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Developer | Compaq |
---|---|
Type | Desktop computer |
Release date | 1984 |
Discontinued | 2002 |
CPU | |
Successor | Compaq Evo |
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/89/DeskPro_386S.jpg/220px-DeskPro_386S.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/86/Compaq_CR120_Processor_Board-3193.jpg/220px-Compaq_CR120_Processor_Board-3193.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/Compaq_011347-001_processor_board-3049.jpg/220px-Compaq_011347-001_processor_board-3049.jpg)
The Compaq Deskpro is a line of business-oriented desktop computers manufactured by Compaq, then replaced by the Evo brand in 2001.[1] Models were produced containing microprocessors from the 8086 up to the x86-based Intel Pentium 4.[2]
History
[edit]Deskpro (8086) and Deskpro 286
[edit]The original Compaq Deskpro (released in 1984), available in several disk configurations, is an XT-class PC equipped with an 8 MHz 8086 CPU and Compaq's unique display hardware that combined Color Graphics Adapter graphics with high resolution Monochrome Display Adapter text. As a result, it was considerably faster than the original IBM PC, the XT and the AT, and had a much better quality text display compared to IBM PCs which were equipped with either the IBM Monochrome Display Adapter or Color Graphics Adapter cards.[1]
Its hardware and BIOS were claimed to be 100% compatible with the IBM PC, like the earlier Compaq Portable. This compatibility had given Compaq the lead over companies like Columbia Data Products,[3][4] Dynalogic,[5] Eagle Computer[6] and Corona Data Systems.[7] The latter two companies were threatened by IBM for BIOS copyright infringement, and settled out of court, agreeing to re-implement their BIOS.[8] Compaq used a clean room design with a reverse-engineered BIOS, avoiding legal jeopardy.[9][10][11]
In 1985, Compaq released the Deskpro 286, their clone of the IBM PC/AT.
Deskpro 386
[edit]In September 1986, the Deskpro 386 was announced[12] after Intel released its 80386 microprocessor, beating IBM by seven months on their comparable 386 computer, thus making a name for themselves.[13] The IBM-made 386DX machine, the IBM PS/2 Model 80, reached the market almost a year later,[14] PC Tech Journal honored the Deskpro 386 with its 1986 Product of the Year award.[15] The Deskpro 386/25 was released in August, 1988 and cost $10,299.[16]
Other
[edit]The form factor for the Compaq Deskpro is mostly the desktop model which lies upon a desk, with a monitor placed on top of it. Compaq has produced many tower upright models that have been highly successful in sales, and are usually convertible to a desktop form factor. An SFF (small form factor) desktop version was also produced during the Deskpro's lifetime. The Deskpro was replaced by the Evo in 2001.
Models
[edit]The many different models include the:
- Deskpro 286e
- Deskpro 386: released as the first MS-DOS, PC-compatible 32-bit computer with 386 processor.
- Deskpro 386S: second generation 386 introducing 16-bit bus i386SX processors
- Deskpro XE 486 ISA and IDE
- Deskpro XL: high-end workstation with EISA and SCSI either i486, Pentium or Pentium Pro processors
- Deskpro M: 386, 486 and 586 early Pentium models
- Deskpro 2000: Pentium , Pentium Pro and Pentium II
- Deskpro 4000: Pentium MMX or Pentium II
- Deskpro 6000: Pentium , Pentium Pro or Pentium II and SCSI
- Deskpro DX
- Deskpro EXD, SB, EN, ENL: Pentium III-based
- Deskpro EVO500 series: the last of the range with Pentium 4 processors
- Deskpro Workstation: workstation-class computers[17]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Compaq Deskpro Model 1 - Computing History". www.computinghistory.org.uk. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
- ^ Information from "Compaq .Com - Compaq desktops". Compaq. Archived from the original on 4 June 2001.
- ^ "History of the Microprocessor and the Personal Computer, Part 3". TechSpot. 8 May 2020. Retrieved 2021-08-23.
- ^ Aboard the Columbia, By Bill Machrone, Page 451, June 1983, PC Mag
- ^ David Thomas, Knights of the New Technology: The Inside Story of Canada's Computer Elite, Key Porter Books, 1983 ISBN 0-919493-16-5 pp. 172-179
- ^ Pournelle, Jerry (September 1983). "Eagles, Text Editors, New Compilers, and Much More". BYTE. p. 307. Retrieved 2021-05-14.
- ^ "Corona advertisement". InfoWorld (Advertisement). Vol. 5, no. 29. July 18, 1983. p. 50. Retrieved 14 May 2021.
- ^ EAGLE'S BATTLE FOR SURVIVAL
- ^ "Loyd Case: A Trip Down Memory Lane with Hewlett-Packard & Compaq". extremetech.com. Archived from the original on 2008-01-20. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ Robert X. Cringely. "Real Trouble: How Reverse Engineering May Yet Kill Real Networks". PBS. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ Ken Polsson. "Chronology of Personal Computers (1982)". Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ "compaq deskpro 386". dfarq.homeip.net. 7 June 2017. Archived from the original on 2017-06-11. Retrieved 2020-12-03.
- ^ "Exhibits - Living Computer Museum". www.livingcomputermuseum.org. Archived from the original on 5 February 2016. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
- ^ Lewis, Peter H. (1989-10-22). "THE EXECUTIVE COMPUTER; The Race to Market a 486 Machine". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-05-20.
- ^ "Deskpro 386 at 30 | OS/2 Museum". www.os2museum.com. Retrieved 2020-12-03.
- ^ Satchell, Stephen (1 August 1988). "Speed and Quality Design Highlight New System". InfoWorld. Vol. 10, no. 31. p. 53.
- ^ Čtyřka od Intelu. Aktualityː hardware. Chip. Praha: Vogel Publishing, 19 December 2000, vol. 11, issue 01/01 (january 2001), p. 6. Retrieved 01 July 2023. ISSN 1210-0684. (czech)
Bibliography
[edit]- Compaq Computer Corporation. Reference Guide: Compaq Deskpro 2000 Series of Personal Computers. 3rd edition, January 1998. Part Number 278019-003.
- Compaq Computer Corporation. Reference Guide: Compaq Deskpro 4000 Series of Personal Computers/Compaq Deskpro 6000 Series of Personal Computers. 2nd edition, September 1997. Part Number 270844-002.
External links
[edit]- Lewis, Peter H (10 January 1988). "THE EXECUTIVE COMPUTER; A Top Machine Carries a Top Price". The New York Times.: NYT article about the DeskPro 386–20.