Power Computing delivers first Mac compatible computers for the mainstream; first Mac OS licensee extends customer choice with new direct channel, competitive pricing, alternative configurations and progressive service and support

Business Wire, April 17, 1995

MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 17, 1995--Power Computing Corporation, the first company to receive and announce a license for Apple's Mac OS, today introduced the first three Mac-compatible systems for the mainstream customer -- the Power 80, Power 100 and Power 110, from the company's family of desktop computing systems.

For the first time, personal computer customers can choose a Mac alternative with 100% Mac compatibility, while also benefiting from a convenient direct channel, a choice of new system configurations, competitive prices, and prompt and personal customer service and support. First customer shipments will begin May 1, 1995 ramping to volume shipments in July, 1995.

The new Power Computing systems, available in desktop and tower configurations, are based on the PowerPC 601 80MHz, 100MHz and 110MHz microprocessors and are comparable to Apple Computer's Power Macintosh 7100 and 8100 class of computers. The new systems have received Apple's Mac compatible certification after undergoing full product compatibility testing in Apple's own labs.

Although Mac compatible, Power Computing models are further differentiated by the inclusion of a state-of-the-art, quad-speed CD-ROM drive, higher performance and built-in video, five popular bundled software programs, and a free extended keyboard. Options in RAM and disk drive, and color monitors are available to customers depending on their needs and requirements.

"Power Computing sees an enormous opportunity to help expand the Mac market to its full potential. We are giving customers, for the first time, a choice for Mac computing they never had before. In addition, Power Computing is offering the Mac community new system configurations, new channels of distribution and new price points along with a progressive service and support program," said Steve Kahng, president and CEO of Power Computing.

Product Features

Ideal for the consumer looking for a middle to high-end Mac compatible system, Power Computing systems are suited for business, education and home use. Because Power Computing's systems are 100% Mac compatible, they are able to take advantage of the broad range of Mac third-party hardware and software products that include more than 500 Power Macintosh accelerated applications.

The first three Power Computing systems utilize 80MHz, 100MHz and 110MHz microprocessors and allow customers to choose the power and speed that best meet their computing needs and requirements.

High-performance and built-in video will be offered with most of the Power Computing systems. The standard Mac 15-pin video adapter and VGA adapters are featured so that customers can have more flexibility selecting cross platform peripherals. In addition, Power Computing systems ship with 2MB of on-board VRAM to support applications using millions of colors. The option of upgrading the VRAM to 4MB is offered for the user requiring an even higher level of video and graphic support.

Most of the Power Computing systems come standard with a quad-speed CD-ROM drive and keyboard. The top-of-the-line CD-ROM drive allows users greater speed and performance when using any of the hundreds of new Mac CD-ROM titles. Finally, all Power Computing systems also offer:

-- 8 SIMM expansion slots

-- Built-in Ethernet support

-- 256K level-2 cache on all models

-- Dual-channel, asynchronous SCSI interface for easy RAID

implementation

Innovative Board Design

Power Computing's innovative new board design has customer advantages beyond simply lowering the cost of manufacturing. The system design places the I/O components on a card which makes the task of upgrading much easier and more affordable since the entire motherboard does not have to be replaced -- only the card. The I/O card is placed in a custom slot, therefore, one of the three NuBus slots does not have to be used. This innovative design extends the customer's investment by offering the flexibility to upgrade their Power Computing system as needs change and technology advances are made.

Bundled Software and Options

In addition to the Mac OS, each Power Computing system will include $900 worth of software and utilities bundled for free. Software to be bundled includes ClarisWorks 3.0, Claris' integrated software solution for business, home and education; Intuit's Quicken 5.0, the personal finance program; Now Utilities, Now Contact and Now Up-to-Date, leading Mac programs for utilities, calendaring and personal information management and; Bitstream fonts, a product containing 300 TrueType and Type 1 fonts.

Power Computing will also offer software bundle packages at discounted prices with the purchase of any Power Computing system. These bundles will provide targeted solutions for business, multimedia, digital prepress and home/education.

Service and Support

To ensure customer satisfaction, Power Computing will offer a 30-day money-back guarantee and a lifetime, toll-free technical support policy to all customers. This demonstrates the company's commitment to providing high quality service and support to the Mac community. In addition, as part of its relationship with Apple, all technical support employees hired by Power Computing are participating in Apple's training program to ensure top quality.