Compaq wants to take top slot

Compaq, the largest multinational computer brand in India, wants to be the largest brand in the country by the end of this year. To this end, its activity levels have taken on a frenzied pitch since the past three months.compaq presario_px.jpg (4673 bytes)

And it''s not ready to just sell. It fully intends to add value to customers in the changing IT environment.

Compaq''s latest computer push, to up its position from its current number three to the top slot, is directed primarily at the home computer market, split into three segments: family, SoHo and first-time users.

The driver for this is its brand Presario, which, just about two months ago, launched an entry-level Celeron processor-based model, Compaq Presario 4010, at Rs 45,900. The next step, taken less than a fortnight ago, was the launch of a range of Pentium III-based options where the basic Compaq Presario 4016 model remains the same. On the options, prices range between Rs 65,990 and Rs 85,990.

Compaq Presario 4016, a P III, 450 MHz, 32 MB SDRAM, 4.3 GB, 32X CD ROM machine, comes for Rs 65,990. This is followed by an additional offer of a 56.6 KBps data / fax modem, which takes total price up to Rs 68,990. A varied combination of a 64 MB SDRAM, 8 GB, 32X CD ROM and the data/fax modem puts the price of the computer at Rs 73,990. Keep the same specifications and add a 6X DVD ROM, and you pay Rs 79,990. Or opt for a 6 GB hard disc drive and a 17-inch digital colour monitor, instead of the 15-inch all the other options offer, and you pay Rs 85,990 for your computer.

Ravi Swaminathan, director - consumer division, Compaq India, says, "With this move, customers now get a wider range of Compaq Presarios at affordable price points. With the new pricing, Compaq will not only offer value options to early PC adopters who want to move to the next level in computing, but also a number of attractive options for the first time buyers to start their computing experience at a higher level."