Compaq gets Internet-focused

The new PC series from Compaq Computers India Pvt. Ltd. is focused on the home computer customer. To advance the capabilities of home computing, the company has just announced the launch of what it calls its ultramodern Compaq Presario 7800 series, which it claims is the "the ultimate performance Internet PC." priced at Rs 89,990, the series is obviously aimed at the upper end of the market, or at the total Internet enthusiast.

The new series features a front access digital creativity imaging centre, rewritable CD, 10X DVD-ROM for the latest in entertainment and education, web camera, and 600EB MHz Intel processor.  Other features include large hard drives, generous system memory, multiple expansion slots and multimedia solutions, in order to enabling a greater Internet experience for the user.

Speaking at the launch of the series on April 4, Ravi Swaminathan, director consumer business, said, "Home PC buyers are constantly seeking the best combination of value, innovation, performance and cost. Whether connecting, surfing, or shopping on the Net, Compaq Presario provides consumers with a complete 'one-stop' computing solution and the Compaq Presario 7800 ensures unprecedented value, packaged with much sought-after features to meet the needs of all customers."

Featuring the Intel Pentium III  processor, 600EB MHz , a 100/133 MHz system bus, and the latest audio and video options, the Presario7800 PC series aims to fulfil high performance needs in Internet, digital entertainment and personal creativity. The multimedia feature is configured with the Sound Blaster 128 Voice PCI audio, JBL Pro speakers, environmental audio extensions -- EAX -- for Dolby certified 3D surround sound, and a 10X DVD ROM drive, claimed to be the fastest in the Indian market. The 3D graphics accelerator with 16 MB video RAM also includes a TV Out option, enabling users to view the latest DVD or CD-ROM movies on their television screens as an alternative to a PC monitor.

For the digital video enthusiast, the Presario 7800 series offers a conveniently located front access digital creativity imaging centre. This provides IEEE 1394 connectivity to state-of-the-art digital devices as well as pre-loaded advanced video editing software, Videowave, with which users can create and view home movies and presentations.

The series also features a recordable CD capability, CD-RW, that enables consumers to create personal digital audio libraries with their own CDs and MP3 music downloads from the Web.

The Logitech QuickCam express Internet camera is also included with one model of the 7800 series. This device enables the sending of audio and video e-mail messages. People receiving these messages can view the video e-mail without the need for special software or a camera installed on their PCs.

As with all Compaq Presario Internet PCs, the new range features the Easy Access Internet keyboard, which enables consumers to get online quickly and easily at just one touch of the Internet button. With the recent alliance with Rediff, three buttons on the Internet Zone of the Compaq keyboard automatically bring users to the rediff.com site. In addition, the My Presario button provides quick connection to a personalised Compaq web site for performance updates and helpful hints about the user's specific Presario model.

Compaq Presario 7800 is available immediately through Compaq's nationwide network of 120 stores. Compaq will provide support and services through service centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Calcutta, Bangalore, Pune, Cochin and Ahmedabad. Customers will also be able to avail the Compaq call centre facility in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Calcutta.