Compaq Takes Multimedia To The Max; Launches All New Intel MMX Technology-Based Presario PCs.HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 1997-- New Presario Notebook PC for Schools Features Networking Editor's Summary --Compaq delivers ground-breaking multimedia computing performance - up to 75 percent faster than existing 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. PCs - in a new line of Presario desktop, minitower min·i·tow·er n. A computer cabinet that is about half the height of a cabinet that houses a tower computer. , and mobile PCs --New breakthrough features include: Intel Pentium processors with MMX technology MMX technology - Matrix Math eXtensions , DVD drives DVD drives come in a variety of speeds and options. The original drive (1x) transferred data at 1.35MB per second. By doubling the spindle speed (RPMs) for 2x drives, the transfer rate increased to 2.7MB/sec and has been increasing ever since. with 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 3D positional sound See 3D positional sound. , 56K upgradeable modems, 60 percent faster graphics, 16X Max CD-ROM drives CD-ROM drives, which today typically means a CD-RW drive that is a combo CD-ROM, CD-R and CD-RW drive, come in a variety of speeds. The original drive (1x) transferred data at 150KB per second. , Sync DRAM, and up to 6.5GB hard drives --Compaq announces the first Presario notebook PC designed for schools Continuing its drive to provide consumers with the industry's leading Internet and multimedia PC experience, 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 most powerful line-up of Presario PCs ever, delivering up to 75 percent (a) improved multimedia computing performance over existing models. Compaq also announced its first Presario notebook, featuring networking capability, designed for schools. Compaq combined several breakthrough technologies into the latest Presario PCs. These include the new Intel Pentium processors with MMX technology; the industry's highest performing CD-ROM drive A device that holds and reads CD-ROM discs. CD-ROM drives generally also play audio CD discs by sending analog sound to the sound card via a 4-pin cable. For specifications of 10x, 20x, etc. drives, see CD-ROM drives. See CD-ROM, CD-ROM changer, CD-ROM server and CD-ROM audio cable. ; a rich and powerful 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. solution that provides a home theater-like experience (b); the fastest available modem for standard phone lines (up to 56K (c)); advanced new memory architecture that speeds PC operations -- a first for consumer PCs; and significantly larger hard drives. "With Compaq, customers now have access to the most dazzling multimedia computing experience allowing them to effortlessly glide through the Internet and the latest educational and entertainment CD- ROMs," said Mike Heil, Senior Vice President and Group General Manager, Compaq Consumer Products Group. "Only Compaq is delivering a completely redesigned PC package that offers the highest performance multimedia experience at affordable prices. The Presario line, which has taken the market by storm, enables consumers to enjoy the very best access to information, entertainment and communications." Product Line Highlights Desktop and Minitower Products. While retaining their smooth and appealing design, the new Presario desktop and minitower products replace existing models of the Presario 3000, 4000, and 8000 Series PCs. (See attached fact sheet for specific models, features and pricing.) More than just last year's technology with the latest processor, select models feature new 16X Max CD-ROM drives, 56K upgradeable modems (d), Sync DRAM, integrated Iomega Zip drives and hard drives of up to 6.5GB. The 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). processor-based models include software titles optimized for the new processor such as Pod, a 3D futuristic racing game A racing game is any game that involves competing in races through a surrogate playing piece or vehicle, either getting it from one point to another or completing a number of circuits in the shortest time. , and Ultimate Human Body II, a stunning educational tour of human anatomy Human anatomy is primarily the scientific study of the morphology of the adult human body.[1] It is subdivided into gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy.