A

RESEARCH REPORT
ON
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN DELL & COMPAQ

Report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
SESSION: (2009-11)

SUBMITTED TO SUBMITTED BY
DEAN RAVINDRA KUMAR PANDEY
(MBA Deptt.) MBA (III Sem)
MIMT, Gr. Noida Roll No. 0915270082
72
 DECLARATION

I, RAVINDRA KUMAR PANDEY, student of MBA (III Sem) of MIMT,

Greater Noida, to declare that the research report entitled
“COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN DELL & COMPAQ
LAPTOPS” under the guidance of Prof. Sandeep Sharma , being submitted
to for the fulfillment of the requirement for the Degree in Master of
Business Administration is my own endeavors and it has not been submitted
earlier to any institution/university for any degree.

Ravindra Kumar Pandey

MBA (III Sem)

Roll No. 0915270082

72
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am thankful to PROF. SANDEEP SHARMA, Faculty Guide, MIMT,

Greater Noida and all the faculty members of the MBA department for their
valuable guidance and encouragement throughout the work. His rich
experience and everlasting patience saw me through many
unforeseen hurdles. The pleasure would not have been mine without
the firm support extended to me by him. His lively appreciation
blended with constructive criticism, constant queries and suggestions
for the foundation on which it is based. My gratitude also goes for
equipping me with the knowledge required for completion of the
project.

Last but not the least, I also take this opportunity who have directly or
indirectly contributed through their valuable suggestion, and presence during
completion of this research.

RAVINDRA KUMAR PANDEY

MBA (III SEM)
ROLL NO. 0915270082
72
72
 PREFACE

These research reports had been conducted on comparative study

between dell and Compaq laptops. The purpose of this research and
preparation of this report are to find out that how many people in
are aware about ultra portable laptops. This project is carried out to
the theoretical knowledge of the subject into the practical field
work.

72
INDEX

72
 DECLARATION

I, ____________________________ to declare that the term paper report

entitled “COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PRICE WAR BETWEEN
DELL& COMPAQ” being submitted to for the fulfillment of the
requirement for the Degree in Master of Business Administration is my own
endeavors and it has not been submitted earlier to any institution/university
for any degree.

72
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Successful completion of the Project and culmination of my efforts reminds

me for indebtedness towards my project guide for her
invaluable guidance and encouragement throughout the work. Her rich
experience and everlasting patience saw me through many unforeseen
hurdles. The pleasure would not have been mine without the firm support
extended to me by her. Her lively appreciation blended with constructive
criticism, constant queries and suggestions for the foundation on which it is
based. My gratitude also goes for equipping me with the knowledge
required for completion of the project.

Last but not the least, I also take this opportunity who have directly or
indirectly contributed through their valuable suggestion, and presence during
completion of this research.

72
 PREFACE

These research reports had been conducted on comparative analysis

of price war between Dell & Compaq. The purpose of this research
and preparation of this report are to find out that how many people
in are aware about ultra portable laptops. This project is carried
out to the theoretical knowledge of the subject into the practical
field work.

72
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

 INTRODUCTION

 THEORATICAL FRAMEWORK

 OBJECTIVE OF STUDY

 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

 COMPANY PROFILE

 OBSERVATION AND ANALYSIS

 FINDINGS

 LIMITATION

 CONCLUSION

 SUGGESTION & RECOMENDATION

 APPENDIX

• QUESTIONNAIRE

• BIBLIOGRAPHY
72
 • REFERENCE

INTRODUCTION

First thing to understand is that these two companies have very different

business practices. I have learned that Compaq is more of a, “Wait and see if

it goes bad…” type of company and Dell is more of a, “We have a problem,

lets solve it…” company. Let me give you an example. Compaq maintains a
72
large list of “Service Advisories” that are regularly distributed to the support

vendors. These service advisories are, for the most part, problems that

should be fixed if and when a PC affected by the advisory is brought in for

service. In other words, these are issues that Compaq knows cause problems,

yet will not fix until the problem surfaces. One particular example that

comes to mind involved a certain model of the Presario line. They were

shipped with a hard drive that was later determined to fail often. Compaq

issued a Service Advisory for that hard drive that they should all be replaced

if ever repaired (regardless of whether their current problem is the hard

drive). Of course, they didn’t alert Presario owners of this situation, for that

would cost Compaq too much to replaced all the drives. So if you had any

problem with your Presario, the hard drive was replaced. But if your Presario

worked fine for the life of the warranty, you had a machine that was destined

to fail.

I can safely say one in four Compaq models has a service advisory issued for

it. That means that you could have a Compaq that has a ‘ticking bomb’

inside. And guess what happens if you are out of warranty when a part with

known issues fails…you are out of luck, for Compaq will not replace it for

free.

Dell, on the other hand, handles those types of situations a bit differently.
72
Instead of waiting for something to fail before fixing other problems, Dell

will alert you to the problem and make necessary replacements. On a recent

issue, Dell demonstrated this process. Some laptops on their Latitude line

where shipped with a defective memory module. Dell sent a letter explaining

the situation to every Latitude owner that could have been affected by this

faulty memory. In addition, they sent a diagnostic diskette that tested the

machine to see if it had the faulty memory. If you did have the memory, they

would replace it for free. In my opinion, that is the proper way to handle a

problem. Dell did get some criticism over this issue because they did not

announce the problem as soon as they found out that some of the memory

was defective. There were several reasons for this, and each is very valid.

First off, they needed to research the problem to find out just who was

affected. Secondly, they need time to develop the diagnostic software to

identify the problem. And third, they needed to ensure they had a large

supply of replacement memory modules.

