Apple Unveils Hardware-Based PC Compatibility for Power Macintosh Family
Apple's Power Mac Runs More Software Than Any Other Mainstream PC
Cupertino, California--April 22, 1996--Committed to providing its customers with cross-platform access to the widest range of software applications, Apple Computer, Inc. today announced its next-generation PC compatible Power Macintosh system. Apple also unveiled PC Compatibility Cards designed to add Windows and MS-DOS functionality across the entire Power Mac line. The new Power Macintosh 7200/120 PC Compatible comes pre-installed with either a powerful Pentium 100MHz card or an entry-level 586 100MHz card; both Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)-based PC Compatible cards are also available separately. The new products are compatible with Microsoft Windows 95, Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.11, Microsoft Windows 3.1 and MS-DOS 6.22; the Mac OS continues to run on the Power Mac's PowerPC microprocessor.
The new PC Compatible products leverage upon key differentiators of the Macintosh platform, such as ease-of-use, hardware/software integration, built-in multimedia capabilities and the exceptional price/performance value of PowerPC technology. In addition, these products provide a high level of integration between the Mac OS and PC environments, enabling users to run Mac OS and MS-DOS or Windows software concurrently, easily switching between these environments without rebooting. Users can copy and paste data between the Mac OS and Windows environments, and even access Windows files and folders from the Mac OS, and vice versa. System resources such as the floppy drive, hard disk, CD-ROM drive, display, keyboard and mouse are shared to make this a cost-effective and space-saving solution for customers with limited budgets or desktop space. Customers can also access Macintosh-compatible printers and modems from the MS-DOS and Windows environments.
Based on Apple's customer research, the company's previous cross-platform Power Mac, the Power Macintosh 6100/66 DOS Compatible, attracted x86-based PC owners to the Mac platform at almost three times the rate of other Power Macs. In fact, the majority of Power Macintosh 6100/66 DOS Compatible customers were not replacing another Macintosh; instead, they were either acquiring their first personal computer, replacing a x86-based PC, or adding to their installed base of PCs. Power Macintosh 6100/66 DOS Compatible customers spent, on average, 75% of their time working within the Mac OS environment, and purchased as many native Power Mac applications as other Power Mac customers.
"Customer research shows that Apple's previous cross platform products have built additional momentum for the Mac platform and Mac developers," said Dave Daetz, Apple's Worldwide Cross Platform Product Line Manager. "And with today's introduction, we're taking a big step forward providing hardware-based PC Compatibility, featuring Pentium and 586 processors across Apple's entire Power Mac family and empowering customers to run more software on a Power Macintosh than on any other mainstream PC."
PC Compatible Systems
Aimed at professional users in business, education and home environments, the Power Macintosh 7200/120 PC Compatible is based on the next-generation Power Macintosh 7200/120 announced today, but comes preconfigured with one of two PC Compatibility Cards. The 7-inch 586 100 MHz version is an affordable, entry-level choice that includes 128K of secondary cache and 8MB RAM, which can be upgraded to 64MB. Industry benchmarks show the speed of the 586 100MHz processor is comparable to that of a Pentium 75Mhz. For customers who want a higher level of performance, a 12-inch Pentium 100Mhz version is another option. It features 256K of secondary cache and 8MB of RAM, which can be upgraded to 72MB. The Power Macintosh 7200/120 PC Compatible also includes 8MB of RAM for the Macintosh operating system.
Both versions incorporate an ATI Mach64 video controller, from ATI Technologies Inc. of Toronto, Canada, for accelerated SVGA compatibility up to 24-bits per pixel. All current Apple displays are supported, in addition to many third-party Macintosh-compatible VGA and SVGA displays. Customers can configure their Power Macintosh 7200/120 PC Compatible with either one or two displays. When configured with a single display, users hit a hot key to toggle between the Mac OS and PC environments; the background environment continues running. When configured with two displays, Power Mac 7200/120 PC Compatible users can keep an eye on both environments concurrently at the full size and resolution supported by the display and video controller. Fans of MS-DOS and Windows games will also enjoy the built-in PC Game Port and 16-bit Sound Blaster Pro support.
The new PC Compatible system is designed to provide enterprise customers in business or education environments with a wide range of available networking options. Users can easily connect to a variety of networks, including Novell Network SPX/IPX, TCP/IP and NETBEUI protocols in Windows and DOS environments via a built-in Ethernet connector and ODI and NDIS 2.0 drivers. Due to robust multi-node support, users of the new Power Mac 7200/120 PC Compatible, with the appropriate network access, can maintain two unique Internet connections simultaneously--from the Mac OS and Windows.
The Power Macintosh 7200/120 PC Compatible has System 7.5.3 pre-installed for greater reliability, and includes the latest updates to key Mac OS components, including Open Transport, QuickTime, QuickDraw 3D and PlainTalk. Apple's acclaimed Apple Guide help system is included, providing customers with on-line assistance and coaching as they use their PC Compatible system. Pre-installation of PC operating systems may vary by market and region.
Pricing and availability
Both versions of the Power Macintosh 7200/120 PC Compatible are expected to ship in selected countries worldwide by June 1996. Delivering Pentium-class performance with video resolutions up to millions of colors, and unburdened by the RAM overhead required by compatibility solutions based on software emulation, Apple's hardware-based PC Compatible Power Macs deliver leading edge price/performance for customers who value cross-platform compatibility.
Model
Configuration
Apple Price*
Power Mac 7200/120 16/1.2GB/CD/L2
$2,299**
Power Mac 7200/120 PC Compatible (586) 8/8/1.2GB/CD/L2
$2,599***
Power Mac 7200/120 PC Compatible (Pentium) 8/8/1.2GB/CD/L2
$2,799
*Estimated U.S. Apple price (does not include monitor and keyboard)
**Included as a reference for pricing comparison.
***Availability varies by region
Customers will get the best value when they purchase a PC Compatibility Card preconfigured in the Power Macintosh 7200 PC Compatible. PC Compatibility Cards will also be available separately as standalone cards, with prices starting at $799 for the 586 100MHz version with 8MB of RAM. The Pentium 100MHz version, also with 8MB of RAM, is priced at $1,049.
Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized pioneer and innovator in the information industry, creates powerful solutions based on easy-to-use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software and personal digital assistants. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) develops, manufactures, licenses and markets products, technologies and services for the business, education, consumer, scientific and engineering, and government markets in over 140 countries.
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eMail: welch.n@applelink.apple.com
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