Digital Introduces Less Expensive Line of Computers

LITTLETON, Mass. — Digital Equipment Corp. today introduced a host of desktop models, marking a move from expensive minicomputers to more down-market personal computers.

The debut featured the company’s hotly anticipated Dec station 3100 desktop workstation. Digital claims that the model, priced at $11,900, is the world’s fastest desktop workstation. Deliveries are to begin in April.

The company also introduced a family of personal computers built by Tandy Corp., ranging in price from $2,630 to $4,960. They are available this month.

The effort represents a major change in approach for one of the world’s three largest computer companies, industry analysts said. It may not, however, solve Digital’s biggest problem of the past year, a slowdown in sales of its most profitable product, the most advanced VAX minicomputer.