|
Compaq offers cheap PCs
|
 |
February 20, 1997: 12:05 p.m. ET
New Presario 2100 model breaks $1000 barrier, uses different chips
|
NEW YORK (CNNfn) - In a move to make its computers more affordable, Compaq Computer Corp. announced Thursday that it is inching into the market for personal computers priced under $1,000.
The first model in the company's Presario 2000 series will sell for $999. Compaq is targeting both new computer buyers as well as the growing number of U.S. households seeking an additional PC.
To break into a lower-priced market, Compaq had to break from tradition. The new machines are based on a new chip produced by Cyrix Corp. instead of chips from the biggest manufacturer, Intel Corp.
"To develop a truly low-cost PC, we needed a new design [that uses] a very low-cost chip set," Compaq spokesman Brian Temple said.
The computer maker used less expensive chips from Advanced Micro Devices Inc. in a number of computers in 1994 and 1995, but stopped because Compaq's technological needs had increased, Temple said.
Compaq doesn't appear worried customers will shun machines without the trusted "Intel Inside" sticker that tells what kind of components the computer contains.
"Folks still recognize the brand name on the outside of the PC is who is making the PC," Temple said. "We found that to be the case using AMD [chips] and we expect that to be the case now."
As the first computer in the series, the Presario 2100 model comes with a 133-megahertz microprocessor, 24MB of memory, a 2GB hard disk drive, 33.6kbps modem, 8X CD-ROM drive and pre-loaded software programs. The $999 price tag does not include a monitor.
Designed in black to match other home electronics devices such as televisions and VCRs, the machine has a 40-percent smaller casing than traditional desktop computers. 
--Will Morton
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
