Apple Launches Macintosh Performa Line

New Family of Computers Designed for Families; Features Apple's First Macintosh with Built-in CD-ROM Option

New York, New York--September 14, 1992--Apple Computer, Inc. today introduced a new family of Macintosh computers targeting the consumer marketplace. Initially available only in the U.S., the new Apple Macintosh Performa series of computers is designed to reach first- time buyers and new users in the home, offering specific solutions for families with school-age children.

Based on some of Apple's most popular Macintosh industrial designs and configurations, the Performa family consists of three models: the Macintosh Performa 200, Macintosh Performa 400, Macintosh Performa 600 and Macintosh Performa 600 CD. The Performa 600 CD is Apple's first Macintosh with an internal CD-ROM drive. In addition to reading many formats of CD-ROM discs and playing audio discs, the CD-ROM drive also supports Kodak's Photo CD technology.

Every Macintosh Performa includes enhanced system software, pre- loaded applications, one year of service and support, and will be distributed in nearly 2,000 consumer retail outlets nationwide.

"Research suggests more than half of the families in our target market have not yet found a computer solution compelling and flexible enough to meet their needs at home, though many have used a computer either at work or at school," said Keith Fox, vice president of Consumer Markets for Apple USA. "With the needs of those customers in mind, we developed the Macintosh Performa. Performa simplifies both the purchase decision and the buying process. We believe the Performa offers the right combination of technology and support to appeal to the estimated 7 million American families which, research tells us, have the buying power but have not yet adopted a PC for their homes."

Each Macintosh Performa is packaged as a complete solution, including ready-to-run hardware, optimized system software and at least one integrated application that provides for word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphics and communications functions. The goal of Performa is a successful first time experience with the Macintosh and to help users to get "up and running" quickly.

A special version of the System 7 operating system was developed to make the easy-to-use Macintosh even easier to use for newcomers to computer technology.

Starting from the time a user first turns on their new Macintosh Performa, optimized system software is there to help. For example, a new program called Launcher makes it easier for users to find and launch their preinstalled applications. And, when a user saves a document in an application, it can always be found in a documents folder located on the Desktop. In addition, Apple's recently introduced At Ease software is bundled with every Performa. At Ease is the best way for users to easily protect applications and information while sharing their computer with other family members.

As part of the Performa package, customers receive one year toll-free support and in-home service from Apple.

"We made sure we did our homework when we developed the Macintosh Performa line," said Eric Harslem, vice president for desktop computing, Macintosh Hardware Division. "Performa gives you the full power of Macintosh and the ability to perform any home-based assignment, whether it's a spreadsheet brought home from the office, a child's homework or entertainment for the whole family."

Performa runs the same library of Macintosh software including more than 6,000 business applications and 2,000 commercially available education software programs. As the largest supplier of education technology to grades K-12 in the U.S., Apple enjoys the support of a growing cadre of publishers of commercially available curriculum materials. In addition there are hundreds of entertainment and personal enjoyment titles growing in availability. Apple USA is also working with publishers to encourage distribution of these titles where families shop.

The Power of a Built-in CD-ROM Drive

The internal CD-ROM of the Performa 600 CD further adds to the flexibility of the Performa family and provides a richer, more exciting computing environment. With this product, Apple becomes one of the first and only computer manufacturers with the technology to read multi-session Photo CD discs. Particularly in the areas of education and "infotainment", there are a wealth of new titles incorporating photography, full motion video, audio and text. From eight to 10 CD-ROM-based titles will be bundled with each Performa 600 CD, depending on where the computer is purchased.

Said Harslem, "More and more applications are taking advantage of the ground-up integration of multimedia hardware in all Macintosh computers--sound input and output, CD-ROM capability and high quality video displays--coupled with the unique capabilities of our QuickTime multimedia architecture. QuickTime has been widely acclaimed by many application and content developers. Apple is taking a leadership role in encouraging developers to take advantage of these technologies to produce new types of applications and content such as electronic books that offer truly compelling benefits to customers both at home and at work."

Macintosh Performa Family Traits

All three Performa models use the powerful Motorola 68030 microprocessor, and share the I/O ports and expansion slots that customers expect to find in other Macintosh family members. In addition, each Performa features Apple's SuperDrive, a 3.5" floppy disk drive capable of using disks from Windows, DOS and Apple II computers.

