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 Evo D500 Ultraslim DesktopJeri Callaway, Compaq, November 12, 2001 |
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The Evo D500 features MultiPort and MultiBay, two of Compaq's modular technologies that span the entire Evo line, including notebook systems. Evo's MultiPort technology is designed to support wireless networking technologies, present and future. For example, systems that support the 11 mpbs 802.11b wireless Ethernet standard can easily be upgraded to the faster 802.11a version for which products based on the Atheros chipset are just now emerging. Users not interested in wireless LANs but who want the cable-elimination benefits of Bluetooth (a 1 mbps wireless networking technology) can elect to use a Bluetooth module instead of an 802.11 module.
Like MultiPort, MultiBay is modular and supports evolving storage technologies, making it easy to make such changes as replacing a DVD drive with a CD-RW drive. Because both technologies are found throughout the Evo line, corporate IT departments standardizing on Evo can not only swap parts between any system, but they can also maintain one cache of spare parts that work with any system.
As with my other two favorite suppliers of corporate systems (IBM and HP), one benefit of standardizing on Compaq is that the company includes its systems management platform--Compaq Intelligent Manageability--in all business desktops.
However, whether the innovation that drove desktop demand for the last two decades will continue to stimulate interest remains to be seen. The desktop is getting pressure from all sides. Before, notebook computers were difficult to consider as desktop replacements because matching the power of a desktop meant spending a ridiculous amount of money on a notebook. The price differential still exists today, but the difference is that the power of today's desktop systems far outstrips the needs of most business users. Notebook computers no longer have to match that power to be considered as viable desktop replacement, which means that lower cost devices can now be seriously considered for widespread deployment. The practice of roaming around the office and implementing liberal telecommuting policies are becoming more feasible because of the low cost of adequate notebooks, cheap wireless technologies, and high-speed Internet access in residential areas.
Pressuring desktops on the other side are digital phones from Ericsson and Nokia. These information appliances are evolving into small yet powerful handheld computers (thanks to the presence of a Java Virtual Machine). As these devices play a larger role in querying business databases and accessing corporate email, interest in desktop computers, and even notebook computers, will continue to decline.
Having sworn off desktop systems years ago (and never regretting the decision), I cannot remember the last time I used one. Now, my notebook is getting less usage as I rely more and more on my handheld devices (an Internet-enabled phone and a slightly flaky, wireless-equipped Compaq iPaq).
I highly recommend against the practice, but if your company is still committed to buying desktops, Compaq appears to be making the right moves to provide a compelling desktop solution. For those looking to slowly migrate their entire companies to notebooks as desktop replacements, the MultiBay and MultiPort technologies will make it easier; the devices originally deployed in the desktops can be re-used in Compaq's notebooks.
What do you think? Share your thoughts with fellow readers in our Talkback below, or write directly to david.berlind@cnet.com.
