be available from retailers for less than $300. Company Background Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ), a Fortune 100 company, is the fifth largest computer company in the world and the largest global supplier of personal computers, delivering useful innovation through products that connect people with people and people with information. The company is an industry leader in environmentally friendly programs and business practices. Compaq is strategically organized to meet the current and future needs of its customers, offering Internet and enterprise computing solutions, networking products, commercial PC products, and consumer PCs. As the leader in distributed enterprise solutions, Compaq has shipped over a million servers. In 1996, the company reported worldwide sales of $18.1 billion. 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 http://www.compaq.com or by calling 1-800-OK-COMPAQ. Product information and retailer locations can be obtained by calling 1-800-345-1518. -0- DISCLAIMER INFORMATION (a) All prices listed in this release are estimated U.S. selling prices. Retailer pricing may vary. Please see end of release for additional disclaimer information. (b) 8-Hour DisqPlay: Assumes new fully charged battery and moderate loudness. (c) Extra Mile service program: Certain restrictions and exclusions apply. See Compaq limited warranty Limited warranty A warranty with certain conditions and limitations on the parts covered, type of damage covered, and/or time period for which the agreement is good. statement for details. (d) Modem (33.6K upgradeable to 56K): The K56flex protocol is designed only to allow faster downloads from K56flex compliant digital sources. Maximum achievable download transmission rates are currently unknown, may not reach 56 Kbps, and will vary depending on line conditions; Modem (56K standard): The K56flex protocol is designed only to allow faster downloads from K56flex compliant digital sources. Maximum achievable download transmission rates are currently unknown, may not reach 56 Kbps, and will vary with line conditions. Your modem may only download at up to 33.6 Kbps until a free software upgrade to achieve K56flex compatibility is available. (e) H.324C: Allows for full-color video phone send-and-receive software capabilities with other H.324-compatible video phone systems. (f) Processor Upgrade-Notebooks: Processor upgrade expected to be available when Intel processor is available. (g) Transferable Rate 14X Max CD-ROM: 14X Max CD-ROM drive data transfer rates may vary from 1200 to 1800 Kbps; Transfer Rate 20X Max CD-ROM: 20X Max CD-ROM drive data transfer rates may vary from 1300 to 3000 Kbps. (h) Transfer Rate 16X Max CD-ROM: 16X Max CD-ROM drive data transfer rates may vary rom 1200 to 2400 Kbps; Transfer Rate 24X Max CD-ROM: 24X Max CD-ROM drive data transfer rates may vary from 1300 to 3600 Kbps. (i) Source: National Software Testing Laboratory, Inc. -0- Compaq, Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. CONTACT: Compaq Computer Corporation Mike Berman, 281-514-0484 mike.berman@compaq.com OR Miller/Shandwick Technologies Kim Burke, 617-536-0470 kjburke@miller.shandwick.com |
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