The Performa 200 offers a black and white, all-in-one design based on the popular Macintosh Classic II. The 200 offers an excellent choice for space-conscious families who value its small footprint that fits into tight quarters and can be easily transported from room to room.
The Performa 400 is based on the best-selling Macintosh LC II, offering an affordable, expandable modular color solution. The Performa 400 is capable of displaying 256 colors.
Both the Performa 200 and 400 models come standard with 4 MB of RAM and 80 MB hard disk drives.
The Performa 600 is based on a new flexible design that features a 32MHz 68030 microprocessor. The 600 can also accommodate internal 5.25" peripherals such as the optional CD-ROM drive. The Performa 600 comes with 4 or 5 MB of RAM (depending or retail specifications), and a 160 MB hard disk. The Performa 600 CD features 5 MB of RAM and 160 MB hard disk standard.

Display and Printer Options

Along with the new CPUs, Apple is offering two new 14-inch color display options: the Performa Display and Performa Display Plus. Both are affordable high resolution solutions featuring 640 x 480 pixel screen resolution and a flicker-free refresh rate. The Performa Display Plus, with 0.29 mm dot pitch, adheres to the most stringent international guidelines for magnetic field emissions, SWEDAC MPR-2. The Performa Display features a 0.39 mm dot pitch and offers a lower cost option for the cost conscious consumers.

Apple is making available two of its most popular printing options through the mass merchandise channels to complete the Apple Macintosh Performa solution: the Apple StyleWriter and Personal LaserWriter LS. Both printers offer true "plug & play" single-cable convenience and high quality laser-quality output.

Availability and Price

Initially available only in the U.S., the Performa family will be sold in consumer channels including general merchandise stores; consumer electronics outlets and office product superstores. (See related release today: Apple USA Authorizes Eleven Retailers). The Performa 200 and Performa 400 are available immediately in participating retail locations. The Performa 600 and the Performa 600 CD will be available in retail locations in late October.

Apple has no suggested retail price (SRP) for the line. Retailers will price according to their specific solution offerings and have the option to pre configure systems tailored to their customers. However, Apple expects the Performa family to be priced in a range from $1,250 for the entry level Performa 200 to $2,500 for the Performa 600 with CD-ROM (monitor not included). All models are packaged with a keyboard, mouse, microphone, on-screen training and a complete set of manuals in the box. In addition, each Performa has system software and selected applications pre-installed by Apple at its factories.

Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, StyleWriter, and LaserWriter are registered trademarks;. Performa, At Ease, System 7, SuperDrive and QuickTime are trademarks of Apple Computer.

NOTE TO EDITORS - PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AS FOLLOWS:

Product Specifications

Performa 200
16-MHz 68030 microprocessor
4 MB RAM expandable to 10 MB
80 MB hard drive
SuperDrive internal floppy
Sound In/Out/Microphone
Apple Keyboard II
Enhanced System 7.0 installed
Availability: September 14, 1992

Performa 400
16-MHz 68030 microprocessor
4 MB RAM expandable to 10 MB
80 MB hard drive
SuperDrive internal floppy
One expansion slot
Built-in video support (256 colors)
Sound In/Out/Microphone
Apple Keyboard II
Enhanced System 7.0 installed
Availability: September 14, 1992

Performa 600
32-MHz 68030 microprocessor
4/5 MB RAM expandable up to 68 MB
160 MB hard drive
SuperDrive internal floppy
Three NuBus expansion slots
Accelerator slot
Built-in video support (256 colors)
Sound In/Out/Microphone
Enhanced System 7.0 installed
Apple Extended Keyboard II
Availability: October, 1992

Performa 600 CD
32-MHz 68030 microprocessor
5 MB RAM expandable to 68 MB
160 MB hard drive
SuperDrive internal floppy
Three NuBus expansion slots
Accelerator slot
Built-in video support
1 MB of VRAM (for more than 16,000 colors on a 14-inch display)
Sound In/Out/Microphone
Internal AppleCD 300i
Enhanced System 7.0 installed
Apple Extended Keyboard II
Availability: October, 1992

Performa Plus Display
640 x 480 pixels
67 Hz refresh rate
0.29 mm dot pitch
SWEDAC MPR-2 compliant
Availability: September 14, 1992

Performa Display
640 x 480 pixels
67 Hz refresh rate
0.39 mm dot pitch
Availability: September 14, 1992

Contact:
Betty Taylor
Apple Computer, Inc.
408-974-3983

Michelle Soleau
Regis McKenna, Inc.
415-354-4465