The DEC VAXmate, which was hideously overpriced for what it is effectively an AT-alike with DEC VT terminal emulation – has had its US price cut by as much as 37%. The move is seen in part as heralding imminent announcement of an 80386 model in the family. Underlining the outrageousness of the original pricing, the VAXmate with DECnet PCSA Client software for networking it with a VAX cost $4,750 when it was introduced, whereas the much more powerful VAXstation 2000 is only $4,500. The communications software is now bundled, bringing the base price of the VAXmate down to $3,500, and as a come-on, DEC is offering it at $3,200 when users buy it together with a MicroVAX or VAX that its to be used as a server – and $3,000 for 25 or more units.