[1] . The new models also feature comprehensive Internet and 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. communications, providing the fastest Internet access See how to access the Internet. over standard phone lines. Select Presario models will be the first consumer PCs to ship with a 56K upgradeable modem. The Compaq 56K upgradeable modem currently operates at 33.6K, but can be upgraded with software to 56K. All other models include a 33.6K modem, which is currently the fastest Internet access speed. In addition, a new Compaq-customized version of the PointCast Network intelligently delivers personalized news, financial and lifestyle information as well as up-to-the minute access of Internet information in the home. Additionally, preinstalled applications for Web browsing, Internet e-mail and Internet phone (1) See IP phone and softphone. (2) (Internet Phone) The first VoIP telephone service in the U.S., introduced in early 1995 by VocalTec Communications Ltd., Fort Lee, NJ (www.vocaltec.com). Using a Windows softphone, calls could also be made to a regular phone. provide comprehensive Internet functionality. Presario customers also have the capability to receive videophone calls over standard phone lines. For both sending and receiving videophone calls, Compaq now offers a digital video camera for $199. In March, Compaq plans to introduce and ship a Presario model which includes a DVD solution that provides customers with a true home theater-like experience on the PC. Compaq's DVD solution will support DVD movie playback and run a new generation of media-rich interactive software delivered on a single 4.7GB 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. . High quality video and audio are provided via 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 and Digital Dolby Surround A digital audio encoding system from Dolby that provides four channels. Derived from the Dolby Stereo technology used in movie theaters, Dolby Surround was introduced in the early 1980s for video soundtracks, audio cassettes, CDs, TV broadcasts, video games and PC software. Sound (AC3). The unique DVD experience from Compaq will deliver JBL Pro 3D positional sound to the PC for full five-channel 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. via two JBL Pro Premium speakers. Notebook Products. Similar to the ground-breaking performance of the new Presario desktops and minitowers, the award-winning Presario 1000 Series notebooks have been enhanced to deliver outstanding multimedia performance for notebooks. The new Presario 1000 Series now includes the fastest portable Intel Pentium processor with MMX technology delivering over a 60 percent CPU CPU in full central processing unit Principal component of a digital computer, composed of a control unit, an instruction-decoding unit, and an arithmetic-logic unit. performance advantage over previous Presario notebooks. The line now includes larger 12.1-inch 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. and TFT (Thin Film Transistor) The term typically refers to active matrix screens on laptop computers. Active matrix LCD provides a sharper screen display and broader viewing angle than does passive matrix. See LCD and thin film. TFT - Thin Film transistor panels for a larger viewing area; new built-in 10X-speed CD-ROM drives that perform up to 45 percent faster; 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. for a 15 percent performance boost; and Lithium Ion A rechargeable battery technology introduced in 1991 that provides greater charge per pound than nickel metal hydride. In 1993, Toshiba introduced the first notebook in the U.S. with a Li-ion battery. batteries for up to 35 percent more battery life. Building upon the industry's first notebook PC designed for consumers, the Presario 1000 Series continues to deliver the fastest notebook graphics performance with blazing fast 128-bit graphics acceleration, the best notebook audio experience with its Premier Sound stereo speakers, and super-fast Internet access with built-in 33.6K modems. Compaq Presario Notebook for K-12, Higher Education higher education Study beyond the level of secondary education. Institutions of higher education include not only colleges and universities but also professional schools in such fields as law, theology, medicine, business, music, and art. Compaq today introduced its first network-ready, multimedia notebook computer A laptop computer that weighs in a range from five to seven pounds. The term originated