72
-Hardware:

Compaq and Dell hardware is quite different. In fact, Compaq hardware is

quite different from most pc manufactures. A lot of the Compaq hardware is

proprietary, meaning you can only obtain it from Compaq. This is very

common with their floppy drives. Usually, their floppy drives have an open
72
face, and the slot is actually molded into the front of the case. If you need a

floppy drive, you must obtain one from Compaq. Even on standard interface

devices, Compaq makes things difficult. Some video cards use the APG

interface, yet have a proprietary slot cover. Once again, if you want to

upgrade your graphics card, you have to obtain a Compaq card. Out of

warranty hardware from Compaq is very expensive. Dell is a different story.

If your floppy drive goes bad and your PC is out of warranty, you can get

one from CompUSA, or anywhere for that matter, for Dell sticks to

standards.

-Software:
72
From time to time, you find yourself in a situation where you need to reload

Windows. Not a problem if you have a Dell. Just run the Disk Maker utility

and make diskettes for all your drivers. Then, pop in the Windows CD and

go to work.

If you have a Compaq however, you may have your work cut out for you.

Several different models of Compaq ship with no Windows CD, only a

Quick Restore CD. That means that you can’t just reinstall Windows.

Instead, it will wipe the drive—all applications, data, etc—and then install

Windows and all applications that originally shipped with your PC. When

it’s finished, your PC is just like it was when it was shipped. And guess

what; if you get your PC serviced and the technician needs to reload
72
Windows, he will use the Quick Restore. Bye-bye data, bye-bye

applications, bye-bye games. “You should have had a backup.”

If you are one of the lucky ones that actually got a Windows CD, you still

have to get your drivers from Compaq’s website. Only you won’t be looking

for drivers, you’ll be looking for Softpaqs. That’s what Compaq calls any

download and they are all named SP#####, where # represents a 5 digit

number. When you find the softpaqs you need, you will want to download

them to your hard drive. When you execute your softpaq, it will do one of

three things. A: it will ask for a diskette and copy an image to that diskette.

B: it will extract to the hard drive in the same directory as the exe. This

means 25 files dumped to the desktop if that was where you downloaded the

file. Or C: it will copy files to the hard drive, then require that you run a

batch file to create diskettes. There is no real way to see what your softpaq is

going to do until it is executed.

-Summary:

If you haven’t figured it out by now, I definitely prefer Dell to Compaq.

72
From my experiences, Dell is genuinely dedicated to customer satisfaction,

and Compaq is only worried about its bottom line.

Outline of Laptop and Notebook Computer History

72
Definition of Laptop: A laptop computer, or simply laptop (also
known as notebook computer, notebook, notepad, and incorrectly
labtop ;), is a small portable computer having its main components
(Processor, screen, keyboard) built into a single unit capable of
battery powered operation, which usually weighs 2-18 pounds
(approximately 1 to 8 kgs), depending on dimensions, materials, and
other variables. (Source Wikipedia)

It is debatable what the first notebook or laptop computer was. The

first laptops did not look like the clamshell desings that are known to
us today. However the first designs could still be carried with you and
be used on a lap which has lead to the advancement of notebook
style laptops. Outlined below are some computers that are classified
as the first portable computer (laptop).

The First Laptop Computer 1981: Osborne 1

Available to View at MLN West Melbourne
72
The Osborne 1 was accepted as the first true mobile computer
(laptop, notebook) by most historians. Adam Osborne, an ex-book
publisher founded Osborne Computer and formed the Osborne 1 in
1981. This was a mobile computer (laptop, notebook) that weighed
close to 11kgs and a cost of $1795. The Osborne 1 had a five-inch
screen, incorporating a modem port, two 5 1/4 floppy drives, a big
collection of bundled software applications, and a battery pack. The
computer company was a failure and did not last for very long.

The Osborne 1 Mobile Computer (Laptop, Notebook) Features

Release Date:April 1981

Cost: US $1,795

Weight: 24.5 pounds

Processor: Zilog Z80 @ 4.0 MHz

Memory: 64K Memory

Display: Built-in 5" monitor

Ports: 53 X 24 text, Parallel / IEEE-488, modem / serial port

Storage: Dual 5-1/4 inch, 91K drives

O/S: CP/M

1981 - Epson HX-20 Mobile Computer (Laptop, Notebook)

Available to View at MLN West Melbourne

72
The Epson HX-20 battery powered mobile computer (laptop,
notebook) was released in 1981. This mobile computer had a 20-
character by 4 line LCD display and an integrated printer. It was an
A4-sized computer weighing less than 4lb, with a full-size keyboard,
integrated display and printer. Epson, during that time, planned its
launch in the UK, priced below 1500. The Epson could run
independently of AC power for 50 hours using its built-in NiCad
battery cells which needed appoximately eight hours to fully recharge.
The integrated inked-ribbon matrix printer was capable of printing
graphics and upper- or lower-case characters on to plain paper rolls.
The space to the right of the screen could have been used by either a
micro cassette drive for application or information storage, or a plug-
in ROM cartridge. The Epson came with 32K of ROM which had
Microsoft Basic and the O/S loaded, and 16K of RAM. An optional
expansion unit which clips onto the side of the case can hold an extra
16K of RAM and 32K of ROM.

1983 - Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 100 Mobile Computer

(Laptop, Notebook)
Available to View at MLN West Melbourne
72
In 1983, Radio Shack released the TRS-80 Model 100 Mobile
Computer (laptop, notebook), a 4lb battery operated computer with a
flat design, having a more modern laptop look than its predecessors.
The Tandy 100 was a computer made in Japan by Kyocera. All the
ROM programs were written by Microsoft, and even a few of them
were written by Bill Gates himself. These programs included a text
editor, a telecommunication progam, which uses the built-in modem
(300 baud), and BASIC. The operating system uses 3130 bytes of the
8 KB Memory. The CMOS Processor (80c85) allows the Tandy 100
to be used for 20 hours with only 4 AA batteries (5 days at 4
hours/day or 20 days at 1 hour/day). Its processor was also used on
the Mars Pathfinder probe's Sojourner rover!

