IBM Introduces Ultimate Internet Tools and Enhanced "Shop IBM" Web Site to Serve Today's Consumer E-Lifestyles.RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK Research Triangle Park, research, business, medical, and educational complex situated in central North Carolina. It has an area of 6,900 acres (2,795 hectares) and is 8 × 2 mi (13 × 3 km) in size. Named for the triangle formed by Duke Univ. , N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 11, 1999-- New Uniquely Styled, AMD (Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, www.amd.com) A major manufacturer of semiconductor devices including x86-compatible CPUs, embedded processors, flash memories, programmable logic devices and networking chips. Athlon Powered Aptiva PC Out Benchmarks Dell's Dimension T600 in PC Magazine Review IBM (International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY, www.ibm.com) The world's largest computer company. IBM's product lines include the S/390 mainframes (zSeries), AS/400 midrange business systems (iSeries), RS/6000 workstations and servers (pSeries), Intel-based servers (xSeries) (R) (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange : IBM) today unveiled a diversity of innovative products and a unique new online shopping experience designed for today's Internet-focused consumer e-lifestyles. These products include the first IBM Aptiva The IBM Aptiva personal computer was introduced in September 1994 as the replacement for the IBM PS/1. The last system was withdrawn in May 2001 without direct replacement when IBM decided to get out of the home market. (R) PCs with recently announced, high-speed AMD(R) Athlon(TM) processors. In addition, the systems feature World Book(TM) Online Internet service with expanded availability and the latest in home phoneline See HomePNA. networking technology. These models will be available through the ShopIBM Web site, which has been enhanced to better reflect how consumers want to shop, buy and build a relationship with their e-commerce vendors. "We understand the value of information and how people want that information to affect their lives in a meaningful way," said Mike Braun, General Manager, IBM Consumer Division. "The Internet has become an integral mechanism by which people communicate and gather knowledge. With this announcement, we are using ShopIBM -- like never before -- to provide the tools and resources necessary to help consumers utilize the Internet in a way that delivers value to their e-lifestyle." Highlights of Today's Announcement: -- Enhanced ShopIBM Web site: offering a dedicated "Families" area, in addition to unique online shopping assistants, an interactive consumer e-lifestyle poll and configuration tools. -- Six New Aptiva models: featuring the world's fastest AMD Athlon processors with superior graphics from nVidia and ELSA, as well as home networking technology with a range of prices up to $2,299(a). -- World Book Online: renowned software reference title now available online to all consumers, including Aptiva owners. -- IBM/Pacific Bell ADSL See DSL. ADSL - Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line Pilot Program: Pacific Bell will waive the ADSL equipment and service installation fee for San Francisco San Francisco (săn frănsĭs`kō), city (1990 pop. 723,959), coextensive with San Francisco co., W Calif., on the tip of a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, which are connected by the strait known as the Golden Bay area residents who purchase a DSL-enabled Aptiva model 800 or 902 via the ShopIBM Web site and sign a one-year Pacific Bell ADSL service contract. "IBM is clearly committed to building customer relationships by providing online assistance to guide shoppers in selecting the right products and services for their needs and helping them learn how to get the most out of what they bought," said Bill Ablondi, Principal, MarketMaps LLC (Logical Link Control) See "LANs" under data link protocol. LLC - Logical Link Control . "In addition, the educational reference material available through World Book Online is a great way to engage consumers via the Internet in one of the prime activities for which they bought their computers." Delivering no dial-up convenience and super-fast Internet connection and browsing speed -- up to 50 times faster than 28.8 analog modems(b) -- to consumers, IBM is focused on the future of asymmetric digital subscriber line (communications, protocol) Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line - (ADSL, or Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Loop) A form of Digital Subscriber Line in which the bandwidth available for downstream connection is significantly larger then for upstream. (ADSL) connection. As such, IBM is teaming up with Pacific Bell to launch an ADSL pilot program, effective August 16, 1999 through September 30, 1999. Under the program, available initially in the San Francisco Bay area “Bay Area” redirects here. For other uses, see Bay Area (disambiguation). The San Francisco Bay Area, colloquially known as the Bay Area or The Bay , Pacific Bell will waive the $198 ADSL equipment and service installation for customers when they purchase an IBM Aptiva 800 or 902 pre-configured with a Texas Instruments See TI. (company) Texas Instruments - (TI) A US electronics company. A TI engineer, Jack Kilby invented the integrated circuit in 1958. Three TI employees left the company in 1982 to start Compaq. ADSL modem and sign a one-year contract for Pacific Bell DSL DSL in full Digital Subscriber Line Broadband digital communications connection that operates