New PCs: IBM Aptiva Breaks The Low-Price Barrier With Its First Full-Function Consumer PC at $599 - IBM Aptiva E D1N - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Nov 2, 1998

IBM Thursday became the first major PC company to unveil a new consumer model priced at $599(Note A) - the Aptiva E Series model D1N. "This new, full-function Aptiva model is the perfect system for families ready to give their kids their own PC," said Brian Connors, vice president, IBM Aptiva. "It also makes a terrific holiday gift for parents and grandparents who want to connect to the web and keep in touch with family and friends. With its compact footprint the new Aptiva PC is ideal for a child's room, or a college dorm room." Powered by the IBM 300 Performance Rated(1) MMX-enhanced processor and featuring a slim desktop design, this Aptiva is designed to meet the needs of the first time PC buyer or repeat buyers who are looking for a second PC to give to their children. With the technology that is included inside this new Aptiva model it is also a great way to stay connected to family and friends and an excellent tool for home offices seeking a low-priced alternative that can handle most office tasks with ease. Inside The Aptiva D1N Though priced at $599 it features outstanding technology and design including: o IBM 300 Performance Rated MMX-Enhanced processor o 32MB(4MB dedicated to video)(2) of SDRAM (expandable to 256MB) o 3.2GB(3) Hard Drive o 32X Max, 14X Min CD-ROM Drive(4) o An open ISA/PCI Slot and 2 USB Ports o Slim design and compact desktop footprint In addition to the hardware technologies the new Aptiva model also includes: o A choice of leading browsers and Internet Service Providers o 56K (V.90 compatible modem)(5) o Full Lotus SmartSuite that includes: Word Pro for word processing, 1-2-3 Spread Sheet, Freelance Graphics for presentations and Organizer for effective time management(6). Finally the D1N offers the Peace of Mind that helps to make Aptiva one of the best PC values around: o One year no charge membership in IBM Owner Privileges(7): Includes a members only web site with valuable information on Advisory, Protection, Service and Discount Privileges. Answers to commonly asked questions, system updates through IBM Update Connector(line charges may apply) and savings of up to $600(8) on computing products and special offers and information on a variety of interests including family, lifestyle finance and business. o IBM Award-Winning Service and Support: PC Magazine Readers Choice top rating for six consecutive years o 30 Day Up and Running Assistance(9) The new Aptiva will be available at select retail stores across The United States, including Best Buy beginning in November. FMI: www.ibm.com/aptiva or call IBM at 1-800/426-7235, ext 4340. (Note A) Estimated reseller price without monitor. Actual prices may vary. (1) 225 MHz microprocessor internal clock speed. Performance rating equivalent to AMD K6 300MHz processor in equivalently configured computer systems running productivity applications in Business Winstone 98 benchmark. Individual application performance varies. FMI: http://www.chips.ibm.com. (2) 28 MB RAM available for applications. Installed memory in excess of 128MB will not derive performance enhancements from the included external cache. (3) GB equals one billion bytes when referring to hard drive capacity; accessible capacity may be less. (4) Variable read rate. Actual playback speed will vary and is often less than the maximum possible.

(5) This modem is designed to be capable of receiving data at up to 56Kbps from either a V.90 or a K56 Flex compatible service provider and transmitting data at up to about 28.8 Kbps. Public networks currently limit maximum download speeds to about 53 Kbps. Actual speeds depend upon many factors and are often less than the maximum possible. (6) Software may differ from its retail version (if available) and may not include user manuals or all program functionality. Titles subject to change. (7) Owner Privileges is available to U.S. and Canadian Aptiva owners. One year memberships are included with Aptiva purchase, beginning on the date of purchase, and are not available on refurbished Aptivas. Registration of your Aptiva is a condition of program membership. Those who bought a qualifying PC before 4/1/98 may purchase a membership for $20 U.S./$25 Canada. IBM reserves the right to modify or withdraw the program at any time. (8) Offers subject to change. (9) 30 Days Up and Running Assistance available by calling 919/517-2800