Compaq launches new education PCs, connecting teachers, students to the world; Compaq Presario ES combines advanced multimedia and networking capabilities.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 21, 1996--In a move to further increase its marketshare in the burgeoning education market, Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ) today launched its first feature-rich desktop multimedia PC specifically targeted for networked educational environments.

The new Compaq Presario ES Series, which leverages Compaq's most recently announced Presario home PCs, increases the value of the PC as a classroom tool and enhances the learning experience for both students and teachers. With compelling multimedia and networking capabilities, the Presario ES engages students instantly and allows them to learn in a fun, interactive way.

"Education is at a critical junction," said Don Weatherson, vice president of government and education, Compaq Computer Corporation. "As educators discover the benefits of open networked environments, they are demanding more in the way of performance, features and price. With the Presario ES, Compaq is taking an important step to provide schools the advanced, easy-to-use and easy-to-own solutions they need today."

Leveraging Compaq's leadership technology in desktops and servers, the new education PCs provide an affordable solution for schools who now view networked, multimedia computing as a technology requirement. The new Presario ES also addresses the growing demand by parents and educators to use the same Windows-based computing solutions that are predominately used both in the workplace and at home.

"As we move towards the 21st century, educational organizations will increasingly look for curriculum materials that pull from traditional and non-traditional information sources," said Carole Cotton, CCA Consulting Inc. "Educators are turning more and more to technology to tap into the extensive resources on the Internet -- resources not typically found in textbooks. With this trend, educators are now favoring industry-standard PCs as the preferred platform. Windows-based PCs accounted for 60 percent of all new computers purchased during the last year, and during the coming year, we expect that more PCs than Apples will be found in K-12."

The Full-Featured, Network-Ready Presario ES

Available in March, the Pentium processor-based Presario ES combines Compaq's industry-leading multimedia technology with networking capabilities. The Presario ES includes a CD-ROM drive, an integrated 16-bit sound system, a high-performance multimedia monitor, and a choice from 11 LearningPaq education software bundles to enrich the learning experience.

The Presario ES comes with a pre-installed Compaq NetFlex ENET/ISA card and is tested for Novell NetWare and Microsoft Windows NT networks, ensuring seamless integration with either environment. The Presario ES enables users to sample Internet browsers that provide access to information at most libraries and major universities. Trial memberships to on-line services let students and teachers explore new ways to learn -- from conducting on-line research to studying interactively with students from around the world.

Priced from $2,049 to $2,699(a), the Presario ES comes in two models -- Presario 7222ES and Presario 7234ES. Both models are Windows 95-ready and include a choice of processors (100MHz or 120MHz), standard RAM ranging from 8 MB to 16 MB, a choice of 14-inch (12.9-inch viewable display area) or 15-inch (13.4-inch viewable display area) Presario multimedia monitor, and a choice of Compaq LearningPaq collections, educational software titles grouped by subject and grade level.

Advanced Multimedia Capabilities

Both Presario ES models feature software-based MPEG technology that provides full-screen, full-motion video. Both models can be easily upgraded to Compaq's TrueQ Audio and Motion technology, providing TV-quality video and CD-quality audio through hardware-based MPEG technology and Wavetable Synthesis audio, for the richest multimedia experience available. With these features, the Presario ES helps promote both creativity and challenges among both students and teachers.

The multimedia experience generated by the Presario ES is augmented by the Compaq Presario Multimedia Monitors. The Presario 1410, a 14-inch monitor, and Presario 1510, a 15-inch monitor, feature enhanced stereo speakers that have the acoustic ability to effortlessly fill a classroom and enhance the multimedia experience with an integrated amplifier and fixed equalizer support for high-fidelity sound. Detachable speakers let educators put the sound right where they want it, while the volume control knob located on the front of the monitor makes it easy to adjust the sound level, and the headphone jack is conveniently located for easy access.