The Radio shack TRS-80 Model 100 mobile computer (Laptop,

notebook) Features

Processor: Intel 80c85 (code and pin compatible with 8085)

Speed: 3 MHz
8 kb, up to 32 KB (29638 bytes free) by incremental 8
Memory:
kb Memory pack on PCB
ROM: 32 kb (up to 64 kb)

Text Modes: 40 x 8 (LCD screen)

Graphic
240 x 64 (Full-Dot matrix)
Modes:
72
Colours: Monochrome

Sound: Beeper

Size: 30 (w) x 21.5 (D) x 4.5 (H) cm.

1984 - IBM 5155

72
Available to View at MLN West Melbourne

In February 1984, IBM announced the IBM 5155 Portable Personal

Computer (laptop, notebook). This Portable PC was IBM's first carry
around computer. It required AC power to be plugged in to work and
weighed 13.6Kgs. IBM would seize manufacturing the 5155 laptop in
April 1986.

IBM Portable PC 5155 Mobile Computer (laptop, notebook)

Features

Release Date:Februrary 1984

Cost: US $4,225

Weight: 30 pounds

Processor: Intel 8088 @ 4.77MHz

Memory: 256K, 640K max

Display: 9-inch amber display CGA graphics, 80 X 25 text

Ports: 1 parallel, 1 serial, CGA video

Storage: Two 360KB 5.25-inch disk drives

O/S: IBM PC-DOS Version 2.10 (disk)

Model: Model 68
72
1989 Zenith Data Systems Laptop

Available to View at MLN West Melbourne

In 1989, Zenith Data Systems released the Zenith Minisport, a laptop

computer weighing 2.7kgs. It is regarded by many historians as one

of the early "real" laptops. It had a 20MB ESDI hard drive, 1.44MB

floppy, 2400 baud built-in modem, 640K of RAM, and had a CGA

"colour" LCD display. All connectivity ports were accessible via a door

in the back.
72
Objective of the study

The subject matter for this research Project is to study the consumer’s

preference towards the various laptops company product providers in

market. This project consists of different objectives. They are as follows:

 To know about the consumer preference level associated with

different branded Laptops.

72
 To find out the consumer’s satisfaction towards the various brands of

Laptops.

 To know which advertisement media puts more impact on the buying

decision of consumer’s.

 To know that what type of other changes customer do required.

 To study promotional policies related the sale of laptops.

72
COMPANY PROFILE

About the DELL

While a student at the University of Texas at Austin in 1984. Michael Dell

founded the company as PCs Limited with capital of $1000 Operating from

Michael Dell's off-campus dormitory room at Dobie Center, the startup

aimed to sell IBM PC-compatible computers built from stock components.

72
Michael Dell started trading in the belief that by selling personal computer

systems directly to customers, PCs Limited could better understand

customers' needs and provide the most effective computing solutions to meet

those needs. Michael Dell dropped out of school in order to focus full-time

on his fledgling business, after getting about $300,000 in expansion-capital

from his family.

In 1985, the company produced the first computer of its own design — the

"Turbo PC", sold for US$795 — containing an Intel 8088-compatible

processor running at a speed of 8 MHz PCs Limited advertised the systems

in national computer magazines for sale directly to consumers, and custom

assembled each ordered unit according to a selection of options. This offered

buyers prices lower than those of retail brands, but with greater convenience

than assembling the components themselves. Although not the first company

to use this model, Limited became one of the first to succeed with it. The

company grossed more than $73 million in its first year of trading.

The company changed its name to "Dell Computer Corporation" in 1988. In

1989, Dell Computer set up its first on-site service programs in order to

compensate for the lack of local retailers prepared to act as service centers.

Also in 1987, the company set up its first operations in Ireland; eleven more
72
international operations followed within the next four years. In June 1988,

Dell's market capitalization grew by $30 million to $80 million from its June

22 initial public offering of 3.5 million shares at $8.50 a share. In 1990, Dell

Computer Corporation tried selling its products indirectly through

warehouse clubs and computer superstores, but met with little success, and

the company re-focused on its more successful direct-to-consumer sales

model. In 1992, Fortune magazine included Dell Computer Corporation in

its list of the world's 500 largest companies.

In 1996, Dell began selling computers via its web site.

In 2002, Dell attempted to expand by tapping into the multimedia and home-

entertainment markets with the introduction of televisions, Dell Axim

handhelds, and Dell DJ digital audio players. Dell has also produced Dell-

brand printers for home and small-office use.

In 2002, Dell attempted to expand by tapping into the multimedia and home-

entertainment markets with the introduction of televisions, Dell Axiom

handhelds, and Dell DJ digital audio players. Dell has also produced Dell-

brand printers for home and small-office use.

72
In 2003, at the annual company meeting, the stockholders approved

changing the company name to "Dell Inc." to recognize the company's

expansion beyond computers.

In 2004, the company announced that it would build a new assembly-plant

near Winston-Salem, North Carolina; the city and county provided Dell with

$37.2 million in incentive packages; the state provided approximately $250

million in incentives and tax breaks. In July, Michael Dell stepped aside as

Chief Executive Officer while retaining his position as Chairman of the

Board. Kevin Rollins, who had held a number of executive posts at Dell,

became the new CEO

As of 2009 Dell Inc. has acquired ten companies (eight of them based in the

United States), purchased stakes in four companies, and divested two

companies. Dell has not released the financial details for most of these

mergers and acquisitions.

