Hello, iPaq! Compaq intros $500 Internet PC

Compaq Corporation on Wednesday introduced its iPaq Internet PC, a small-form personal computer for corporations that are moving to an Internet-based computing model. The iPaq supports current generation Windows applications and will ship with Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0, or Windows 2000 (when available), but its feature set is specifically designed for best taking advantage of Web applications. The iPaq will ship in a legacy-free model (USB rather than ISA and PS/2) as well as a legacy model for those corporations that require it. The units start at $500 for the iPaq and Internet keyboard, sans monitor. It's expected to be available in January.

"Today's announcement is further evidence of Compaq's commitment to industry leadership and innovation," said Michael Capellas, Compaq president and CEO. "It also reinforces our corporate strategy... We are redefining Internet access with innovative products and services. The iPaq is just the beginning."

The iPaq is an attractive little gray and black unit that features a MultiBay device, allowing users to easily swap out high-capacity floppy drives, CD-ROM drives, DVD drives, and extra hard drives on the fly. It will be driven by a 500 MHz Intel Celeron or Pentium III microprocessor, and ships with 32 to 256 MB of RAM. Standard CRT and LCD monitors will be available.

For more information on the iPaq, please visit the Compaq Web site