when laptops were routinely more than 10 pounds, and those that became lighter were placed in a special "notebook" category. In practice, notebook computer and laptop computer are synonymous. for schools: the Compaq Presario 1060ES. The new notebook PC comes standard with LearningPaq software (a choice of bundled popular education titles), a combination 33.6K modem/Ethernet network PC card for instant Internet access, and is the only Windows-based notebook to come standard with HyperStudio software for authoring exciting multimedia presentations. The Presario 1060ES, available through Compaq Certified Education Partners, is priced at $2,499 (e). Pricing/Technology Highlights. The new Presario models range in price from $1,299 to $3,999(f) -- see attached fact sheet for specific models, features and pricing. Most models are available today. Key technologies features in the new Presario line include: -- Intel MMX Technology: Presario models that incorporate the Intel Pentium processor with MMX technology offer up to a 20 percent performance advantage in traditional computing applications and will dramatically enhance the multimedia experience for MMX enhanced software applications. -- 16X Max CD-ROM Drive: The latest in optical storage technology, 16X Max CD-ROM drives speed access times of up to 35 percent faster than today's conventional 8X CD-ROM drives and 30 percent faster than 12X CD-ROM drives. It provides up to twice the data transfer rate of 8X CD-ROM drives. -- 56K Upgradeable Modem: Select new Presario PCs will include the 56K upgradeable Modem (g), the fastest modem supported over standard phone lines. It uses the K56flex protocol that is jointly developed with Lucent Technologies and Rockwell Semiconductor Systems. -- Synchronous DRAM Synchronous DRAM - Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory System Memory: Sync DRAM speeds PC operations by up to 15 percent over traditional EDO memory EDO memory - Extended Data Out Dynamic Random Access Memory . -- Larger Hard Drives: Addressing the increased storage demands of both data and software applications, hard drives on the new Presario range from 1.08GB to 1.44GB in the Presario 1000 and Presario 1060ES Series notebooks; and from 2.1GB to 6.5GB in the Presario 3000, 4000 and 8000 Series. Intel Pentium Processor with MMX Technology for Business With the increasing use of multimedia and communication based applications for business, Compaq plans to incorporate the Pentium processor with MMX technology in its Deskpro desktop and Armada notebook PCs later this year. This will provide additional performance and functionality over existing Pentium processor-based systems for small, medium and large businesses. International Availability The new Compaq Presario models, introduced in North America North America, third largest continent (1990 est. pop. 365,000,000), c.9,400,000 sq mi (24,346,000 sq km), the northern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. and Latin America Latin America, the Spanish-speaking, Portuguese-speaking, and French-speaking countries (except Canada) of North America, South America, Central America, and the West Indies. , are expected to be launched later this year in Compaq's Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific and Japan regions. The product prices and features for each region and country may differ. Compaq Education products (Presario ES) are only available in the U.S. Fact Sheet: January 8, 1997 New Compaq Presario Product Overview (U.S. Products: Home/Education) Compaq Presario 1000 Series Target Market: Mobile PRICE(h) Consumers The ultimate multimedia notebook for serious work and serious play, the Compaq Presario 1000 series is the industry's first portable PC line designed exclusively for the consumer market featuring a product design with everything built-in. With the addition of Intel's processors, including the just announced Pentium 166 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. processor with MMX technology, larger displays up to 12.1", and fast 10X-speed CD-ROM drives, the latest generation of the Presario 1000 Series offers the most powerful and affordable consumer multimedia notebook solution available today. 