LearningPaq Collection: Compaq's Education Software Series

In addition to the Presario collection of more than 30 software titles, spanning everything from word processing and spreadsheets to drawing and design, the Presario ES offers a choice of educational software. Educators can select one of 11 bundles from Compaq's LearningPaq collection -- a compilation of the industry's leading educational software from top education vendors grouped together by subject matter and grade level.

The LearningPaq Collection offers more than 55 different CD-ROM titles that address the needs of educators and students, from kindergarten to higher education. The software titles focus on a variety of topics including: Math & Science, General & Reference, Language Arts & Social Studies, and Teacher and Student Productivity. For example, the LearningPaq General & Reference for grades 7-9 includes Eyewitness Encyclopedia of Science from D.K. Multimedia; Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego, by Broderbund Software; and Beyond Planet Earth, from Discovery Channel Multimedia.

The Presario ES extends Compaq's education offerings by adding an affordable, Windows 95-ready multimedia desktop to the line-up. In addition to the Presario ES, Compaq offers educators the Compaq ProLinea Family -- desktop computers which provide schools with a cost-effective network PC; and the Compaq Deskpro Family -- offering administrators a host of desktops with superior technology and network management features.

Available only to schools, the Presario ES can be ordered directly from Compaq by calling 1-800-88-TEACH, or through a Compaq Certified Education Partner.

Compaq Scanner Keyboard -- New Technology For Teachers and Students

Compaq's new Scanner Keyboard revolutionizes the way today's classrooms import and store important images or paper documents. The Scanner Keyboard -- with the ability to easily scan an image and reproduce it on-screen in an electronic format -- will provide teachers with great flexibility to copy, file and manipulate almost any document in seconds. Furthermore, teachers will have the ability to forward a scanned document -- via the fax or e-mail capabilities incorporated in the Presario ES -- to parents or colleagues. For students, the Scanner Keyboard provides the technology to efficiently scan -- up to one page per six-seconds -- photos, letters and newspaper clippings for inclusion in a report or paper. And, since the Scanner Keyboard is able to "read" documents, administrators will be able to easily import scanned material into word processing or spreadsheet applications for instant editing.

Industry Leading Service and Support

The new Compaq Presario ES Series is backed by Compaq's award-winning service and support programs. PC Magazine and PC World recently rated Compaq at the top of the industry in providing service and reliability.(b) For educators, the Presario ES features a three-year limited warranty with three-years parts and one-year on-site labor. The Presario 1410 and 1510 monitors come with one-year limited warranty, one-year parts and 90-day on-site labor.

Company Background

Compaq is a leading provider of PCs and servers to the education marketplace. The Company partners with independent software providers and leading education resellers nationwide to supply educators and students in K- 12 and higher education institutions with complete PC solutions. Customers can call 1-800-88-TEACH to locate a Certified Education Partner or to obtain help choosing the Compaq products that best suit the needs of their schools. In addition, information on Compaq's education program is available by dialing into Compaq's Web site.

Compaq Computer Corporation is the world's largest supplier of personal computers, offering desktop PCs, portable PCs, servers and options. Founded in 1982, the Company reported 1995 worldwide sales of $14.8 billion. Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries through Compaq marketing partners and sold directly to customers through Compaq Direct Plus at 1-800- 888-5858. Compaq provides 24-hour customer support and can be reached through the Compaq forums on America Online, CompuServe, Internet (http://www.compaq.com), and Prodigy, or by calling 1-800-OK-COMPAQ. Product information and reseller locations can be obtained by calling 1-800-345- 1518. -0-

(a) All pricing listed herein is estimated; pricing may vary (b) PC Magazine, July 1995; PC World, June 1995

Compaq, Presario, Deskpro Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. ProLinea is a trademark of Compaq Computer Corporation. Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

CONTACT: Compaq Computer Corporation

Janet Dean, Mike Berman

713-514-0484

or

Miller/Shandwick Technologies

Ilana Reynolds, Lizzie Allen

617-536-0470