“Compaq Computer Corp. has restructured its commercial desktop
division into two parts, a move that’s part of a giant effort to
focus on low-cost Internet PCs and devices aimed at corporate
customers…
The new division will develop the stripped-down iPaq class
of desktop computers unveiled recently, as well as Internet
appliances like wireless handheld computers. The other half of
the commercial division will continue its focus on traditional PCs,
said Jerry Meerkatz, vice president and general manager of Compaq’s
newly formed Internet Access division.”
“Compaq is considering alternatives to using Intel
Corp. microprocessors and Microsoft Corp.’s Windows software to
power those devices. The so-called Wintel platform, which has
been the mainstay of desktop computing for two decades, may be too
complex and powerful for the type of Internet-based computing that
businesses will do in the future…”
“…Compaq’s first iPaq device, which is due in the first
quarter of next year for $499, will run Microsoft’s operating
software and come with a choice of Intel’s Pentium or Celeron
processor.”