1060 Notebook, 11.3" STN SVGA (Super VGA) A screen resolution of 800x600 pixels. Third-party vendors extended IBM's VGA display standard and were the first to use the term. SVGA has also referred to 1,024x768 resolutions. See PC display modes. display, Intel Pentium $2,299 120MHz, 16 MB RAM, 1.08 GB Hard Drive, built-in 6X 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). and built-in diskette The official name for the floppy disk. See floppy disk. diskette - floppy disk drive, 128-bit Accelerated Graphics, NiMH Battery, Audio CD Control Buttons, Trackpad Pointing Device, Joystick Game Port, 2 Ported Stereo Speakers with Premier Sound Audio 1070 Notebook, 12.1" STN SVGA display, Intel Pentium $2,899 133MHz, 16 MB RAM, 1.08 GB Hard Drive, built-in 10X CD-ROM and built-in diskette drive, 128-bit Accelerated Graphics, built-in 33.6K/14.4K Data/Fax Modem, LiIon Battery, Audio CD Control Buttons, Trackpad Pointing Device, Joystick Game Port, 2 Ported Stereo Speakers with Premier Sound Audio 1080 Notebook, 12.1" TFT SVGA display, Intel Pentium $3,999 166MHz processor with MMX technology, 256K Pipeline Burst Cache, 16 MB RAM, 1.44 GB Hard Drive, built-in 10X CD-ROM and built-in diskette drive, 128-bit Accelerated Graphics, built-in 33.6K/14.4K Data/Fax Modem, LiIon Battery, Audio CD Control Buttons, Trackpad Pointing Device, Joystick Game Port, 2 Ported Stereo Speakers with Premier Sound Audio Compaq Presario 1000ES Series Target Market: K-12; Higher Ed PRICE Bundled with popular education software and incorporating a 33.6Kmodem/Ethernet PC Combo Card, the Presario 1060ES is ideal for students of all ages, faculty and school administrators. From anywhere they want to work -- in the home, in the dorm room, or at the library -- students and educators can complete homework projects electronically, research information and chat with people from around the world. The Presario 1060ES is network-ready, has full- featured multimedia capabilities, including customized education software title bundles, and provides a low-cost solution that addresses today's education needs. 1060ES Notebook, 11.3" STN SVGA display, Intel Pentium $2,499 120MHz, 16 MB RAM, 1.08 GB Hard Drive, built-in 6X CD-ROM and built-in diskette drive, 128-bit Accelerated Graphics, NiMH Battery, Audio CD Control Buttons, Trackpad Pointing Device, Joystick Game Port, Ported Stereo Speakers with Premier Sound Audio, choice of LearningPaq educational software bundles, Hyperstudio Software, dual 33.6K modem/Ethernet PC card. Compaq Presario 3000 Series Target Market: Design Conscious PRICE Critically acclaimed for its unique home PC design, the award-winning Presario 3000 series is a revolutionary multimedia flat panel desktop PC that delivers a unique combination of performance with a processor including MMX technology, space-saving, elegant design, and state-of-the- art features including the DoubleBright TFT display, CD Changer Changer The name given to a clearing member that is willing to assume the opposite position of a futures contract within a larger alternative exchange, of which it also is a clearing member. , and Compaq Cordless Mouse. 3060 Flat-Panel Desktop, 12.1" DoubleBright TFT $2,999 Display, 200 MHz Intel Pentium Processor with MMX Technology, 24MB RAM, 3.8 GB Hard Drive, 4-Disc Autoload CD Changer, Cordless Mouse, Easy Access Buttons, JBL Pro Speakers, 33.6K/14.4K Data/Fax Modem, Videophone Receive Capabilities, Talk and Send DSVD (Digital Simultaneous Voice and Data) An all-digital technology for concurrent voice and data (SVD) transmission over a single analog telephone line. The DSVD V. , 2MB Video Memory, 256K Pipeline Burst Cache Compaq Presario 4000 Series Target Market: Home And Family PRICE Crafted to meet the needs of mainstream or family users, the Presario 4100 and 4700 series desktop and minitowers combine the latest technological advances with intuitive designs to bring 3D graphics, JBL Pro stereo sound, ultra- fast Internet access, videophone receive capability and the fastest Pentium processors to the home PC user. With selected models of the Presario 4700, Compaq has raised the bar on powerful productivity and multimedia performance with Intel's MMX technology, SyncDRAM-- the fastest performing system memory available -- and the 16X Max CD- ROM drives. 