New desktop computer

LAS VEGAS -- The PC is far from dead -- at least that's what Compaq Corp. says.

The PC manufacturer, along with Intel Corp. and Microsoft Corp., said tough times in the PC industry necessitate innovation and the introduction of products customers want. Compaq said this was the logic and motivation behind its newest line of desktop PCs for businesses, the D500 Ultra-slim desktop.

"If the computer industry doesn't identify and quickly lead in emerging trends and development, the PC will definitely begin its extinction," said Jeri Callaway, vice-president and general manager for Compaq's access business group.

The D500 desktop weighs just over 11 pounds and is 75 per cent smaller than the average desktop PC. It is 2.72 inches thick and measures just over one foot square.

"(The D500's) really small form factor takes up no more desktop space than your standard 17-inch monitor," she said, adding that it can be configured either horizontally or as a tower.

"The slim design also puts the monitor at a very comfortable eye level for the user -- again a very key focus on the ergonomics. It's also 50 per cent quieter than previous generation desktops, lowering the noise level for today's more open office environments."

It's been a tough year for the computer industry, said Mike Splinter, senior vice-president and general manager of Intel's technology and manufacturing group, but added there's light at the end of the tunnel.

"Investment and innovation is about developing products that people want," he said. "And the way we get out of computer doldrums is by coming out with products that people use and want and can see the differentiation in."

The evolution of microprocessor, from the 386 to the Pentium, has driven the launch of smaller PCs such as the D500, said Splinter. "This machine has the Pentium 4 processor in it and not just one that we're making today, but the one we're introducing with our .13 micron technology, which gives it better performance characteristics and substantially more power characteristics."

When they buy machines, IT managers want to keep them running for at least a year to keep maintenance costs and total cost of ownership as low as possible, said Callaway.

Shawn Sanford, Microsoft's group product manager for Windows client, said products like the D500 are indicative of the industry's rebirth. "The old things are starting to go away; the old possibilities are starting to open up," he said. "We're not just opening (new doors) -- we're just kicking those doors down, we're removing walls. The possibilities that are going to be unfolding coming forward are limitless to people.

"The things that we do today and what we do tomorrow, we're just scratching the surface of those possibilities. So the industry is not going away -- the industry is just getting stronger."