New IBM Aptiva Models Feature IBM ViaVoice Technology for the Holiday Season.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 23, 1998--

When Consumers Talk, the New Aptiva PCs Listen and Take Note

IBM today announced four powerful new Aptiva PC models, three of which deliver IBM's industry-leading ViaVoice(R) speech recognition software -- providing consumers with one of the most advanced speech-to-text technologies available on a PC.

With prices ranging from $899 to $1,799--, these new Aptiva models offer consumers an outstanding combination of technology features. Three of the new systems combine Infinity brand speakers with ViaVoice software, allowing the PC to not only type when users talk, but also speak with incredible clarity(1).

Rounding out the IBM-exclusive products featured on two of the Aptivas are the Rapid Access Keyboard and ScrollPoint Mouse, both developed to make the PC as easy to use as possible. In addition, these IBM(R) Aptiva(R) PCs come with industry leading Internet tools, unsurpassed service and support and popular software titles(2) that make for a great buy this holiday season.

"IBM Aptiva has long been recognized for delivering outstanding multimedia technology to consumers," said Brian Connors, vice president, IBM Aptiva brand. "By incorporating the power of IBM's ViaVoice technology into three of these new Aptiva models, we are providing our customers with technology unmatched by the competition." Specific attributes of each new Aptiva E Series model include: --Aptiva E2U: $899 - features substantial technology and multimedia capabilities, including an AMD-K6-2/333MHz(3) processor with 512K L2 Pipeline Burst cache, 48MB(4) RAM, 6.0 GB(5) hard drive, 4MB SGRAM and a 32X max-14X min CD-ROM(6) drive and complete Lotus SmartSuite. --Aptiva E3U: $1,099 - equipped with an AMD-K6-2/350MHz processor and 100MHz front-side bus, 64MB(4) RAM, 8.0 GB hard drive, 4MB SGRAM, 32X max-14X min CD-ROM drive and popular software including IBM ViaVoice and Lotus SmartSuite. --ptiva E5U: $1,399 - powered by an Intel(R) 350MHz Pentium(R) II chip with 100MHz front-side bus, 96MB RAM, an 8.0 GB hard drive, 4MB SGRAM, DVD-ROM drive and popular software including IBM ViaVoice and Lotus SmartSuite. --Aptiva E6U: $1,799 - Intel 400MHz Pentium II chip and 100MHz front-side bus, 128MB SDRAM, 13.5 GB hard drive, 4MB SGRAM, DVD-ROM drive and popular software including IBM ViaVoice, Lotus SmartSuite, World Book 1998 Multimedia Encyclopedia and Edmark's Thinkin' Things 1. IBM Owner Privileges: Meeting the Owner's Personal Needs --For added protection and piece of mind, all new Aptiva models feature a one year limited warranty(7) and include a one year Owner Privileges(TM) membership(8). Owner Privileges gives the Aptiva owner a number of great features including: --E-mail messages about performance enhancing downloads available through IBM's Update Connector, as well as upgrade advice and compatibility --Preferred call handling (9), on-line support and step-by-step guides for installing featured networking solutions --A "cyber library" of articles covering family and financial tips, college information, training, exploring the Internet and more --Regular discounts on selected software bundles(10)

Information about IBM's Owner Privileges program can be obtained through the Web site located at http://www.pc.ibm.com/privileges or by calling 1-888-PRIVILEGES. IBM Aptiva: Adding Internet to Everything Else

Every IBM Aptiva features the following tools to help users take advantage of the Internet: --Fast 56K (v.90 compatible)(11) modem and choice of Internet browsers --Access to IBM Global Services -- one of the highest rated ISPs --100 hour free trial with America Online during the first month(12) --Netscape Navigator with 128-bit encryption for secure Internet transactions --IBM's exclusive "Aptiva on the Net," which enables Aptiva owners to surf the IBM web site for valuable information, without the need for an ISP(13) --IBM Update Connector which downloads select software files, drivers, utilities and solutions to keep a system optimally running(14) --Productivity and protection software including IBM ViaVoice(1) , Lotus SmartSuite, Norton AntiVirus and ConfigSafe --Optional IBM Ethernet cards can be added to allow file, printer and resource sharing between PCs Availability

The new Aptiva E Series models are available at select retail stores across the country, as well as directly from IBM (1-800-426-7235, ext. 4340). For more information about IBM Aptiva PCs, visit the IBM home page on the World Wide Web at www.pc.ibm.com/aptiva or call IBM at the number above.

IBM is a leading manufacturer and developer of hardware and software solutions for the home, with products that are widely recognized for technology innovation and product design. These products include the Aptiva family of personal computers, Consumer Options and Solutions, the IBM Brings You Crayola(R) family of software, the Edmark(R) brand of educational software and IBM reference software products including the World Book(TM) Multimedia Encyclopedia.

IBM, Aptiva, ScrollPoint, Rapid Access, ViaVoice, Update Connector and Owner Privileges are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.

Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. AMD-K6 is a registered trademark of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. America Online is a registered service mark of America Online, Inc. World Book is a trademark of World Book, Inc., a Scott Fetzer Company. Other company, product and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others. Estimated reseller price without monitor. Actual prices may vary. 1 Available on select models. 2 Software may differ from its retail version (if available) and may not include user manuals or all program functionality. Titles subject to change. 3 MHz only measures internal clock speed, not application performance; many factors affect application performance. 4 Installed memory in excess of 128MB will not derive performance enhancements from the included external cache. 5 GB equals one billion bytes when referring to hard drive capacity; accessible capacity may be less. 6 Variable read rate. Actual playback speed will vary and is often less than the maximum possible. 7 For terms and conditions or copies of IBM's limited warranty, call 1-800-772-2227 in the U.S. and in Canada call 1-800-426-2255. 8 Owner Privileges is available to U.S. and Canadian Aptiva owners. One year memberships are included with Aptiva purchase, beginning on the date of purchase, and are not available on refurbished Aptivas. Registration of your Aptiva is a condition of program membership. Those who bought a qualifying PC before 4/1/98 may purchase a membership for $20 U.S./$25 Canada. IBM reserves the right to modify or withdraw the program at any time. 9 Some fees may apply to Help Center Support. Preferred call handling is only available during the limited warranty period. 10 Internet access required. 11 This modem is designed to be capable of receiving data at up to 56Kbps from either a V.90 or a K56 Flex compatible service provider and transmitting data at up to about 28.8 Kbps. Public networks currently limit maximum download speeds to about 53 Kbps. Actual speeds depend upon many factors and are often less than the maximum possible. 12 To avoid monthly fee, member must cancel within initial month. Surcharges for premium areas apply and telephone charges apply, depending on location and calling plan, even during trial time. 13 Access to IBM website only. Line charges may apply. No additional charge during the warranty period 14 Available at no charge to registered Aptiva owners during the one year limited Aptiva warranty. Line charges may apply.