[comp.sys.hp] Experiences w/ HP 425e systems?

taylor@limbo.Intuitive.Com (Dave Taylor) (06/07/91)

I've been pricing out different systems to replace "limbo", an HP
9000/340 prototype (!), and with the introduction of the new HP
9000/425e system, it looks like something's arrived that's in the right
price range.

The needs for the system are pretty simple:  I need to be able to hook
up a terminal, two highspeed modems, external SCSI, and run X over a
local network on a Macintosh.  From checking things out, the 425e, with
an internal 480 MB disk and either a floppy disk (short term win) or
CDROM (longer term win) looks ideal.  Unusually, I want to get it
headless, since it's going to be a server for me, rather than an
in-office workstation.  (that is, it's going to live in my computer
room, rather than on my desk).

I'm interested in hearing what people think about this system, the
configuration I've outlined (headles + 480MB internal HD + either floppy
or CDROM drive), and perhaps other systems that might offer the same
features and power at a comparable price ($6000 or less)

Thanks!
						-- Dave Taylor
Intuitive Systems
Mountain View, California

taylor@limbo.intuitive.com    or   {uunet!}{decwrl,apple}!limbo!taylor

rjn@hpfcso.FC.HP.COM (Bob Niland) (06/08/91)

re: > taylor@limbo.Intuitive.Com (Dave Taylor) writes...>

> ...with the introduction of the new HP 9000/425e system, it looks like
> something's arrived that's in the right price range.

> I need to be able to hook up a terminal,
> external SCSI, and run X over a

No problem.

> two highspeed modems,

The 425e's three serial ports are the Apollo DN-series flavor, like the two
extra ports on the other 400s.  The first port (select code 9) is Apollo-
style, and is NOT based on the Ns16550 used in the other 400s.  Each has a
max bit rate of 19200, no RTS, and an in/out FIFO of 1/8 bytes.  They may
not be suitable for "high speed" modems.

> Unusually, I want to get it headless, since it's going to be a server for
> me, rather than an in-office workstation.

Because the graphics is built-in as mother-board components, there is no
headless config.  Get the grey-scale version and plug in a terminal.

Regards,                                              Hewlett-Packard
Bob Niland      Internet: rjn@FC.HP.COM               3404 East Harmony Road
                UUCP: [hplabs|hpfcse]!hpfcrjn!rjn     Ft Collins CO 80525-9599

This response does not represent the official position of, or statement by,
the Hewlett-Packard Company.  The above data is provided for informational
purposes only.  It is supplied without warranty of any kind.

dscy@eng.cam.ac.uk (D.S.C. Yap) (06/08/91)

>re: > taylor@limbo.Intuitive.Com (Dave Taylor) writes...>

>> ...with the introduction of the new HP 9000/425e system, it looks like
>> something's arrived that's in the right price range.

Okay, it's the weekend, I'll call the HP SE on monday, but could
someone please post a few details on the 425e so I won't have to wait
till then.

Thanks,

Davin