Dell's first acquisition involved Convergent Technologies: on September 8,

1999. The company acquired Alien ware, a specialty computer-desktop

manufacturer, on May 8, 2006 for an undisclosed sum and integrated its

technology into the company's high-end product lines. The acquisition of

Alien ware introduced several new items to Dell products, including

72
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) microprocessors; all of Dell's previous

CPUs had come from Intel. To prevent cross-market products, Dell

continues to run Alien ware as a separate entity but still a wholly-owned

subsidiary. The company acquired Equal Logic on January 28, 2008 to gain

a foothold in the discs storage market. Because Dell already had an efficient

manufacturing process, integrating Equal Logic’s products into the company

drove manufacturing prices down.

From 1999 to 2000, Dell purchased stakes in four companies. It also

divested two companies, in 2000 and 2008, selling parts of the company to

other companies. Dell's largest acquisition was New Hampshire-based Equal

Logic in January 2008 for $1.4 billion. The company made the most

acquisitions in any one year in 2008 with three: Equal Logic, The

Networked Storage Company, and Message One. On September 21, 2009

Dell announced its intent to acquire Perot Systems (based in Plano, Texas) in

a reported $3.9 billion deal Perot Systems offers applications development,

systems integration, and strategic consulting services through its operations

in the U.S. and 10 other countries. In addition, it provides a variety of

business process outsourcing services, including claims processing and call

center operations
72
Technical support

Dell routes technical support queries according to component-type and to the

level of support purchased. Dell Inc. brands its service agreements at five

levels for their business customers: (1) Basic support provides business-

hours telephone support and next business-day on-site support/ Return-to-

Base or Collect and Return Services (based on contracts purchased at point

of sale); (2) Silver support provides 24×7 telephone support and 4-hour on-

site support after telephone-based troubleshooting; (3) Gold support provides

additional benefits over and above Silver support; (4) Platinum Plus support

provides additional benefits to Gold Support; and (5) two-hour on-site

support, offered in select cities.

Dell's Consumer division offers 24x7 phone based and online

troubleshooting rather than only during business hours in certain markets

such as the United States and Canada. On February 4, 2008 Dell launched a

revamped services-and-support scheme for businesses named "ProSupport",

offering customers more options to tailor services to fit their needs. Rather

than take a one-size-fits-all approach, Dell has put together packages of

options for each category of its customers: small and medium-sized

businesses, large businesses, government, education, and health-care- and

72
life-sciences. Dell now also offers separate support options for IT staff and

for non-IT professionals. For the latter, the company offers "how-to" support

for software applications, such as Microsoft Office. Dell also offers

collaborative support with many third-party software vendors. For Dell-

Certified IT departments, Dell offers "fast-track dispatch" of parts and labor

and access to a crisis-center to handle major outages, virus-attacks, or

problems caused by natural disasters.

Dell has several unique aspects of its support program. For example,

computers use "Service Tags" unique alpha-numeric identifiers and '11 digit

Express Service codes' prompts to get customers to the appropriate support

queue. Agents also utilize Dell Connect, based remote-access tool that gives

technicians within Dell Support the ability to access customer computers

from a remote location for troubleshooting purposes.

72
DELL LAPTOP

Vostro 3500 Laptop

(75 Reviews)

Users seeking a reliable laptop at an affordable price, powered by the

productivity of up to the Intel® Core i5 processors.
40 cm | 2.31 kg

From Rs.38,4901
Price inclusive of all taxes and delivery
72
New Vostro 3750 Laptop(with 2nd generation
Intel® Core™ Processors)

(13 Ratings)

write a review

From Rs.40,4901

Price inclusive of all taxes and delivery.

Select
72
Specially designed for small business, the Vostro™ 3750 laptop is
your desktop-replacement solution. Sophisticated, powerful and
sporting a 43.2cm (17.3") HD screen, Vostro helps you stay
connected and in control, with style and confidence.

• Connect, conference, collaborate: Connect to your

colleagues and clients with a full high-definition (HD) Webcam,
array mics, and preinstalled web conferencing and voice-
enhancing software.
• Safeguard critical data: Increase your data protection with a
built-in optical drive, Roxio Creator Starter for password-
protected data encryption and a finger print reader for added
security.
• Meet your new IT department: Launch the Dell Support
Center with the touch of a button or select optional Dell
ProSupport for 24x7 assistance, including onsite.

72
About the COMPAQ

72
Compaq was founded in February 1982 by Rod Canion, Jim Harris and Bill

Murto, three senior managers from semiconductor manufacturer Texas

Instruments. Each invested $1,000 to form the company. Their first venture

capital came from Ben Rosen and Stevin Rosen Funds. The original Compaq

PC was first sketched out on a placemat by the founders while dining in a

local Houston restaurant, House of Pies.[8]

Two key marketing executives in Compaq's early years, Jim D'Arezzo and

Sparky Sparks, had come from IBM's PC Group. Other key executives

responsible for the company's meteoric growth in the late 80s and early 90s

were Ross A. Cooley, another former Amber, who served for many years as

SVP of GM North America; Michael Suavely, who was the company's chief

marketing officer in the early years, and eventually ran the North America

organization, later passing along that responsibility to Mr. Cooley, when

Suavely retired. In the United States, Brendan A. "Mac" McLaughlin

(another long time IBM executive) led the company's field sales

organization after starting up the Western U.S. Area of Operations. These

gifted executives, along with other key contributors, including Kevin

Ellington, Douglas Johns, Steven Flannigan, and Gary Stimac, helped the
72
company with the IBM Corporation in all personal computer sales

categories, after many predicted that none could compete with the behemoth

In November 1982 Compaq announced their first product, the Compaq

Portable, a portable IBM PC compatible personal computer. It was released

in March 1983 at $2995, considerably more affordable than the Canadian

Hyperion. The Compaq Portable was one of the progenitors of today's

laptop; some called it a "suitcase computer" for its size and the look of its

case. It was the second IBM PC compatible, being capable of running all

software that would run on an IBM PC. It was a commercial success, selling

53,000 units in its first year and generating $111 million in sales revenue.

