Compaq's New EISA Duo: Dual-CPU System and a Deskpro 486
 
Microbytes Daily News Service
Copyright (c) 1989, McGraw-Hill, Inc.
Preceded by considerable hype, Compaq Computer yesterday rolled
out two new systems: a Deskpro desktop model based on a 25-MHz
486 CPU and a tower-style machine that can employ two central
processors. Both systems incorporate EISA (Extended Industry
Standard Architecture) and both, as Compaq CEO Rod Canion
admitted recently about EISA machines, are expensive.
 
The new Systempro is Compaq's dual-processor computer designed to
e.Z[X9ily as a server. Either of its two CPUs can be a
33-MHz 386 or a 33-MHz 486 (when that chip becomes available;
probably next year). Compaq claims performance of 8 to 40 million
instructions per second. The machine has 11 EISA slots (seven of
which are open), has a capacity for 1.6 gigabytes of fixed
storage, and can handle 256 megabytes of RAM (4 megabytes is
standard). Configurations vary according to storage devices;
models will come with 240-, 420-, or 840-megabyte hard disks, as
well as one 5.25-inch floppy drive. Prices will start at $15,999
and go up to $25,999.
 
Compaq's new Deskpro 486/25 is a single-processor machine that
comes with 4 megabytes of RAM, six available EISA slots (two are
used), 8K static RAM cache, second-level 128K cache, 5.25-inch
floppy drive, and a hard disk (120, 320, or 650 megabytes).
Prices will start at $13,999 and rise to $20,499.
 
Compaq also announced what it called its "third operating
system," a version of Microsoft LAN Manager tailored for the new
Systempro and Compaq's other systems based on the 386 and 486
processors. Lan Manager 386/486 retails for $2499.
 
Contact: Compaq Computer, 20555 FM 149, Houston, TX
77269-2000; (713) 370-0670.
 
                              --- Andy Reinhardt
 
 
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