Compaq Computer Corp. Introduces The World's Highest Performance Desktop and Portable PCs

NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 1987 -- PRNewswire -- Compaq Computer Corporation today introduced the COMPAQ DESKPRO 386/20(tm) and the COMPAQ PORTABLE 386(tm), two new personal computers based on the second- generation 20 MHz 80386 microprocessor.

The new COMPAQ DESKPRO 386/20 combines the INTELR 20 MHz 80386 Microprocessor with an advanced system architecture which incorporates the new Intel 82385 Cache Memory Controller to make it the fastest and most powerful high-performance personal computer available.

The new COMPAQ PORTABLE 386, also based on the 20 MHz 80386 microprocessor, is an easy-to-carry full-function portable PC that weighs only 20 pounds.

"Compaq pioneered 386-based computing, and this next generation of 80386-based computers, running at 20 MHz, continues the Compaq tradition of incorporating the latest technology into high performance, full-function computers for business users. We continue to meet their demands for power and sophistication as well as complete compatibility with the vast installed base of software and peripherals available within the industry standard," Rod Canion, president and chief executive officer, Compaq Computer Corporation, said.

"Both machines outperform all personal computers currently available," Canion said.

The COMPAQ DESKPRO 386/20 models 60, 130 and 300 provide 25 percent higher performance than other 20 MHz 80386-based PCs and up to 50 percent better performance than most current 16 MHz 80386-based systems.

The COMPAQ DESKPRO 386/20 incorporates the Compaq Flexible Advanced Systems Architecture (flex architecture), a Compaq Computer Corporation innovation that speeds processing by eliminating processor wait states and by using separate data paths for memory and peripheral input/output to alleviate system bottlenecks. This works to optimize performance of every component of the system.

The COMPAQ DESKPRO 386/20 is the first personal computer to incorporate the new 82385 Cache Memory Controller from Intel Corporation. It is this cache-memory design combined with 32 Kilobytes of static ram that provides a performance improvement of up to 25 percent over other 20 MHz 80386-based personal computers. It also is capable of taking full advantage of the features, such as multitasking and greater ram utilization, of the Microsoft OS/2(Note) Operating System when it becomes available in early 1988.

The DESKPRO 386/20 is the high-performance solution for advanced user applications such as network file servers, computer-aided design and engineering, multiuser systems, scientific processing and artificial intelligence applications such as expert systems.

Its other high-performance features include up to 300 Megabytes of high-performance shock-mounted fixed disk storage and up to 16 megabytes of high-speed 32-bit ram.

For specialized CAD/CAE applications, it can be fitted with an optional 20 MHz 80387 Coprocessor or with a Weitek(tm) Coprocessor board with an 80387 socket. It includes the Compaq Expanded Memory Manager (CEMM) for applications supporting the Lotus/Intel/Microsoft Expanded Memory specification to go beyond the 640 kilobyte MS-DOSR limitation.

The portability of the COMPAQ PORTABLE 386 provides accountants, auditors, sales representatives, laboratory scientists, field engineers and other professionals with the performance they need while traveling or working at client locations. The 5.25-inch, 1.2-megabyte diskette drive, standard on the Portable 386, means that work done on the road can readily be accessed by other industry-standard personal computers in the office. In accounting applications, for example, data can be exchanged easily between the client and the visiting auditor.

The COMPAQ PORTABLE 386 runs industry-standard software up to 25 percent faster than high-performance 16 MHz 80386-based PCs. In addition to its 20 MHz 80386 Microprocessor and 5.25-inch, 1.2-megabyte diskette drive, it features up to 100 Megabytes of shock-mounted high-performance fixed disk storage, an optional 20 MHz 80387 Coprocessor and an Optional Expansion Unit that provides two full-size 8/16-bit industry-standard expansion slots.

It includes an easy-to-read Dual Mode Gas Plasma Display, a full-size detachable Compaq Portable Enhanced Keyboard, an Optional 40-megabyte Fixed Disk Drive Backup (tape) Expansion Unit and optional 1200- or 2400-baud Hayes-compatible Internal Modem.

Compaq also announced today that Microsoft's Windows/386 would be included, free of charge, with all of the company's 80386-based products through Dec. 31, 1987. Windows/386 is an operating environment developed by Compaq and Microsoft that allows true multitasking of current MS-DOS and Windows applications and provides a graphical user interface.

With the introduction of the COMPAQ DESKPRO 386/20 and the Compaq Portable 386, Compaq Computer Corporation again has extended its lead in technological innovation in the personal computer industry.

The COMPAQ DESKPRO 386/20 offers technical innovations such as an advanced system architecture, up to 300 megabytes of fixed disk drive storage, advanced coprocessing options and industry-standard compatibility.

The new COMPAQ PORTABLE 386 includes high-performance, high-capacity fixed disk drives (up to 100 megabytes of storage), Advanced Application-specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) technology and surface-mount technology that provides 80386 computing power in a lightweight portable personal computer.

Suggested resale prices for the COMPAQ DESKPRO 386/20 models 60, 130 and 300 are $7,499, $9,499 and $12,499, respectively. The COMPAQ PORTABLE 386 model 40 and model 100 have suggested U.S. resale prices of $7,999 and $9,999, respectively.

Compaq Computer Corporation is the leading supplier of 80386-based business personal computers with the new 20 MHz 80386 COMPAQ DESKPRO 386/20 and COMPAQ PORTABLE 386 and the 16 MHz COMPAQ DESKPRO 386. Other Compaq products include the 12 MHz 80286-based COMPAQ PORTABLE III(tm), the COMPAQ DESKPRO 286R, the 80286-based COMPAQ PORTABLE IIR and the 8086-based COMPAQ DESKPROR.

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COMPAQ (R), COMPAQ DESKPRO (R) and COMPAQ PORTABLE II(R) are registered trademarks and COMPAQ DESKPRO 386/20(tm), COMPAQ PORTABLE 386 (tm), COMPAQ DESKPRO 386(tm) and COMPAQ PORTABLE III(tm) are trademarks of Compaq Computer Corporation.

(Note) MS OS/2 is a product of Microsoft Corporation, and Microsoft(R) and MS-DOS(R) are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Weitek(tm) is a trademark of Weitek Corporation.

Intel(R) is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.

/CONTACT: Jeff Stives of Compaq Computer, 713-370-0670; or Maura FitzGerald of Miller Communications, 617-536-0470, for Compaq/