InformationWeek

September 29, 1997

Deskpro Revamp

Compaq to add Pentium II chips and faster graphics

ompaq Computer this week will move most of its mainstream Deskpro PC line to Intel's Pentium II processor, introducing several Pentium II-based models with new management and graphics features. Compaq also slashed prices on some older PCs.

The new Deskpro 2000, 4000, and 6000 systems will use Intel's recently announced 440LX chipset, which supports faster graphics via a feature called the Advanced Graphics Port. The high-end 6000 models include a new AGP-based graphics card called Millennium II. The midrange Deskpro 4000 includes an AGP slot to support optional graphics add-ons.

Compaq also i s updating and adding new management features to the systems, including a "smartlock" capability that lets administrators remotely control access to the chassis, a feature that alerts a user or administrator when memory is added to or removed from a PC, and the ability to update ROM over the network.

Next quarter, the systems will also include management features such as remote boot, system installation, and configuration that are on the company's recently announced NetPC system, the Deskpro 4000N. Systems purchased before then will be able to have their BIOS software upgraded to include those NetPC management features, says Michael Takemura, product marketing manager for corporate desktops at Compaq. "These features may turn out to be the most important part of the NetPC specification," says Martin Reynolds, an analyst with Dataquest Inc.

Pricing for the new systems begins at $1,739 for a Deskpro 2000 with a 166-MHz Pentium II microprocessor. The Deskpro 4000 will be priced at $1,849, while the Des kpro 6000 system will be priced at $2,399.

Compaq also cut prices of some older Deskpro systems. A Deskpro 2000 with 166-MHz Pentium, 1.2-Gbyte hard drive, and 16 Mbytes of RAM dropped from $999 to $949. Prices on a 200-MHz Pentium with MMX, with a 3.2-Gbyte hard drive and 32 Mbytes of RAM now start at $1,339, down from $1,579. A Deskpro 4000 with a 166-MHz Pentium with MMX, a 2.4-Gbyte hard drive, and 16 Mbytes of RAM now starts at $1,269, down from $1,389.

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