Chip Scarcity May Impede Sale of 2 New Compaq PCs

Compaq Computer introduced two speedy personal computers Monday, but analysts said sales could be slowed by a shortage of computer chips.

Compaq said one of its models, the Deskpro 386-25, will be the fastest personal computer available in the world. But International Business Machines, the No. 1 personal computer company, responded that it will take the lead when its fastest model, announced earlier this month, becomes generally available in August or September. Compaq’s other new model, the Deskpro 386s, is aimed at general business users.

David Readerman of Smith Barney, Harris Upham & Co. said “demand is there,” but questioned Compaq’s ability to meet it, given the worldwide computer memory chip shortage.

“Compaq needs to go out and buy its memory,” he said, noting that IBM has said it has the capacity to manufacture its own memory chips.

Mike Swavely, vice president of sales and marketing at Houston-based Compaq, acknowledged the concerns that component shortages could prevent Compaq from meeting demand for the new products, but said the company expects its shortage of memory chips to be alleviated by the end of the summer.