Dell Launches Mobile Gaming Platform -- Inspiron XPS; Enthusiast System Packed With Extreme Performance, Offers Upgradeable Graphics.

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Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

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SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 12, 2004

Dell (Nasdaq:DELL) is taking its award-winning Inspiron notebook line to the next level of performance with the introduction of the Inspiron(tm) XPS, its first gaming notebook aimed at enthusiasts. At a product launch here this evening, Dell told reporters that serious gamers can expect ultimate performance, a customized XPS look, and for the first time on a Dell notebook, an onsite upgradeable graphics option for a future graphics engine update. The product will list at $2,849.00.

Performance

The Inspiron XPS will include Intel(R) Pentium 4 (3.4 GHz) or Pentium 4 Extreme Edition (3.4 GHz) processors and the recently launched ATI MOBILITY(tm) RADEON(tm) 9700 with 128MB of memory, giving the system enough muscle to play today's popular games. The Inspiron XPS will also feature subwoofer sound, an integrated DVI port, Gigabit Ethernet(a), four USB 2.0 ports, IEEE 1394 and fast hard drives.

Upgradeable Graphics, Dedicated Support

Offered for the first time on Dell notebooks, the Inspiron XPS will feature a graphics upgrade option for enthusiasts who want to stay at the top of their game with leading-edge technology. And, getting the graphics card upgrade is easy. The customer purchases the upgrade, available at a later date, and a Dell technician will be dispatched to install the graphics card at the customer's home. The service is based on the customer's schedule which eliminates the need to send the system back to Dell and experience unnecessary downtime.

Additionally, Inspiron XPS customers will have dedicated tech support manned by experienced technicians, oftentimes gamers themselves, who are knowledgeable and able to troubleshoot, diagnose and handle the most demanding inquiries. Dell also works with hardware vendors and game developers so that specific issues can be resolved.

Unique Look

New for Dell, the Inspiron XPS is designed to look distinctly different than other systems in the line. The notebook will come with one of three exclusive personalization QuickSnap color kit options that customers can use to cover the entire back of the product including Cipher (green and purple), Skullz (black-and-white skull-and-bones) and Plasma (red and black). In addition, each system will come with an exclusive backpack designed for the XPS.

"We tasked our Inspiron XPS development team with creating a notebook that pulled out all of the stops to achieve an ultimate level of mobile performance," said Gretchen Miller, director, Inspiron product marketing, Dell. "The result is a product that looks great and packs a performance punch. The Inspiron XPS is capable of taking on the requirements demanded by gamers and enthusiasts and will be supported by some of the best technicians in the industry."

For more information about the Inspiron and Dimension XPS, go to www.dell4me.com/XPS.

Additional technical information for the Inspiron XPS

-- Intel(R) Pentium 4 and Pentium 4 Extreme Edition both at

3.4GHz

-- 512MB to 2GB DDR RAM at 400MHz 

-- UXGA UltraSharp(tm) Wide Aspect Display (15.4-inch)

-- ATI MOBILITY(tm) RADEON(tm) 9700 128MB

-- 10/100/1000 Ethernet(a), integrated 56K(b) v.92 capable modem

-- Optional integrated Wi-Fi (802.11b/g or 802.11a/b/g) and

BlueTooth capability

-- DVD+RW/+R(c)

-- Choice of Hard Drives: 60GB (7200 RPM), 80GB (5400 RPM)

-- Integrated subwoofer

-- Ports include four USB 2.0, one S-Video Out, one IEEE 1394

port and integrated DVI port

-- One PC Card slot

-- 96-watt Hour Lithium Ion battery

-- Optional second hard drive and floppy disk drive 

-- Included choice of 1 QuickSnap(tm) Color Kit cover

-- Exclusive XPS backpack

For more information about Inspiron products, go to www.dell.com/inspiron.

About Dell

Dell Inc. (Nasdaq:DELL) is a premier provider of products and services required for customers worldwide to build their information-technology and Internet infrastructures. Company revenue for the past year totaled $41.4 billion. Dell, through its direct business model, designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements, and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained at www.dell.com.

Pricing, specifications, availability and terms of offers may change without notice. Taxes and shipping charges are extra, and vary.

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