The Compaq Portable was the first in the range of the Compaq Portable

series. Compaq was able to market a legal IBM clone because IBM mostly

used "off the shelf" parts for their PC. Furthermore, Microsoft had kept the

right to license the operating system to other computer manufacturers. The

only part which had to be duplicated was the BIOS, which Compaq did

legally by using clean room reverse engineering for $1 million.[9][10][11]

Phoenix Technologies were the first to follow their lead, but soon "clone

Biases" were available from many other companies who reversed engineered

IBM's design, then sold their version to the PC clone manufacturers’

72
At the same time as they began to dominate the server market, in the early

1990s Compaq entered the retail computer market with the Presario, and was

one of the first manufacturers in the mid-1990s to market a sub-$1000 PC. In

order to maintain the prices it wanted, Compaq became the first top-tier

computer manufacturer to utilize CPUs from AMD and Cyrix. The price war

resulting from Compaq's actions ultimately drove numerous competitors,

most notably IBM and Packard Bell, from this market[citation needed].

In 1997, Compaq bought Tandem Computers, known for their Nonstop

server line. This acquisition instantly gave Compaq a presence in the higher

end business computing market. In 1998, Compaq acquired Digital

Equipment Corporation, the leading company in the previous generation of

minicomputers during the 1970s and early 1980s. This acquisition made

Compaq, at the time, the second largest computer maker in the world in

terms of revenue. Unfortunately for the company, CEO Eckhard Pfeiffer,

who engineered both mergers, had little vision for what the combined

companies should do, or indeed how the three dramatically different cultures

could work as a single entity, and Compaq struggled as a result. Pfeiffer was

forced out as CEO in 1999 in a coup led by board chairman Ben Rosen and

was succeeded by Michael Capellas, who had been serving as Compaq's

CIO. Capellas was able to restore some of the luster lost in the latter part of
72
the Pfeiffer era, but the company still struggled against lower-cost

competitors such as Dell.

During November 1999, Compaq began to work with Microsoft to create the

first in a line of small-scale, web-based computer systems called MSN

Companions.[13]

In 1998, Compaq also signed new sales and equipment alliance with

NaviSite. Under the pact, Compaq agreed to promote and sell Navasota Web

hosting services. In return, Navasota took Compaq as a preferred provider

for its storage and Intel-based servers.

Compaq's headquarters complex consisted of 3,500,000 square feet of land

in unincorporated northwest Harris County, Texas. The land had fifteen

office buildings, seven manufacturing buildings, a product conference

center, an employee cafeteria, mechanical laboratories, warehouses, and

chemical handling facilities

72
 COMPAQ LAPTOP

Compaq Presario 610VB VF453PA

Processor:
Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile
Processor T5870 (2.0 GHz)
(Intel GME965 Express Chipset /
2MB L2 Cache / 800 Mhz FSB)
Operating
Windows Vista Home Basic (32
System:
bit)
Memory:
3 GB PC2-6400 DDR2 (800 MHz)
Hard Disk
320 GB SATA
Drive:
Optical Drive:
8X Double Layer DVD +R/+RW
Writer
Display:
15.6” HD LED Backlit
BrightView™ WideScreen
72
Carry Case:
Yes
Others:
WL / BT / 2 MP Webcam &
Microphone

Compaq Presario CQ40-425TU

Processor:
Intel Pentium Dual-Core
Processor T4200 (2.0 GHz)
(Intel GL40 Express Chipset /
1MB L2 Cache / 800 Mhz FSB)
Operating
Free DOS
System:
Memory:
2 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 (667
MHz)
Hard Disk
320 GB SATA
Drive:
Optical Drive:
8X Double Layer DVD +R/+RW
Writer
Display:
14.1" WideScreen (WXGA) with
BrightView
Carry Case:
Yes
Others:
WL / BT / One HDMI v1.3 /
72
 Webcam & Microphone

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

METHODOLOGY

Research Design:

1. Exploratory research.

2. Descriptive studies

3. Casual studies

Sample Size:
72
 50 Respondents

Sampling Area –

Noida

Data collection:

There are basically widely used methods for collection of primary

data:

Observation

Questionnaire

Interviewing

Case study method

Sources of data

(i) Primary data

72
 (ii) Secondary data

Sampling Technique-

Random Sampling method

RESEARCH DESIGN

A research design is defined, as the specification of methods and

procedures for acquiring the Information needed. It is a plant or

organizing framework for doing the study and collecting the data.

Designing a research plan requires decisions all the data sources,

research approaches, Research instruments, sampling plan and

contact methods.

Research design is mainly of following types: -

72
 4. Exploratory research.

5. Descriptive studies

6. Casual studies

EXPLORATORY RESEARCH

The major purposes of exploratory studies are the identification of

problems, the more precise Formulation of problems and the formulations of

new alternative courses of action. The design of exploratory studies is

characterized by a great amount of flexibility and ad-hoc veracity.

Descriptive research in contrast to exploratory research is marked

by the prior formulation of specific research Questions. The investigator

already knows a substantial amount about the research problem. Perhaps as a

Result of an exploratory study, before the project is initiated. Descriptive

research is also characterized by a Preplanned and structured design.

72
CASUAL OR EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

A casual design investigates the cause and effect relationships between

two or more variables. The hypothesis is tested and the

experiment is done. There are following types of casual designs:

I. After only design

II. Before after design

III. Before after with control group design

DATA COLLECTION METHOD

PRIMARY SECONDARY

Direct personal Interview

Published Unpublished Sources

---Indirect personal Interview Sources

--- Govt..publication

- Information from correspondents --- ReportCommittees&

72
 Mailed questionnaire commision

--- Private Publication

--- Research Institute

- Question filled by enumerators.

