DEC finally replaces its top-selling MicroVAX II with low-end models using the new MicroVAX 3000 chip set this Wednesday. The machines are expected to be based on a slimmed-down version of the processor that first appeared in the MicroVAX 3500 and 3600, announced 13 months ago (CI No 764). The new entry-level VAX is expected to appear as the Personal VAX 3000, and to compete at the top end of the personal computer market by running MS-DOS as well as VMS – and take up to 8Mb of memory. A base price of $2,000 quoted by Electronic News sounds a bit optimistic, but DEC is looking to broaden its VMS base substantially at the bottom end with the new machine. It is expected to be accompanied by an entry-level VAXstation 3000 that will come in below the VAXstation 3200 and 3500 also announced last year. The new VAXstation is tipped to take up to 32Mb memory at $10,000 to $18,000.
