dewey@dell.dell.com (Dewey Coffman) (12/11/89)
DELL COMPUTER ENTERS LAPTOP MARKET WITH FULL-FEATURED,
BATTERY POWERED 386SX VGA SYSTEM
AUSTIN, TEXAS -- NOVEMBER 6, 1989 -- Dell Computer
Corporation announced today that it has entered the laptop
market with the Dell System 316LT, a 16 MHz 386SX-based
portable computer that includes the features of a high-end
VGA desktop system and Dell's commitment to on-site support.
"Our customers have been requesting a portable computer
with the same power, quality and attention to service as our
desktop systems," said Andrew R. Harris, Dell's senior vice
president of marketing. "The System 316LT fills those
qualifications without forcing the power user to make
sacrifices or pay an unreasonable price for portability."
The System 316LT is fully featured to make it ideal for
use as an 80386 desktop. As a laptop, the System 316LT is
considerably less expensive than competing systems with
fewer features, even many 80286-based laptops.
As a member of the Dell Computer family, the System
316LT is supported by the company's customer-service
program, which includes toll-free phone assistance and
next-day, on-site service provided by Xerox Corporation for
problems that cannot be solved over the phone. Dell has the
only laptop computer that includes next-day service,
wherever the user and laptop happen to be. Xerox service
centers cover 92% of the United States including Hawaii and
Alaska.
The System 316LT includes an Intel 80386SX
microprocessor running at 16 MHz. It supports up to 8 MB of
RAM on the motherboard.
The System 316LT brings all the power of 32-bit
software to the field. The incorporation of the 80386SX
chip results in a system that runs all current software
efficiently and provides compatibility with today's and
tomorrow's 80386-specific software. The 80386SX supports
the MS-DOS and MS OS/2 operating systems.
Power in a Small Package
At 15 pounds, including battery, the System 316LT
weighs less than other 80386-based portables on the market.
At 12.7 inches wide by 14.3 inches deep by 3.4 inches high,
it is also smaller than many competing machines.
Furthermore, its durable case is built to withstand the
shock of frequent moves and the unavoidable banging against
objects.
Dell's Continuous Power Battery System (patent pending)
allows the changing of batteries in the middle of an
application, without needing to turn off the machine, by
using a permanent internal battery pack. The System 316LT
uses a removable battery which lasts about 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 System 316LT's batteries is as easy as
changing an audio cassett tape.
As an introductory offer, the company is offering a
free second battery pack with every System 316LT purchased
for a limited period of time.
Standard Features
Recognizing the importance of laptop connectivity, Dell
has included several features that make it easy for users
to communicate with other computers. Aside from a parallel
and serial port for printers, modems and other interfaces,
the System 316LT includes one half-size slot for a LAN card,
fax board, modem or any standard XT-compatible expansion
card.
The System 316LT comes standard with a built-in
3.5-inch, 1.44 MB diskette drive and a 20 MB hard drive.
Options include a 40 MB hard drive and an external 5.25-inch
1.2 MB diskette drive.
The System 316LT's screen and keyboard offer a
comfortable, complete user interface. The 640 x 480 pixel,
backlit supertwist VGA resolution display is adjustable and
detachable; an external monitor port allows users to run
applications in full color while at their desks.
The 83-key keyboard, with key spacing comparable to a
standard desktop keyboard, features twelve function keys, an
embedded numeric keypad and separate cursor control keys.
The System 316LT also includes an external keyboard port.
The System 316LT is priced at $3,499 with 1 MB of
memory and 20 MB of hard disk storage capacity. A 316LT
with 40 MB of hard disk storage costs $3,799. These prices
include a one-year, on-site service contract. This next-day
business contract is covered throughout the U.S. within
geographical limitations.
Dell Computer Corporation designs, develops,
manufactures, markets, services and supports a complete line
of industry-standard personal computers. A publicly held
company (traded as NASDAQ: DELL), it is recognized in
independent surveys as having the highest customer
satisfaction level in the industry for its PCs. Dell is
located at 9505 Arboretum Blvd., Austin, Texas 78759-7299;
800/426-5150, 512/338-4400.
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