PRIMARY DATA

These data are collected first time as original data. The data is recorded as

observed or encountered. Essentially they are raw materials. They may be

combined, totaled but they have not extensively been statistically processed.

For example, data obtained by the peoples.

SECONDARY DATA

Sources of Secondary Data which I have used are given below:

72
1. Publications Relating to Trade: Publications of the trade

associations, stock exchange, trade union etc.

2. Journal/ Newspapers etc.: Some newspapers/ Journals collect

and publish their own data, e.g. Indian Journal of economics,

economist, Economic Times.

Data Collection Method

The following methods of data collection which I have used:

(i) Observation Method

(ii) Personal Interview

Observation Method:

This is the most commonly used method of data collection especially in

studies relating to behavioral sciences. Accurate watching and noting of

phenomenon as they occur in nature with regard to cause and effect or

mutual relation is called observation method of data collection.

Direct Method: In observation method data is collected through

direct contact with phenomenon under study. In this method sensory

72
organs particularly eye, ear, voice are used.

Requires in-depth study: In this method, the observer goes to the

field and makes the study of the phenomenon in an in-depth company to

acquire data.

Collection follows observation: In this method, the investigator first of

all observes the things and then collects the data.

Relationship between the cause and effect: Observation method leads

to development of relationship between the cause and effect of the

events.

Scientific method for collecting dependable data: This is the most

scientific method for collection of dependable data. Observations are

planned and recorded systematically. There should be checks and

balances on this methodology.

Selective and purposeful collection: The observations are made with

definite purpose.
72
Observation and analysis

1) Do you have own a computer/Laptop?

Yes [ ] No [ ]
72
 Computer/Laptop

From the Pie chart it is interpret that 9% of respondent don’t have

computer.

72
2) Which brand of Laptop do you have?

HP [ ] DELL [ ]

Lenovo [ ] Acer [ ]

HCL [ ] Sony [ ]

Others [ ]

Brands of Laptops during

20/03/2010-12/04/2010

72
From the Pie Chart it is clear that majority of the respondent own

(23%) of total respondent use HCL laptop, followed by Dell (21%).

Thus HCL found to be leader in consolidated market share of Laptops

in Gr.Noida city.

3)Have you heard of Ultra portable Laptop device?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

72
 No. of people aware of

Portable laptops

From the Pie chart it is clear that it is clear that 75% of the

respondents are not aware of ultra potable Laptop device.

72
4)What kind of computer you are using now?

Desktop computer [ ]

Laptop [ ]

Ultra portable laptop [ ]

Kinds Of Computer

72
From the pie chart we can say that Laptop users are more than

desktop user but no one uses ultra portable laptop.

5) How did you know about the type of computer you are using

right now?

Newspaper [ ] Magazine [ ]

Television [ ] Friends and Family [ ]

Others [ ]
72
 Options from the people know
about computer

As is evident from the pie chart majority of users get information

about latest sales offers from friends,family & newspaper. This gives an

insight that the media that can be effective in conveying sales promotion

offers is print media (newspapers). If we look at another feature that

has been brought out by the survey is the fact that majority of people buy by

looking at a feature in newspaper. This can be concluded from the fact that

41 percent of the buyers are those who seek information from Newspaper

while purchasing a PC/Laptop.

72
6) Are you satisfied with the computer you are using right now?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

72
 Satisfied with your computer

It is clear from the most of people are satisfied with their computer.

72
7) What according to you is important attribute for a Notebook?

Price

Agree [ ]

Strongly agree [ ]

Disagree [ ]

Strongly disagree[ ]

Neither agree Nor disagree [ ]

72
 important attribute for a
Notebook

Most of the respondent feel that price is the important factor while

purchasing a computer.

Service

Agree [ ]

Strongly agree [ ]

Disagree [ ]

Strongly disagree [ ]
72
Neither agree Nor disagree[ ]

Satisfied with services

Majority of the user agree to the fact that after sales service is a

reason to buy a Laptop.

72
8) What kind of IT equipment you are planning to buy?

Desktop [ ]

Ultra mobile portable device [ ]

Notebook [ ]

Others [ ]

Kind of equipment to buy

72
Most of the people like the features of ultra mobile portable device

and they are wants to purchase it.

9) Would you consider a product which has writing feature?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

72
 Computer has writing feature

Majority of the people said they will purchase a laptop which has

writing feature.

72
10) Have you heard of Dell laptops ?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

Heard about Dell laptops

Most of the people not aware of Dell laptops .

11) Do you heard about Compaq Touch Services?

72
Yes [ ]

No [ ]

COMPAQ Touch Services

Majority of the people are not heard of Compaq Touch Services.

72
12) Do you know Dell customer care services are available in 11

Indian languages & 24x7?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

DELL customer care

Most of the people don’t know that Dell customer care services are

available in 11 Indian Languages.

72
Cheapest Laptop Comparison Chart, June 2007 -
compare popular laptop brands: Dell, Toshiba,
HP, Compaq, Sony

My cheapest laptop comparison chart

should help you decide which laptop
brand offers the best value for the
money. You do it by considering the
Overall Score and the price. This
comparison doesn't consider
reliability or looks; an Overall Score
was calculated for each laptop based only on technical features and
performance. A combination of Overall Score and a price is your pure value
for the money. The chart is designed to compare cheapest laptops from the 5
most popular laptop brands, Dell, Toshiba, HP, Compaq, Sony. It compares
these 5 low-end cheapest laptop buys at the prices that are current as of June
2007, and with the base configurations: Dell Inspiron 1501, Toshiba
Satellite A133, HP Pavilion dv6000z, Compaq Presario C500T, Sony
VAIO N Series.

