HP Unveils Graphics-Making Computer

Hewlett-Packard Co. unveiled a new high-end computer for creating graphics, which it said will set new standards and challenge Silicon Graphics Inc.’s lead in the market. The Visualize PxFl computer uses thousands of processors to enable engineers to produce lifelike images of products like cars or airplanes, and manipulate the image, for example simulating what a car looks like as it drives around a track. With the new product, costing $100,000 and up, Palo Alto-based Hewlett-Packard is targeting industrial engineers who use powerful graphics computers for complex design work. That market, while small, sets the trend for the larger workstation and PC markets. HP said it was too early to name any customers for the new product. The product will also be shown to movie industry executives, he added. Mountain View-based Silicon Graphics last month introduced new products for improving efficiency in the chemical processing industry. It had 1996 sales of $2.9 billion, compared with $3.8 billion for Hewlett-Packard. HP shares rose 88 cents to close at $57.75, while Silicon shares gained 31 cents to close at $16.94, on the New York Stock Exchange.