Dell Computer Announces 386 Enhancements, Enhanced Version of MS-DOS 3.30 Offered to Customers

Austin, Texas -- February 16, 1988 -- PRNewswire -- Dell Computer Corporation, one of the seven largest U.S. personal computer manufacturers, announced today that it is replacing its highly acclaimed PC's Limited 386-16 with the PC's Limited System 300. The System 300 offers more options than its predecessor and supports VGA monitors and 3.5-inch diskette drives which can be ordered as standard features.

Prices for the System 300, which are the same for 5.25-inch and 3.5-inch disk drives, begin at $4,299.

"The addition of VGA monitors and 3.5-inch disk drives to the System 300 is in direct response to our customers' requirements," said Michael S. Dell, the company's chairman and chief executive officer.

"Our customers want a system that is OS/2 compatible and provides the highest performance possible. We've positioned this product to be the superior price/performer desktop 80386 personal computer in the marketplace."

System 300 Features

The System 300 utilizes the 80386 processor operating at 16 MHz. The standard features include one megabyte of Static RAM (random access memory) expandable to six megabytes of SRAM and 10 megabytes of Dynamic RAM; a 1.2 MB 5.25-inch or 1.44 MB 3.35-inch floppy drive; and enhanced 101-key keyboard; one parallel and two serial ports; a coprocessor socket; eight expansion slots; and a 12-month, on-site Honeywell Bull service contract.

The System 300 also incorporates the new Dell System Analyzer, an advanced set of diagnostic tests designed by Dell Computer Corporation. Shipped as standard on a single diskette, the System Analyzer verifies the correct installation and operation of every component in a System 300 configuration.

"We're providing our customers with a variety of options that enable them to choose the features they need to best suit their requirements," stated Graham C. Beachum, senior vice president of marketing and sales.

"In fact, you can order a System 200 or System 300 with 5.25-inch and 3.5-inch diskette drives to support all your software needs today and in the future.

These features, combined with the performance and power of System 300, will continue to make this product the price/performance leader in the industry."

Enhanced MS-DOS 3.30 Also Offered

The company also announced an enhanced version of Microsoft's disk operating system (DOS) 3.30. The enhanced MS-DOS 3.30 includes 15 utility programs exclusively for Dell Computer customers. The utility programs offer user improvements in systems information and support; disk access; data security; directory and file management; keyboard management and printer management. The enhanced version of MS-DOS 3.30 is priced at $119.95, the same price as the original version of MS-DOS 3.30 offered by Dell Computer.

PC'S LIMITED SYSTEM 300 PRICE LIST Monitors with adapters

System Mono EGA VGA Mono VGA Color Plus

40 MB $4299 $4799 $4599 $4999

70 MB $4699 $5199 $4999 $5399

150 MB $5999 $6499 $6299 $6699

Price includes: - Intel 80386 running at 16 MHz - 1 MB SRAM, expandable to 6 MB SRAM and 10 MB DRAM - 1.2 MB 5.25-inch or 1.44 MB 3.5-inch floppy drive - Floppy and hard drive controller - Enhanced 101-key keyboard - 2 serial and 1 parallel ports - 200 watt power supply - Real time clock - 8 expansion slots (1 32-bit, 5 15-bit, 2 8-bit) - 12-month, on-site Honeywell Bull service contract

(Available on complete systems)

The companies of Dell Computer Corporation design, develop, manufacture, market, service and support PC's Limited Personal Computers. The companies also sell a complete line of personal computer products, including software, printers, monitors, peripherals and accessories.

/NOTE TO EDITORS: Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation./

/CONTACT: Brian K. Fawkes of Dell Computer, 512-338-4400/