Compaq launches colourful computers

Compaq has followed in Apple's footsteps with the launch of a range of colourful PCs aimed not at the iMac generation, but at children returning to school in the autumn.

The technicolour Presarios, launched in the US today, are expected to be available in the UK in July or August, in time for the start of the new term.

Called MyStyle, the PCs are available in six colours, including Smokey Quartz, Emerald Green, Ruby Red, Amber Orange, Sapphire Blue and Amethyst Purple. The 'snap on' fronts enable users to change the colour of their PC, keyboard inserts and speaker grills.

There are two PCs in the range - the 5000 and 7000 series. Both include a new internet keyboard, which has a light that switches on to notify users that email is waiting for them.

The 5000 range is available based on Intel's Celeron or Pentium III processors, and includes a CD-RW drive, 40x CDRom drive and DVD drive. All models in the 5000 range have USB ports front and back, allowing users to easily connect peripherals.

The 7000 series houses AMD's Athlon processor and has two IEEE 1394 ports, a SoundBlaster PCI audio card and a 16 Mbyte Nvidia TNT2 graphics card.

Prices start at $650 in the US, with UK pricing yet to be announced.

At the same time, Compaq also launched the Presario 1400 and 1800 series notebooks, aimed at consumers and small businesses.

The notebooks are also available in six different colours and feature a "translucent" design, said the company.

Compaq also launched new monitors and a new colour printer.