Like the Airis prototype, the Compaq machine achieves the higher performance through disk caching.

It has all of the features of the Compaq machine except the Business Audio, plus a color monitor and keyboard.

Now the Compaq machine costs about 24 percent more.

The second Compaq machine will use a new low-cost Intel chip, the 386SX, which was announced last week.

Before the hostilities, Compaq machines started at about $2,000.

The new Compaq machine is 2.2 inches thick, weighs 7.5 pounds and measures 8.5 inches by 11 inches.

The wait for the Compaq machine, anticipated for several months by potential buyers, has been a factor in the company's slowing sales growth.

The other new Compaq machine, the Deskpro 386-20, is the most powerful personal computer to date.

The extra capacity comes at higher prices, though, and the Compaq machines cost $6,499 or $6,999, respectively.

Earlier Compaq machines have all come with the bulkier 5 1/4-inch version.