Compaq cuts PCs below $1,000

Compaq Computer (CPQ) continues to cut price tags on its PCs.

Today, the Houston-based computer powerhouse made across-the-board price cuts of up to 18 percent on all business desktop computers. The move means there are now five Deskpro models priced below $1,000, Compaq said.

Prices for Deskpro 2000 models were reduced by as much as 14 percent, with three models priced below $1,000, including one with an Intel 200-MHz Pentium processor with MMX technology.

In the Deskpro 4000 line, prices sank to $960. The 4000 series includes the 4000N NetPC, a minimalist desktop PC for undemanding business users. Three models range in price from $960 to $1,190.

The Deskpro 4000S is now available for as low as $920. Featuring a 166-MHz Pentium MMX, this is Compaq's lowest-priced Deskpro model.

The high-end Deskpro 6000 series, with advanced graphics and other top-of-the-line features, has been reduced by as much as 17 percent. These models come with Pentium II processors running at speeds of up to 333 MHz and Matrox Millenium II graphics subsystems, based on Intel's new Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) architecture. These range in price from $2,040 to $3,220.

Business PCs are different from consumer models in that they often come with features for ready networking in a corporate environment. Compaq has previously focused on its attention in the sub-$1,000 market on its Presario consumer line, while Hewlett-Packard has been more aggressive in the low-cost business end.