Compaq seeks to cut inventories with free monitors for business
Article Abstract:
Compaq said it intends to offer free 15-inch monitors with its commercial desktop PCs and extend the memory promotion to other units, according to distributors and others close to the company. CEO Eckhard Pfeiffer also said he expects the world's largest PC maker to meet his 2000 sales target of $50 billion, which represents more than twice the 1997 total of $24.6 billion. The 15-inch Compaq monitors are valued at approximately $300 apiece, and the memory promotion extension previously applied only to high-end servers. Pfeiffer said technical problems, coupled with cultural resistance within Compaq and with dealers, have impacted Compaq's goal of streamlining manufacturing and distribution to lower product inventories. He refused to disclose the size of Compaq's inventory problem or estimate a resolution.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
As cheaper PCs trip up rivals, Compaq scores
Article Abstract:
Compaq has reported a 54% increase in profit and a 31% increase in revenue for its third qtr 1997, due in part to impressive sales of its PCs priced under $1,000. The company was able to withstand intense competition by using a Cyrix microprocessor that was specifically designed for lower priced computers. The Cyrix chip combines functions such as graphics and sound into the main processor, which saves the manufacturer approximately $100 per chip. Using the Cyrix processor also forced Intel to offer lower priced chips. Consequently, Compaq is able to market a $799 system with Cyrix's Media GX chip and a $999 model that features an Intel Pentium chip. The back to school demand for the sub-$1,000 machines surprised even Compaq, who said the machines sold rapidly.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Pull up a chair; can the Web replace TV as the electronic hearth? Two new technologies aim to do that
Article Abstract:
Gateway 2000's $3,000 Destination and Philips Electronic and Sony's $250 WebTV are two products with a similar goal, to bring Internet functions to the television, the place where people most frequently gather. Each product uses a different approach to accomplish this; Destination is a Windows-based PC and WebTV is a box set atop a normal television. Gateway's targeted market for Destination is the experienced PC owner as well as stereo and video enthusiasts. So far, Destination seems to be used as a convenient device for checking things like e-mail while enjoying the television. Sony and Philips' target market is individuals who have never owned a PC. Users of WebTV tend to be leery of computer technology and unsure of how to use the Web.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Compaq agrees to acquire NetWorth in move to expand network business. Cisco Systems will acquire StrataCom, computer switch maker, for $4 billion; high premium for target spotlights fast growth of network hardware
- Abstracts: Corporate restructuring in Russian privatizations: implications for U.S. investors. Revitalizing privatized Russian enterprises
- Abstracts: AT&T income down, with more of that foreseen. The question of succession
- Abstracts: PC gift idea: software with a smile. Fix the photos, make them lie. Lights! Cameras! Music! Insects!
- Abstracts: Major shifts in leadership lie ahead. Professionalizing a family business. A coming sea change in leadership: a gender gap in ownership may be closing, the active shall inherit the firm