Compaq unveils new desktop line

Compaq Computer Corp. unveiled its Deskpro EX series of computers on Tuesday,

which feature configure-to-order packaging and a low price for potential

government customers.

The EX series is replacing the EP line of desktops, the company's most successful

government line, but the company will support its EP products for the next

five years, said Lisa Baker, director of Compaq's North American desktop

marketing group.

"The EX series is configurable to any way you want it and will be available

to our [government and education] customers in the fourth quarter of this

year," Baker said. "EX offers more aggressive pricing, more choices in terms

of technical configurability, flexibility and price performance."

The EX series features include processor speeds of 566 MHz to 933 MHz and

memory scalable from 64M to 512M. The machines come in desktop or mini-tower

models and will run Microsoft Corp.'s Windows 95, 98, 2000 and NT operating

systems. Compaq plans to include the Linux operating system by year's end.

Pricing starts at $699 for basic models and increases depending on the customer's

requirements.