Future Power Introduces First-Ever Dual Celeron PCs; New Dual Millennium Models Offer the `Byte' of a Pentium III to Handle Data-Intensive Y2K Applications

Business Wire, August 24, 1999

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 24, 1999--

Future Power has introduced two Dual Millennium PCs -- the first systems ever equipped with two Intel Celeron processors.

Available in two configurations, the Dual Millennium models offer the "byte" of a Pentium III to handle data-intensive Y2K applications -- at an affordable price.

Because Dual Millennium PCs support Symmetric Multi-Processing (SMP) platforms and were designed for stability, applications run in protected and isolated mode. In other words, if a running program crashes, the rest of the operating system theoretically remains unaffected.

"Our in-house benchmark tests have shown that our Dual Millennium models, in many cases, are as powerful as a system with a PIII processor, but can be purchased at a lower cost," said Bill Voecks, vice president, sales, Future Power.

The first Dual Millennium model is a mid-tower system designed to handle multi-tasking applications for gamers, power users, scientific and analytical researchers and creative professionals, such as graphic designers.

The second system configuration features a full-tower case that acts as a small server for home networks, small businesses, SOHO professionals and departments within larger organizations, such as small government units.

Like all Future Power products, the Dual Millennium systems are built with state-of-the-art components from manufacturers such as 3Com, Diamond, Intel, NEC, Samsung and Toshiba. Components are upgraded as quickly as the new components hit the market.

Dual Processing Power

Both Future Power systems feature an ABIT BP6 Jumperless mainboard with Soft Menu(TM) II technology that allows the user to get maximum performance from the CPU without hardware effort. In addition, BP6 can support ATA 66 (also known as UDMA 66), and this new high-speed interface doubles the ATA 33 burst data transfer rate to 66.6 megabytes per second. The result is maximum disc performance using the current PCI local bus environment.

Dual processing also impacts application performance. Adobe claims that having two Celeron processors can enhance the conversion of photos, making the process faster by as much as 80 percent(a).

Dual Millennium for Power Users, Gamers

Future Power's Dual Millennium mid-tower system contains two Celeron 466A CPUs, ABIT BP6 mainboard, 128MB PC100 memory, 20GB UDMA hard drive, 3Com 56K V.90 modem, 3D audio card, 1.44MB floppy drive and a 48X Samsung CD-ROM drive.

The mid-tower will also boast a superior multimedia setup. The video card will be a Diamond Stealth III 32MB AGP graphic card. The system comes standard with a NewQ Gold graphic equalizer, NEC Zip drive (100MB), Altec Lansing speakers, Future Power PS2 Internet keyboard, PS2 Internet Mouse and the Windows NT V.4.0 Operating System.

Windows 95 and 98 users can download a "Microsoft NT resource kit support tool" to upgrade their existing software for dual processing.

The mid-tower system with double processors gives creative professionals the power they need to stream video, manipulate CAD diagrams and perform other data-intensive applications that can be tedious on systems with less powerful processors.

Dual Millennium for Home Networks, Small Business

The Dual Millennium full-tower system contains two Intel Celeron 466A CPUs, 256MB memory, 20GB UDMA hard drive, 3Com Fast Etherlink (10/100 BT) Network Interface Card, 3D Audio sound card, 1.44MB floppy drive, Samsung 48X CD-ROM drive, an ATI or Diamond 8MB AGP graphic card, Future Power Internet PS2 keyboard, PS2 Mouse and Linux operating system (with the option of Windows NT).

This Dual Millennium system is powerful enough to double as a server for small businesses storing critical financial and corporate documents, while allowing multiple users to access large files at one time.

Both systems come bundled with Norton Antivirus and a warranty of one year for parts and labor.

Availability

Future Power's Dual Millennium PCs will be available at the end of August through more than 500 national VARs and dealers. The products will also be available online at www.coolshopper.com. Dealers can also access Future Power sales and technical support at 888/818-4PRO.

The first Dual Millennium systems are set to hit the market at a retail price of $1499 for the mid-tower system, or $1899 bundled with a 19-inch monitor, and $1399 for the full-tower system. With purchase of these systems, Future Power or the respective dealer offers on-site warranty, at an additional cost.

About Future Power

Based in Santa Clara, Future Power manufactures a complete line of high-quality PCs and monitors. The company currently offers the Advantage and Adventure Series of home and SOHO systems and the Signature and Power Series for the corporate, government and creative professional markets. Future Power distributes its product through VARs, dealers and retailers nationwide.

For more information, visit the company at www.futurepowerusa.com.

(a) Adobe statistic from www.firingsquad.com/hardware/dualceleron/page.6asp.