Compaq Computer today announced the new Evo D500 Ultra-slim Desktop (USDT) across the Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. This is Compaq`s first desktop PC to provide wireless connectivity through its MultiPort technology - delivering enhanced flexibility, ergonomics and manageability for the business user.
The Evo D500 USDT also incorporates Compaq`s MultiBay technology, allowing `hot swapping` between a floppy disk, CD-ROM, CD-RW or DVD, and is also designed to accept an evolving storage medium. The new desktop supports Intel Celeron processors in its slim 6.91cm thin and 30cm square package. Weighing just over 5kg, the Evo D500 USDT is 75% smaller than the average desktop PC.
"This latest addition to the popular Evo range demonstrates the successful combination of technology leadership and ergonomic consideration," said Francois Bornibus, vice president and general manager for Compaq Access Business Group in EMEA.
"From listening to our customers, we know that for a PC to thrive in current and future business environments, it must be stable but also flexible enough to grow with changing ergonomic needs. A PC that can be customised to meet a company`s needs, yet easily managed to reduce potential downtime and total cost of ownership were the driving forces behind the development of the Evo D500 USDT. Our customers across the EMEA region will certainly be pleased with the result."
Bornibus added: "At Compaq, we have a history of leading the evolution of the PC - from our introduction of the world`s first portable PC in 1982, to the industry`s first small form factor desktop in 1997. By remaining close to our customers and taking design and technology onto a new level, we have continued this evolution with the Evo D500 Ultra-slim Desktop."
Evolutionary design
New Evo D500 USDT fits within the parameters of a monitor base - an efficient use of otherwise wasted space on the desktop. The slim design maximises flexibility, keeping the monitor at a comfortable eye-level in a standard desktop configuration, and minimises required space when positioned as a slim tower.
To improve accessibility for all users, the Evo D500 USDT offers both front and rear audio and Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectivity. It has been tested with industry-leading Assistive Technology products and supports the accessibility features integrated into Microsoft Windows XP.
An additional ergonomic advantage designed into the Evo D500 USDT is its remarkably quiet operation. Compaq engineers were able to dramatically reduce the acoustics through the use of low-noise fans, high-efficiency heat sinks and quiet hard drives. The result is a less than 28dB sound level.
Innovative flexibility and manageability
Designed to meet both the IT needs of today and evolve with the standards of tomorrow, the Evo D500 USDT incorporates Compaq`s innovative MultiPort wireless technology. MultiPort is a modular wireless solution that provides users wireless connectivity through an integrated plug-and-play USB port, integral to the module`s location on the slim edge of the desktop.
This flexible solution enables users to connect to multiple wireless standards by simply changing the wireless module. In addition, as MultiPort is based on industry-standard USB technology, it allows for easy development of future MultiPort modules and provides customers a means to migrate to future wireless standards as they become available. This enables the Evo D500 USDT to evolve as technologies change or mature, thereby extending the life of the PC.
The Evo D500 USDT MultiBay `hot swapping` capabilities extend this usability. As both MultiPort and MultiBay modules are also integrated into Compaq`s Evo notebooks, customers deploying both the new Evo D500 USDT and Evo notebooks can make additional cost savings through shared modules, and simplified IT management with fewer pieces of equipment.
To further simplify IT management, the new Evo D500 USDT will be available standard in a legacy-free configuration, but also have the flexibility to add an optional snap-on legacy module (with serial, parallel and PS/2 ports). This enables the unit to be easily adapted to the specific needs of the user. Reduced legacy dependency means lower acquisition costs, fewer software and hardware conflicts, fewer pieces to manage and lower support costs throughout the lifecycle of the PC.
As with all products in the Evo range for business users, Compaq ensures long, up to 12-month, lifecycles as well as the ability to share a common software image across other D500 series form factors with the same chipset. Having a consistent, stable platform means the Evo D500 USDT can be integrated at the customer`s own pace without having to qualify and test the image each time a new unit is purchased.
Starting at R10 100 including VAT, the Evo D500 USDT will also include Compaq`s Intelligent Manageability tools for simplified PC management and increased stability, both of which contribute to a lowered total cost of ownership across the life of the PC.
More information about the Evo D500 Ultra-slim Desktop can be found at http://www.compaq.com/newsroom/presspaq/052101/index.html.
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Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation is a leading global provider of enterprise technology and solutions. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures and markets hardware, software, solutions and services, including industry-leading enterprise storage and computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, communication products, and desktop and portable personal computers that are sold in more than 200 countries. Information on Compaq and its products and services is available at www.compaq.com.
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