Compaq Launches Most Powerful Desktop Business PCs; Extends Lead as Top Supplier of Pentium Processor Systems; Introduces new Pentium Pro Processor-based Models for Deskpro XL, ProLinea

Business Wire, Nov 1, 1995

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 1, 1996--Extending its lead as the world's top supplier of Pentium processor-based systems, Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ) today launched a broad range of powerful, feature-rich desktop PCs -- models that use the latest technology, including the first Intel Pentium Pro processor and a rewriteable optical CD-ROM drive.

The flagship Compaq Deskpro XL 6150, Compaq's most powerful desktop ever, and the Compaq ProLinea 6150e are designed for business customers who require the fastest and most reliable products to run their most powerful software applications. Both lines feature the new 150MHz Pentium Pro processor which was announced by Intel today. The new models appeal to engineers, designers and financial analysts who use industry standard 32-bit operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows NT, to run 32-bit software applications.

"Compaq today extends what is already the broadest range of commercial desktops available in the marketplace, offering entry level models with Pentium processors to high end models with Pentium Pro processors," said John T. Rose, senior vice president, Desktop Division, Compaq. "As the worldwide leader in Pentium processor-based systems, we continue to extend our desktop market leadership by offering reliable, high quality products that are packed with the latest technology and features customers want at prices they can afford. Starting at under $4,000, these new desktop systems appeal to the power user who has an overwhelming need for speed."

Compaq Deskpro XL 6150 Features New Rewriteable CD-ROM Drive

Two new Pentium Pro processor-based models in the Compaq Deskpro XL family come standard with large amounts of memory, high capacity hard drives, high performance graphics, and integrated 32-bit PCI local bus and SCSI controllers. All models also come standard with Windows NT on CD-ROM for easy installation and feature a three-year limited warranty.

The Compaq Deskpro XL 6150 Model 2100/PD features 32 megabytes of RAM, a 2.1-gigabyte hard drive and a new PD-CD drive that is actually two drives in one. The new "PD-CD" drive can be used as a typical CD-ROM drive -- to read data, play music or games -- or it can be used as a 650-megabyte rewriteable optical drive.

"This is significant since the vast majority of CD-ROM drives today can only read data, not write to it. Compaq is the first major vendor to incorporate the new PD-CD drive as a standard feature in a desktop PC," said Rose.

When a rewriteable optical cartridge is loaded into the drive, the CD-ROM will read and write data to the media which holds up to 650 megabytes. This function can be used as an archive or to back up data from the hard drive.

Other key features that differentiate the new Compaq Deskpro XL models include:

o New integrated Matrox MGA Millennium graphics, a 64-bit

architecture that delivers among the fastest graphics performance

in the industry

o New Dual In-line Memory Modules, or DIMMs, industry standard memory

that enables the Deskpro XL to be expanded to 512 megabytes of RAM

o Vocalyst Keyboard - A Compaq exclusive audio-based standard keyboard

o SilentCool Fan - Compaq exclusive design to cool powerful processors

Deskpro XL Pricing and Availability

The Compaq Deskpro XL 6150 Model 2100/PD is priced at $6,499. The Compaq Deskpro XL 6150 Model 1050/CD, which comes standard with 16 megabytes of RAM, a one gigabyte hard drive and a regular quad-speed CD-ROM drive, is priced at $4,999. Planned availability for all models is first quarter of 1996.

Compaq ProLinea 6150e Features Powerful Technology at Affordable Prices

Starting at under $4,000, the Compaq ProLinea 6150e comes packed with the 150MHz Pentium Pro processor, 16 megabytes of memory, a choice of 1- or 1.6-gigabyte hard drives, a quad speed CD-ROM drive, PCI local bus architecture and Windows NT on CD-ROM as standard. It is an ideal product for price conscious power users who need a high performance desktop PC to run Windows NT. The Compaq ProLinea 6150e minitower includes six slots and six bays for expandability, flash ROM for easy ROM upgrades and a three year limited warranty.

Models of the new Compaq ProLinea 6150e feature a video graphics solution that provides outstanding performance for customers who require increased resolution and color capabilities as well as above average graphics performance. The new products include the new high performance Diamond Stealth64 Video board (Diamond Multimedia Systems) which includes 64-bit graphics acceleration to enhance the performance of applications running under Windows NT.

ProLinea Pricing and Availability

The Compaq ProLinea 6150e Model 1080/CD, with a one-gigabyte hard drive is priced at $3,999. The Compaq ProLinea 6150e Model 1620/CD, with a 1.6-gigabyte hard drive is priced at $4,170. Planned availability for all models is first quarter of 1996.

Company Background

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 1994 worldwide sales of $10.9 billion. Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries throughout the world. Compaq also sells 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 1-800-345-1518. -0-