72
What I discovered - See the comparison

I believe this laptop comparison gives away some interesting insight on ...
laptop brand competition. Wow, it appears that HP now competes with
Toshiba (at least in the low-end laptops) and lets its cheaper brand Compaq
compete with Dell, while Sony stands apart. A proof to it is the prices!!! Dell
price is close to Compaq, HP is very close to Toshiba, and Sony is priced
way higher. Compaq is willing to slash $200 of the price to compete, just to
match the low-end laptop offers from Dell. What also became apparent is
what was expected: the lower the price the less value you get - Dell and
Compaq present the least value for the least money.
What else is interesting is that they score the same but based on different
features, so it looks like one brand is trying to offer an overall value similar
to another brand but at the different marketing angle. For example where
Dell is trying to offer a more versatile laptop (ability to read many media
formats, more USB ports, cheaper extended warranty), Compaq offers a
more powerful laptop (a slightly faster processor, bigger hard drive, more
cache memory and a longer battery life). Sony holds its prices while the rest
are engaged in the out-right war slashing prices and coming up with new
incentives every week. Brand recognition is everything. Sony's cheapest
laptop starts with the Intel Pentium Dual-Core processor - Sony doesn't go as
low as Dell or Toshiba or HP. This is reflected in Sony laptop prices. See
chart for complete comparison.

72
Specs Dell Toshiba HP Compaq Sony
Cheapest
Laptops at
base
prices as
of June
15, 2007
Inspiron Satellite Pavilion Presario
Model VAIO N
1501 A133 dv6000z C500T
$499 (w/ $599 (w/ $589 (w/ $449 (w/
$100 $50 $100 $200
Price $899
instant instant instant instant
rebate) rebate) rebate) rebate)
Display 15.4" 15.4" 15.4" 15.4" 15.4"
Mobile Mobile Intel
Intel Intel
CPU AMD AMD Pentium
Celeron Celeron
Processor Sempron Sempron Dual-Core
M 440 M 440
3500+ 3500+ T2060
Speed 1.80 GHz1.86 GHz 1.80 GHz 1.86 GHz 1.60 GHz *
60 GB 60 GB 80 GB 80 GB 120 GB
Hard
SATA SATA SATA SATA SATA
Drive
5400RPM 5400RPM 5400RPM 5400RPM 5400RPM
Main
512 MB 512 MB 512 MB 512 MB 1 GB
Memory
Cache
512 KB 1 MB 512 KB 1 MB 1 MB
Memory
Video
256 MB 256 MB 256 MB 224 MB 224 MB
Card
(Shared) (Shared) (Shared) (Shared) (Shared)
Memory
CD-RW/ CD-RW/
CD- CD- DVD+/- CD- DVD+/-
CD, CD-
RW/DVD RW/DVD R/RW RW/DVD R/RW
RW, DVD
Combo Combo w/Double combo w/Double
Layer Layer
Battery 2.0 3.5
3 hours 3.5 hours 4.0 hours
Life (max) hours hours
72
Weight 6.19 lbs 5.83 lbs 6.09 lbs 6.6 lbs 6.5 lbs
10/100
Network
Card Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
(RJ45
port)
56K
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Modem
Wireless
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Card
Mobile
No No No No No
Card *
Integrated
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Audio
Floppy
No No No No No
Drive
Media 1-Type II 3 incl.
Card 3-in-1 PC Card 5-in-1 none ExpressCard
Reader Slot 34
4 USB 4 USB 3 USB 3 USB
USB Ports 2 USB 2.0
2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
FireWire
Port No Yes Yes No Yes
(iLink)
Vista Vista Vista Vista
Operating Vista Home
Home Home Home Home
System Premium
Basic Basic Basic Basic
Anti-Virus Not Not Not
Included Included
Software included included included
CD/DVD
Not Not Not
Burning Included Included
included included included
Software
Standard
1 year 1 year 1 year 1 year 1 year
Warranty
Return 21 days up to 25 21 days 21 days 30 days
72
Policy days
Extended
4 year - 3 year - 4 year - 3 year - 5 year -
Warranty
$340 $179 $329 $349 $349
(max)
Free
Internet Yes No Yes No No
Shipping
Overall
5 8 8 5 13
Score

Recommendations
What else is interesting is that Dell or Compaq are only 1.8 times cheaper
than Sony, but they present 2.6 less value than Sony. (Also, Sony is only 1.5
times more expensive than Toshiba or HP but presents 1.6 times more
value.) This makes Sony a very good buy, in my view. In fact, I recommend
this Sony laptop as a best college laptop for students.(give link to college
laps?). The extended warranty options are unmatched. Vaio N has extensive
connectivity options including ExpressCard, up-to-date fast dual processor,
large hard drive and plenty of memory. Gives you some prestige, too ;).
Providing Sony's well-known quality, Sony Vaio N is my laptop of choice
this June 2007.

72
Dell Computer surpassed Compaq Computer in the first quarter
to become the world's largest PC maker, the first time the
rankings have shifted in about seven years.

Dell achieved 12.8 percent market share worldwide in the first quarter,
surpassing Compaq for the first time on a worldwide basis, according to
figures released from research firm Gartner. Compaq ended the quarter in
second place with a 12.1 percent share of the world market.

Along with becoming the largest PC maker, Round Rock, Texas-based Dell
re-established itself as the fastest growing--with a vengeance. Dell saw
shipments of desktops, notebooks and Intel-based servers grow by 34.3
percent worldwide and 30.7 percent in the United States. Nearly everyone
else shrank.

