dg1v+@andrew.cmu.edu (David Greene) (09/19/90)
---------- Forwarded message begins here ---------- From: DowJones Subject: NeXT - New Models, Lotus Spreadsheet Date: Tue, 18 Sep 90 12:56:07 -0400 (EDT) SAN FRANCISCO -DJ- NeXT Computer Inc. introduced a line of four computers based on Motorola's 68040 microprocessor, and also unveiled Release 2.0 of its system software. The computers introduced today are: NeXTstation, a more powerful compact computer; NeXTstation Color, a 16-bit, PostScript color version of NeXTstation- ; NeXTcube, an expandable computer with flexible configuration options that can be used as a network server or high-end desktop computer; and NeXTdimension, a high-end, 32-bit PostScript color solution. The newly introduced Release 2.0 of the system software has added support for software fax, color, DOS floppy disk, international versions, the 68040 microprocessor and twisted pair Ethernet, NeXT said. NeXTation will be available in November at $4,995, NeXTcube also in November at $7,995, NeXTstation Color system in the first quarter of next year at $7,995 and NeXTdimension board in the first quarter of next year at $3,995. NeXt said it has orders for 15,000 of the new computers. Separately, Lotus Development Corp. introduced a spreadsheet for the NeXT computers, Lotus Improv. The company said Improv allows users to quickly view and compare data in different ways, without manually rebuilding the spreadsheet. Lotus said it will begin testing Improv with more than 80 customers in the next few weeks. Based on customer feedback, Lotus said it expects to ship the product by the end of this year or early next year. Lotus said Improv will run on all NeXT computers with the NeXTStep 2.0 system software. The company said the suggested price for Improv is $695. But, through Dec. 31, customers who buy one of NeXT's new computers or upgrade an older model can obtain Improv at no cost. 12:55 PM