Compaq Deskpro
| Company type | Product line |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Defunct | 2001 |
| Successor | Evo (brand) |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Owner | Compaq (until 2002), then HP (after merger) |
The Compaq Deskpro series consisted of business-focused desktop computers produced by Compaq from 1984 until the brand was phased out in favor of the Evo line in 2001. These systems utilized processors starting with the Intel 8086 and advancing through to the Intel Pentium 4, catering primarily to professional and corporate users. Following Compaq's merger with HP in 2002, the Evo brand was discontinued, and HP launched the HP ProDesk lineup, which continues to serve as a business desktop platform.
Deskpro (8086) and Deskpro 286
Introduced in 1984, the initial Compaq Deskpro was an XT-class machine equipped with an 8 MHz 8086 processor and proprietary Compaq graphics hardware that merged Color Graphics Adapter visuals with high-resolution text from the Monochrome Display Adapter. This combination delivered enhanced speed relative to the original IBM PC, XT, and AT models, along with superior text clarity compared to IBM systems using either graphics standard alone.
Compaq asserted their hardware and BIOS were fully compatible with IBM PCs, much like their earlier Compaq Portable. This ensured a competitive advantage over companies such as Columbia Data Products, Dynalogic, Eagle Computer, and Corona Data Systems. Notably, Eagle and Corona encountered IBM copyright infringement claims regarding their BIOS implementations and resolved these by redesigning their BIOS code. In contrast, Compaq avoided such legal challenges by employing a clean-room design approach to develop a reverse-engineered BIOS.
The Deskpro 286 was launched in 1985 as an IBM PC/AT clone, broadening Compaq’s presence in the business personal computer sector.
Deskpro 386
Compaq unveiled the Deskpro 386 in September 1986 shortly after Intel introduced its 80386 microprocessor. This release preceded IBM’s comparable 386-based system by approximately seven months, establishing Compaq’s strong foothold in this segment. IBM’s PS/2 Model 80, featuring the 386DX CPU, debuted nearly a year later. The Deskpro 386 was honored as PC Tech Journal’s Product of the Year for 1986. In August 1988, the Deskpro 386/25 model was released at a price point of $10,299.
Other
The Deskpro series mainly featured desktop cases with monitors positioned on top of the chassis. Compaq also offered popular tower configurations that could often be converted into desktop setups. Additionally, a small form factor (SFF) desktop variant was available during the lifespan of the Deskpro line. In 2001, Compaq replaced this series with the Evo brand.
Models
Notable models within the Deskpro range include:
- Deskpro 286e
- Deskpro 386: first MS-DOS compatible PC utilizing a 32-bit i386 processor
- Deskpro 386S: second generation featuring i386SX CPUs with a 16-bit bus
- Deskpro XE 486: equipped with ISA and IDE interfaces
- Deskpro XL: premium workstation incorporating EISA and SCSI technologies, powered by i486, Pentium, or Pentium Pro processors
- Deskpro M: available with 386, 486, and early Pentium CPUs
- Deskpro 2000: systems based on Pentium, Pentium Pro, and Pentium II processors
- Deskpro 4000: models running Pentium MMX or Pentium II CPUs
- Deskpro 6000: configurations including Pentium, Pentium Pro, or Pentium II processors alongside SCSI support
- Deskpro DX
- Deskpro EXD, SB, EN, ENL: powered by Pentium III processors
- Deskpro EVO500 series: final generation featuring Pentium 4 CPUs
- Deskpro Workstation: workstation-grade machines designed for intensive business applications
Bibliography
- Compaq Computer Corporation. Compaq Deskpro 2000 Series of Personal Computers: Reference Guide. Third edition, January 1998. Part Number 278019-003.
- Compaq Computer Corporation. Reference Guide for Compaq Deskpro 4000 and 6000 Series of Personal Computers. Second edition, September 1997. Part Number 270844-002.
External links
- THE EXECUTIVE COMPUTER; A Top Machine Carries a Top Price – New York Times feature discussing the DeskPro 386–20.