Overall, the industry was sick. PC shipments in the United States declined
by 3.5 percent, a historical first, according to Gartner. Worldwide, shipments
climbed by 3.5 percent, worse than expected. At the beginning of the
quarter, Gartner expected to see 10 percent growth worldwide.

"All in all, the global economy faces considerable downside risks in the
months ahead, and just the fear of those risks could dampen PC buying
going forward," the firm wrote in a report. Chipmakers Intel and Advanced
Micro Devices warned in recent days that second-quarter revenue will drop.

Other researchers had similar projections. "It looks to me like it is still grim,
particularly on the consumer side," said Roger Kay, an analyst at IDC, which
came to similar conclusions. The market may grow in the second half, "but it
will be a very gentle curve, as opposed to a spike. We're not going back to
double-digit growth."
72
In contrast to Dell, Compaq saw shipments grow by
an anemic 0.3 percent worldwide and decline by 17.9
percent in the United States.

Compaq, though, said the figures don't paint a

complete picture of the company's fortunes. It
remains No. 1 in Intel-based servers, one of the more
profitable subsets of the overall PC market, a
company spokesman said.

In addition, Compaq is placing less emphasis on PCs

and more on storage, servers and services. Close to 90
percent of the company's profits in the fourth quarter came from those
segments.

Hewlett-Packard, which grew faster than Dell during parts of 2000, saw
shipments decline globally by 3.5 percent and by 24.7 percent in the United
States. Gateway saw domestic shipments drop by 9 percent.

IBM, which had been losing market share, saw business pick up. PC
shipments rose by 7 percent for Big Blue, boosting its worldwide market
share growth from 6 percent to 6.2 percent. In the United States, IBM's
shipments grew by 19.1 percent to move the company from 4.2 percent
market share to 5.2 percent. IBM, though, had a weak first quarter in 2000,
which made for an easy comparison, said Gartner analyst Todd Kort.

72
The gap between Dell and the Dell-nots will also increase, he added.

"Dell, being more efficient relative to their competitors, will continue to

expand on its lead," Kort said. "The only thing HP, Compaq and IBM can do
is invest in their supply chains to become more efficient."

The growth was fueled in part by price cuts Dell imposed starting last
December to capture market share. Because of its "build-to-order"
production system, Dell also can pass on changes in component costs
quicker than competitors. In addition, the company has also cut its profit
margin for the sake of increased sales.

At various times in the past three months, for instance, Dell has offered
customers free handheld computers with select laptops, free shipping, and
free memory upgrades.

Preliminary estimates from Morgan Stanley indicated that Dell would

overtake Houston-based Compaq.

Compaq held the lead in worldwide PC sales from 1994 through 2000. IBM
was the largest PC company from 1991 to 1994 and for various years in the
1980s. Apple shipped the most in 1990, according to IDC.

72
 FINDINGS & CONCLUSION

 During the survey, it was found that 80% people are aware of

Compaq Laptops .

 According to survey, 34% of people said price is important

factor while purchasing a laptop.

 80% people like the writing feature of Dell Laptops.

 Most of the people are not aware that Dell Customer Care is

available in 11 languages & 24x7.

 People are also not aware of the Dell Touch Services.

 From the customer’s view 37% will buy this product because of

its feature.

72
 LIMITATIONS

Every project has some limitations even the researcher came across some

limitations while working on the project which made the analysis a little

inappropriate at times. Some of the basic limitations faced during the

research are listed below:

Only limited number of Customer where it has been found 50 sample was

covered in the study.

 There was a bias on the part of the respondents.

 The research is based on Gr.Noida city.

 At the time of research most of the customer did not sincerely respond

to the researcher.

72
 SUGGESTION AND RECOMMENDATION

 Dell should take proper attention towards marketing of ultra

portable laptops. Many people are unaware of Dell laptops.

 Company executive should pay proper attention towards

checking of various components of PC before end user

delivery. Otherwise it tends towards defame of brand name in

comparison to rivals.

 Dell Need to expand customer care center as the consumer

base of Dell Info systems is increasing with tremendously fast

pace.

 Proper attention should be paid for advertisement planning

otherwise it may lead to problem for dealer and customer as

well as for company.

 Company should tie up with some event management company

to organize various promotional activities like canopy, Carnival.

72
QUESTIONNAIRE

Contact no.-

Sex- male ( ) female ( )

1.Age

Below 20 years

20 to 35 years

35 to 55 years

55 and above

2.Occupation

Serviceman

Businessman

Professional

Student
72
3.Monthly Family Income

Below Rs. 15,000

Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25000

Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 35000

Rs. 35,000 & above

4.What kind of system you are using presently?

Dell

Compaq

5. What does your brand gives you?

Recognition

Satisfaction

Value for money

72
Praise from Friends

6. Are you satisfied with the brand you are using presently?

Yes

No

If not then you go for

First choice________

Second choice________

Third choice__________

7. What influences you to buy your preferred brand?

Friends

Neighbors

Self Experience

Occasions
72
8. Where do you come to know of latest brands?

Television

Films

Friends

Advertisements

9. What price range do you go usually?

Less than 25000

25000-35000

35000-55000

Range doesn’t matter

10. Have you ever seen any kind of advertisement of “branded Laptops”?

Yes

No
72
If yes is it has any impact on you?

Yes

No

11. Most preferred brand among people you know?

dell

Compaq

72
BIBLIOGRAPHY

MAGAZINES / NEWSPAPERS

 Business Today

 The Financial Express

 The Times of India

 Company Annual Magazine

WEBSITES

• www.google.com

• www.dell.com

• www.compaq.com

• www.marketingterms.com

• www.internetworldstats.com
72
REFERENCE

• NEWS PAPERS & MAGAZINES

• -Financial Express

• -Times of India

• -Hindustan Times

• -Economic Times

• -Business World

• -India Today

72
72