4160 Desktop, Intel Pentium 150MHz Processor, 24 MB $1,299 RAM, 2.1GB Hard Drive, 8X CD-ROM Drive, Easy Access Buttons, JBL Pro Speakers, 33.6K/14.4Kbps Data/Fax Modem, Videophone Receive Capabilities, Talk and Send DSVD 4764 Minitower, 166MHz Intel Pentium Processor with $1,899 MX Technology, 24 MB SyncDRAM, 2.5GB Hard Drive, 16X Max CD-ROM Drive, Easy Access Buttons, JBL Pro Speakers, 33.6K/14.4Kbps Data/Fax Modem, Videophone Receive Capabilities, Talk and Send DSVD 4770 Minitower, 200 MHz Intel Pentium Processor with $2,299 MMX Technology , 32 MB SyncDRAM, 3.8GB Hard Drive, 16X Max CD-ROM Drive, Easy Access Buttons, JBL Pro Speakers, 33.6K/14.4Kbps Data/Fax Modem, Videophone Receive Capabilities, Talk and Send DSVD, 2MB video RAM 4772 Minitower, 166MHz Intel Pentium Processor with $2,199 MMX Technology, 32 MB RAM, 3.8 GB Hard Drive, 8X CD-ROM Drive, 512K Pipeline Burst Cache, Gameplay 3D graphics with S3 ViRGE and 2MB video RAM, Easy Access Buttons, JBL Pro Speakers, Interwave 32 Voice Wavetable A group of sampled sound waves used in MIDI. See wavetable synthesis and MIDI. (hardware, music) wavetable - A type of sound generator often built in a sound card. A wavetable contains digitised samples of real instrument sounds or effect (FX) sounds. plus 512K RAM, 33.6/14.4K Data/Fax Modem, Digital Video Camera, Videophone Receive Capabilities, Talk and Send DSVD 4784 Minitower, 200MHz Intel Pentium Processor with $2,399 MMX Technology, 32 MB SyncDRAM, 4.3GB Hard Drive, 16X Max CD-ROM Drive, Gameplay 3D graphics with S3 ViRGE and 2MB video RAM, Easy Access Buttons, JBL Pro Speakers, 56K upgradeable modem, Videophone Receive Capabilities, Talk and Send DSVD, 100MB Zip drive Compaq Presario 8000 Series Target Market: Multimedia PRICE Enthusiast The Compaq Presario 8000 series is dedicated to providing the ultimate multimedia and gaming experience for power users who demand state-of-the-art performance, latest features and entertainment capabilities. This high- performance minitower takes full advantage of MMX technology to bring arcade quality graphics and multimedia functionality to life and also features High Fidelity stereo sound, ultra-fast Internet access, SyncDRAM, 16X Max CD-ROM drives, and videophone receive capabilities. 8760 Minitower, 166MHz Intel Pentium Processor with $1,999 MMX Technology, 32MB SyncDRAM, 2.5GB Hard Drive, 16X CD-ROM, 56K upgradeable modem, Power VR Arcade 3D Graphics, 6MB Total Graphics Memory, JBL Pro Premium Speakers, Interwave 32 Voice Wavetable plus 512K RAM, Videophone Receive Capabilities, Easy Access Buttons 8772 Minitower, 200MHz Intel Pentium Processor with $2,999 MMX Technology, 48 MB SyncDRAM, 512K Pipeline Burst Cache, 6.5GB Hard Drive, 16X Max CD-ROM, 56K upgradeable modem, Power VR Arcade 3D Graphics, 6MB Total Graphics Memory, JBL Pro Premium Speakers plus JBL Pro Subwoofer A speaker that reproduces the lower end of the audio spectrum. A subwoofer system may include a crossover circuit which switches frequencies at approximately 100Hz and under to the subwoofer, while passing the rest of the signal to the main speakers. , Interwave 32 Voice Wavetable plus 512K RAM, Advanced Gamepad, Videophone Receive Capabilities, Easy Access Buttons Company Background Compaq Computer Corporation, 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 more than 1 million servers. In 1995, the company reported worldwide sales of $14.8 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 reseller locations can be obtained by calling 1-800-345-1518; for education products call 1-800-88-TEACH. -0- (a) Overall multimedia performance improvement of new models compared to previous (Fall 1996) models combining Winstone 32 overall results (90% weighting) with Microsoft Direct 3D Tunnel benchmark results (10% weighting). (b) Available on models to be introduced in March. (c) Presario 4784, 8760, and 8772 models include modem hardware. Software upgrade (planned availability 2Q97) is required. (d) Presario 4784, 8760, and 8772 models include modem hardware. Software upgrade (planned availability 2Q97) is required. (e) Compaq National Education Price. (f) All pricing listed are estimated U.S. retail/reseller selling prices. Actual prices will vary. (g) Presario 4784, 8760, and 8772 models include modem hardware. Software upgrade (planned availability 2Q97) is required. (h) All prices listed are estimated selling prices. Actual prices will vary. 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 Brian Temple 281-514-0885 btemple@bangate.compaq.com or Janet Dean 281-514-1359 jdean@bangate.compaq.com or Mike Berman 281-514-2510 mberman@bangate.compaq.com Miller/Shandwick Technologies Matt Lloyd 617-536-0470 mlloyd@miller.shandwick.com or Erin Farrell 617-536-0470 efarrell@miller.shandwick.com |
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