over standard copper telephone wires. It requires a DSL modem, which splits transmissions into two frequency bands: the lower frequencies for voice (ordinary service. ShopIBM Web Site to Offer Dedicated "Families" Area for More than Just Shopping IBM's newly enhanced ShopIBM site delivers on IBM's promise to help simplify consumers' lives by providing relevant computing and Internet technology through a cybershopping experience that features -- in one central location -- all the necessary equipment, support and information needed for a family's e-lifestyle, such as a PC Assistant that recommends the right Aptiva PC for an individual's lifestyle, as well as a broad array of software and options from IBM and other major brands. With an emphasis on back-to-school, ShopIBM's unique features include: -- First-of-its-kind Families e-lifestyle area -- IBM Aptiva PC Assistant -- Configurator tools and Accessorizor with Auto Recalculation re·cal·cu·late tr.v. re·cal·cu·lat·ed, re·cal·cu·lat·ing, re·cal·cu·lates To calculate again, especially in order to eliminate errors or to incorporate additional factors or data. -- Software and Options -- Online Monthly Financing through MBNA MBNA Monument Builders of North America MBNA Mercedes-Benz North America MBNA Maryland Bank, National Association MBNA Maryland Bank North America MBNA Mount Baker Nurses Association (Bellingham, Washington) Bank -- Instant Interactive E-Lifestyle Poll -- Enhanced Owner Privileges Aptiva S Series and E Series PCs: Powerful Performers for Consumers E-lifestyles IBM today introduced a superior line of new Aptiva E and S Series models ranging in price up to $2,299 for the top-of-the-line Aptiva S Series model 865, a multimedia powerhouse featuring AMD's Athlon 650MHz (MegaHertZ) One million cycles per second. It is used to measure the transmission speed of electronic devices, including channels, buses and the computer's internal clock. A one-megahertz clock (1 MHz) means some number of bits (16, 32, 64, etc. (1) processor, the world's fastest PC processor. Through a host of customization features, services and discounts, the new Aptiva PCs have been designed to support the diverse computing needs of families, students and very small businesses. Consumer advantages include: -- Six months free Internet Service An ISP that provides access to the Internet without charge to the user. The service is supported by advertising which appears on a special version of the user's browser and cannot be eliminated. NetZero (www.netzero. from AOL's CompuServe 2000 with the purchase of an eligible IBM system before October 2, 1999 and sign up for a new account by November 2, 1999(2); -- Programmable, one-touch Internet access See how to access the Internet. ; a choice of Web browsers and Internet Service Providers Internet service provider (ISP) Company that provides Internet connections and services to individuals and organizations. For a monthly fee, ISPs provide computer users with a connection to their site (see data transmission), as well as a log-in name and password. (3); -- Bundled software (1) Applications that are included with new hardware. For example, a new PC often comes with several applications, many of which may be light versions or full versions with no limit on usage. Others may be only 60- or 90-day trial packages. See bundle. selections; and discounts on additional software for greater customization of the consumer's computing experience. Sold exclusively through the ShopIBM Web site (www.ibm.com/shop), the two new Aptiva S Series systems, the 860 and 865, feature large hard drives, memory storage, fast AMD Athlon processors, DVD-ROM DVD-ROM: see digital versatile disc. A read-only DVD disc used to permanently store data files. DVD-ROM discs are widely used to distribute large software applications that exceed the capacity of a CD-ROM disc. drives, leading graphics cards and integrated home phoneline networking technology. The Aptiva S Series 860 was recently reviewed by PC Magazine and, when benchmarked against the Dell Dimension Dell Dimension is a line of home desktop computers manufactured by Dell, Inc. As of June 2007, Dell no longer makes the Dimension line other than for business and in non American markets. The high-end Dimension 9200 (XPS 410 in the Amercian market) is still manufactured. T600, the Aptiva PC outperformed the Dimension in all three tests: Business Winstone 99, 3D WinMark 99 and ZD CPUmark 99.(c) The Aptiva 860 includes the following core components:
Aptiva S Series Model 860
Color: Black
Processor: AMD Athlon-600 MHz
Front Side Bus: 200 MHz
Memory: 128 MB
DVD-ROM: 8X-3.3X(4)
Disk Drive: 20.4 GB(5) (7200 rpm)
3D Graphics: ELSA AGP Card; nVidia TNT-2 Ultra;
32MB/DVI Port
Audio: Aureal Vortex 2
Speakers: Infinity w/Colored Speaker Grills
(blue, red, green, black)
Home Phoneline Networking: Intel (R) AnyPoint(TM) Home Network
