HP launches ePC devices

Hewlett-Packard (HP) launched a new family of socalled ePC Windows based desktop devices on Monday, which are smaller in size than traditional boxes and do not include slots for connecting peripherals.

The first offerings to come out of HP's ePC initiative are due to ship in the first quarter of 2000. Although they have not yet been given a brand name, they are about as large as a dictionary, have a colorful design, and are capable of running operating systems such as Microsoft's Windows 98, NT and Windows 2000 when it ships.

Eric Cador, general manager for HP's worldwide business desktop division, said the devices were not intended to replace traditional computers, but could be useful to organisations such as banks, insurance companies and airlines that have a large number of transactions to process and high infrastructure costs.

"The idea is to take advantage of a company's existing PC infrastructure such as the cabling, network or printers that are already in place, yet offer business users easier use and maintenance. There is no ISA, no PCI and no bells and whistles that most business users don't care about," he claimed.

He added that the devices would cost the same or slightly less than a PC, but total cost of ownership would be lower.

The appliance may, in future, also provide additional services such as content browsing, application rental and online transaction processing.

Roger Kay, a research manager at IDC, said: "Corporate customers are ready for simple desktop computing platforms that deliver PC architecture and application compatibility with the reliability of consumer electronic devices."

Other suppliers working on similar small Pcs include Dell and Compaq.