info@dell.dell.com (Dell Computer Corp) (09/12/90)
POWERFUL 20 MHz 80386SX LAPTOP ADDED TO DELL COMPUTER'S PORTABLE
PRODUCT LINE
--High-performance laptop aggressively priced
AUSTIN, TEXAS, AUGUST 31, 1990 -- Broadening its laptop product line
for customers who need high performance and portability, DellR
Computer Corporation (NASDAQ:DELL) today introduced the Dell SystemTM
320LT, a 20-megahertz 80386SX-based portable computer. Prices for the
fully-featured laptop begin at $3599, significantly lower than
comparable competitors' laptops.
Prices for the Dell System 316LT, Dell's first entry in the
laptop market, begin at $2999. The System 316LT is a 16- megahertz
80386SX-based portable computer that was introduced in November 1989.
Both laptops are supported by the company's customer service program
that includes toll-free phone assistance and next-day, on-site service
throughout the U.S.
The System 320LT, available immediately, is designed for mobile
professionals who need a high performance laptop with desktop
capabilities in a portable, battery-powered system. The 320LT runs
sophisticated software programs such as desktop publishing, CAD/CAE
and financial spreadsheets, and can be used with a full-size VGA
monitor and 101-key keyboard as an alternative to a desktop PC in an
office environment. The 320LT also supports MS-DOSR, MSR OS/2 and
UNIXR operating systems.
The 320LT is Dell Computer's second entry into the laptop market.
The Dell System 316LT has won several awards since its introduction
including top awards in PC Week's Poll of Corporate Satisfaction
(7-16-90) and PC Magazine's Editor's Choice (3-13- 90).
The Dell System 320LT is available immediately.
Enhanced features improve functionality
Although the 320LT uses the same sleek, clamshell design as the
316LT, the adjustable and detachable backlit supertwist VGA display
(640x480 resolution) has been enhanced for greater brightness and
uniformity. In addition to the external VGA Monochrome and VGA Color
displays supported by the 316LT and 320LT, the 320LT supports an
external Super VGA Color monitor (800x600 resolution). The 320LT also
uses an enhanced nicad battery pack for longer battery life.
Dell's Continuous Power Battery System (patent pending) allows
the user to change batteries in the middle of an application without
turning off the system by using a permanent internal battery that
keeps the system running for the time it takes to replace the battery
pack. The System 320LT uses a removable nicad battery that lasts more
than two hours before it needs recharging. The user's portable
computing time is only restricted by the number of spare batteries on
hand. Switching the batteries is as easy as changing an audio
cassette tape.
Competitive pricing structure
"The System 320LT is a powerful and fully-featured portable
computer that can be used as an 80386-based desktop," said Joel J.
Kocher, senior vice president of U.S. sales and operations. "The
System 320LT meets those requirements without forcing the power user
to make sacrificies or pay an unreasonable price for portability."
Prices for the 20-megahertz laptop begin at $3599 with one
megabyte of RAM (random access memory) and a 20 megabyte hard disk
drive.
Compared to similar laptops, the System 320LT with one megabyte
of RAM and a 40 megabyte hard disk drive costs $3799, $1700 less than
the price of the 16-megahertz Zenith SupersPort SX and $2200 less than
the Toshiba T3100 SX. The 320LT with two megabytes of RAM and a 40
megabyte hard disk drive is priced at $3899. This price is $2900 less
than the Compaq SLT386s/20, a 20-megahertz laptop with a 60 megabyte
hard disk drive.
Desktop features in a small, portable box
At 15 pounds, including battery, the System 320LT weighs less
than many 80386-based laptops on the market. It measures 12.7 inches
wide by 14.3 inches deep by 3.4 inches high, smaller than many
competing machines.
The 320LT comes standard with one or two megabytes of RAM,
expandable to 8 megabytes of RAM on the motherboard. The laptop has a
parallel and serial port, and support for an external monitor, an
external 101-key keyboard/numeric keypad, and an external floppy
diskette drive. Additional standard features include a dedicated slot
for a Dell Data/FAX modem and an industry-standard half-size slot for
a LAN card, or any standard 8-bit expansion card.
The optional Dell Data/FAX modem combines a Group 3 (9600 bps)
facsimile modem with a data modem enabling the user to send and
receive both data and FAXs over one phone line with a few keystrokes.
The Dell Data/FAX modem uses MNP 4 for error correction, MNP 5 for
two-to-one data compression, and is Hayes compatible. The Dell
Data/FAX modem is competitively priced at $399.
The base configuration also includes a built-in 3.5-inch, 1.44
megabyte diskette drive and a 20 megabyte hard disk drive. Options
include a 40 megabyte hard disk drive and an external 5.25-inch, 1.2
megabyte diskette drive.
The 83-key keyboard, with key spacing comparable to a standard
desktop keyboard, features twelve function keys, an embedded numberic
keypad and separate cursor control keys.
Additional options available with the 320LT are a leather or
nylon carrying case, monitor stand, Diconix 150 Plus Portable Printer,
the Dell Data/FAX modem and a 80387SX math coprocessor.
Complete service and support
As a member of the Dell Computer family, the System 320LT is
supported by the company's customer service program that includes
toll-free phone assistance and next-day, on-site service provided by
Xerox Corporation. The next day service is available wherever the
user and laptop happen to be. Xerox service centers cover 92% of the
United States including Hawaii and Alaska.
The one-year, on-site service contract is included in the
purchase price of the System 320LT. It can be extended for an
additional four years through Dell Computer.
Dell Computer Corporation designs, develops, manufactures,
markets, services and supports a complete line of personal computers
compatible with industry standards. The company is recognized in
independent surveys as having the highest customer satisfaction level
in the industry for its line of personal computers. Dell pioneered
the direct marketing of personal computers in 1984. Information on
the company and its products can be obtained through its toll-free
number: 800/426-5150.
Dell System is a registered trademark and Dell is a trademark of
Dell Computer Corporation.
MS and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
UNIX is a registered trademark of American Telephone and
Telegraph Company.
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