Although it’s not particularly noted for its potable computers, Digital Equipment Corp continues to add new models to its HiNote range and slash the prices of its existing models, in order to stay competitive with the mainstream players such as Compaq Computer Corp and Toshiba Corp. DEC first launched the HiNote VP 500 series in October last year (CI No 3,011), and, with its price tag reduced by 23%, the company now describes it as its entry level range. The VP 700 Series of notebooks, intended to fill the gap between the VP 500 and the high end Ultra 2000 range, also launched last October, feature Intel Corp’s new Tillamook 233MHz mobile Pentium processor with MMX technology (CI No 3,245). The VP 700 range consists of three models; the 710 which includes a 13 inch smart addressing screen display, while the higher end 715 and 735 notebooks has a 13.3 thin film transistor display which enables a wider viewing angle, hot swappable 20x CD-ROM drive, support for Universal Serial Bus devices and an optional Digital Video Disk drive. The new machines are aimed at the corporate market, with people working in sales or management or those looking for a desktop alternative most likely to adopt the machines. The 715 and 735 models will be available woldwide by the middle of the month priced at $3,800 and $5,000 respectively. The VP 710 will only be available in Europe, priced at 2,400 pounds.