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Compaq PCs get "arcade" 3D

Compaq Computer plans to use "arcade-level" 3D technologies and stereo-quality audio in a new line of its Presario consumer PCs.

Brooke Crothers Former CNET contributor
Brooke Crothers writes about mobile computer systems, including laptops, tablets, smartphones: how they define the computing experience and the hardware that makes them tick. He has served as an editor at large at CNET News and a contributing reporter to The New York Times' Bits and Technology sections. His interest in things small began when living in Tokyo in a very small apartment for a very long time.
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Brooke Crothers
Compaq Computer plans to use advanced "arcade-level" 3D technologies and stereo-quality audio in a new line of its Presario consumer PCs due in the second half of the year.

The basic technology at the heart of the new Presarios will be on display next week at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, Compaq said.

For the graphics side, Compaq will use "PowerVR," 3D technology jointly developed by NEC Electronics and Videologic. The two companies claim that PowerVR will give home computers the same level of graphics as arcade video games and that content developers and add-in board manufacturers have already pledged their support for the PowerVR architecture.

Compaq has also partnered with Harman International Industries to co-develop new JBL Pro speakers for the upcoming Presario line. The JBL Pro audio system will for the first time provide consumers with PC audio performance that "rivals the sound quality of today's home hi-fi stereo systems," Compaq said.