Hewlett Packard (HP) released the Vectra 500 series of desktop PCs this month with the aim of delivering an out-of-the-box experience to Windows 95 users in the small business/small office (SBSO) environment.
According to HP, the key to the SBSO market is that many smaller companies often lack full-time MIS (Management Information Systems) staff. As a result, they need quick installation and set-up and fast, convenient support.
A Vectra 500 product description says the PCs have been designed to be 'ready to install, ready to work, ready to print using the most up-to-date HP printer drivers and ready to communicate, via the built-in modem and voice mail capabilities in some models'.
The Vectra 500 comes in several expandable package designs, including five desktop and five tower models, and HP will create packages to meet clients' specific needs, within limits.
The maximum processing power is a 133 MHz Pentium, easily fast enough for most small businesses.
Hong Kong distributor Microware Computer Systems quoted a price of $18,036 for a Vectra 500 with 133 MHz Pentium, 1 GB hard disk, 16 MB RAM and a 14-inch monitor.