Additionally, IBM will ship four full-featured Aptiva E Series models, the 572, 590, 595 and 765, which will be sold via ShopIBM and in select authorized retail outlets across the country beginning next month. The Aptiva 590, 595 and 765 systems will include both DVD-ROM and CD-RW (CD-ReWritable) The only rewritable CD technology. CD-RW disks look like other CD media, but with close inspection, they have a more polished surface with a very dark blue-gray cast. for enhanced multimedia storage capability. For superior Internet viewing and accessibility, the Aptiva E Series will also boast new AMD Athlon processors at speeds ranging from 500 MHz to 650 MHz, a Rapid Access(TM) II keyboard and Scroll Point(TM) II mouse. "The AMD Athlon processor takes IBM's Aptiva line to the next level of performance," said Dana Krelle, vice president of marketing for AMD's Computation Products Group. "With Aptiva systems powered by the new AMD Athlon processor, IBM's customers will enjoy a greatly enhanced computing experience when running cutting-edge applications with realistic images or standard productivity software." World Book Online: Education on the 'Net As part of today's announcement, World Book Online Internet Service expands its availability beyond Aptiva purchasers to everyone on the Net. Based on the world's best-selling best·sell·er also best seller n. A product, such as a book, that is among those sold in the largest numbers. best print encyclopedia, World Book Online uses the Internet to deliver curriculum-based information to students and adults that is more up-to-date than any form of fixed (CD- or DVD-ROM) media. It is a one-stop Web site for research and homework that takes students behind the news headlines for a deeper understanding of the complex events that shape today's world. Features include "Issues in the News," "Today in History," "Monthly Feature," "What's Happening this Month" and "Back in Time" that generate appeal across a diverse range of users. Using World Book Online, students now have access, at the touch of a button, to the archives of the World Book print edition. Aptiva customers will find a special key on the Rapid Access Keyboard that takes them directly to World Book Online. Included in the subscription price of $9.95 per month or $49.95 per year, World Book Online also gives students access to proprietary content from popular newspapers around the country on related research topics, as well as directs students to relevant and reputable Web sites to help with their studies and reports. Purchasing Choices and Availability Whether it's through a traditional retail store, direct through the ShopIBM Web site (www.ibm.com/shop), or the telephone (1-800-426-7235, ext. 4340), consumers can use the method of purchase that is most comfortable and convenient for them. For customers that want even more configuration options, Circuit City stores across the country feature kiosks where consumers can choose from a wide range of feature and component options. Additionally, a pilot program with Office Max in select markets offers very small businesses the right products and services via innovative IBM "stores" located within Office Max stores. Consumers that are interested in additional memory, enhanced storage drives, cable modems, or even a subwoofer A speaker that reproduces the lower end of the audio spectrum. A subwoofer system may include a crossover circuit which switches frequencies at approximately 100Hz and under to the subwoofer, while passing the rest of the signal to the main speakers. can easily order these Options to complement their Aptiva system at the time of purchase. The new Aptiva S Series models will be available through the ShopIBM Web site in September. The new E Series models will also be available next month at retail. World Book Online is available immediately. For more information about IBM Aptiva PCs, visit the IBM home page on the World Wide Web at www.ibm.com/aptiva or call 1-800-426-7235 ext. 4340. Information on World Book Online can be obtained through the Web site, www.worldbookonline.com, or via phone: 1-800-320-8377. About IBM IBM is a leading manufacturer and developer of hardware and software solutions for the home. IBM's consumer products have been widely recognized for technology innovation, product design and service and support. For the seventh year in a row, consumers have awarded IBM with an "A" rating in PC Magazine's annual "Service and Reliability Survey." IBM, Aptiva, Rapid Access, ScrollPoint Mouse and Owner Privileges are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. World Book is a registered trademark of World Book, Inc., a Scott Fetzer Company. AMD and Athlon are trademarks or registered trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. CompuServe is a trademark of CompuServe Interactive Services, Inc. Intel is a registered trademark and AnyPoint is a trademark of Intel Corporation (company) Intel Corporation - A US microelectronics manufacturer. They produced the Intel 4004, Intel 8080, Intel 8086, Intel 80186, Intel 80286, Intel 80386, Intel 486 and Pentium microprocessor families as well as many other integrated circuits and personal computer networking . Other company, product and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others. (a) Estimated reseller price without monitor. Actual prices may vary. (b) Actual connect speeds depend on many factors and are often less than the maximum possible. (c) See PC Magazine online, First Looks - Athlon vs. PIII PIII Pentium III Processor (Intel) PIII Phase III (clinical studies) PIII Plasma Immersion Ion Implanter at 600 MHz, August 9, 1999. 1 MHz only measures internal clock speed, not application performance; many factors affect application performance. 2 (NOTE: THE REBATE OFFERED ABOVE IS THE 6 MONTHS FREE, NOT THE $400 REBATE) Other restrictions apply. See store for full details. 3 Telephone line charges and surcharges may apply. Online service charges will apply after expiration of initial trial period. 4 Single layer mode, 6X-2.5X DVD-ROM (dual layer mode) variable read rate. Actual playback speed will vary and is often less than the maximum possible. 5 GB equals one billion bytes when referring to hard drive capacity; accessible capacity may be less. |
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