Compaq Introduces Powerful 33-MHz 386 Personal Computers

Adds More Storage For 386SX-Based PC

NEW YORK, May 22, 1989 -- PRNewswire -- Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) today introduced the world's most powerful and expandable desktop personal computer, the 33-MHz COMPAQ DESKPRO 386/33.

The COMPAQ DESKPRO 386/33 Models 84, 320 and 650 are designed for demanding applications such as computer-aided design, financial modeling and software development and for use as a file server or multi-user host system. It utilizes the COMPAQ Flex Architecture that combines Intel's most advanced 386 processor, the new 33-MHz Intel 386, with 64 Kbytes of cache memory to deliver a 35 percent performance improvement in processor-intensive applications over 25-MHz 386 cache-based personal computers.

Compaq also introduced today a new model of its 386SX-based COMPAQ DESKPRO 386s with more standard storage capacity and an enhanced version of the Company's high-performance Fixed Disk Expansion Unit. In addition, Compaq announced it has reduced the suggested resale prices of most of its memory options by $100 (U.S.) per megabyte. The Company cited improved availability and lower costs of 1-megabit DRAM chips as the reasons for these price reductions. Selected fixed disk drive and coprocessor option prices were also reduced.

THE WORLD'S MOST POWERFUL PC

The COMPAQ DESKPRO 386/33, in addition to delivering a significant performance improvement, also features a streamlined ergonomic system unit design that provides eight expansion slots and room for five storage devices for a maximum of 1.3 gigabytes of internal mass storage, more than any other desktop personal computer available today. A high-performance video graphics controller and standard peripheral interfaces are integrated into the system board to leave six expansion slots available for add-in boards required by specific applications or user requirements. The system also accepts up to 16 megabytes of memory in one high-speed 32-bit memory slot.

Suggested U.S. resale prices for the COMPAQ DESKPRO 386/33 Models 84, 320 and 650 are $10,499, $14,999 and $17,999, respectively. Worldwide shipments will begin this month, with volume deliveries in June.

MORE STANDARD STORAGE FOR THE TOP 386SX-BASED PC

The new model introduced today of the COMPAQ DESKPRO 386s, the top-selling 386SX-based PC in the world, is the COMPAQ DESKPRO 386s Model 84. It features a 16-MHz 386SX microprocessor, 1 Megabyte of RAM, an 84-Megabyte Fixed Disk Drive and integrated high-performance VGA graphics for a suggested resale price of $4,699 (U.S.), and is available immediately. At the same time, the Company announced it will discontinue production of the COMPAQ DESKPRO 386s Model 20 for the U.S. and Canadian markets, but will still provide a 20-Megabyte Fixed Disk Drive as an option for the COMPAQ DESKPRO 386s.

NETWORKING NEEDS MET WITH MORE STORAGE

The COMPAQ Fixed Disk Expansion Unit Model 300 and Model 650 were announced today for networking, multi-user environments and specialized applications that require very large amounts of data storage. This enhanced version of the Company's high- performance Fixed Disk Expansion Unit can provide up to 1.3 gigabytes of external storage capacity and is designed to compliment the form factor of the most recent COMPAQ desktop PC systems.

The COMPAQ Fixed Disk Expansion Unit Model 300 features a high-performance, full-height 300-Megabyte Fixed Disk Drive and has a suggested resale price of $6,399 (U.S.). The COMPAQ Fixed Disk Expansion Unit Model 650 features a high-performance, full- height 650-Megabyte Fixed Disk Drive and has a suggested resale price of $9,399 (U.S.). Additional 300- or 650-Megabyte Fixed Disk Drives can be added to these Expansion Unit models.

ADVANCED GRAPHICS SYSTEM SUPPORTS BROADER SELECTION OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE

The recently introduced COMPAQ Advanced Graphics 1024 Board now supports more than 200 additional CAD/CAE and business graphics applications software packages through the use of the Direct Graphics Interface Standard (DGIS) Version 2.0, an industry-standard interface. The DGIS Software Interface Option Kit from Compaq enables users to take advantage of the enhanced graphics capabilities of application software packages such as MicroStation from Intergraph, CadKey Version 3.5, VersaCAD, WordPerfect 5.0 and Harvard Graphics.

The suggested resale price of the DGIS Software Interface Option Kit, which includes software and installation guides, is $40 (U.S.). Other application software supported by the COMPAQ Advanced Graphics 1024 Board and COMPAQ Advanced Graphics Color Monitor through software drivers supplied by Compaq include AutoCAD Release 9, AutoCAD Release 10, AutoShade, AutoSketch, Microsoft Windows/286 and Microsoft Windows/386.

Compaq Computer Corporation is a world leader in the manufacture of desktop, portable and laptop personal computers. The Company is also the leading supplier worldwide of Intel 386 microprocessor-based PCs.

NOTE: COMPAQ, COMPAQ DESKPRO 386s and COMPAQ DESKPRO 386/25 are registered trademarks and COMPAQ DESKPRO 386/33 is a trademark of Compaq Computer Corporation.

Intel is a registered trademark and Intel 386 and Intel 386SX are trademarks of Intel Corporation.

Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

AutoCAD and AutoSketch are registered trademarks and AutoShade is a trademark of Autodesk, Inc.

Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

-0- 05/22/89

/CONTACT: Bob Beach of Compaq Computer, 713-374-1560; or Maura FitzGerald, of Miller Communications, 617-536-0470, for Compaq Computer; electronic media should contact, Tom Pearson, of Pearson Communications, 215-648-3975, for Compaq Computer/

(CPQ) CO: Compaq Computer Corporation ST: Texas IN: CPR DH -- NE001 -- 7586 05-22-89 08:11 EDT