Apple Introduces PowerBook G3

CUPERTINO, California--May 6, 1998--Combining compelling industrial design with high-performance PowerPC G3 processors, Apple Computer, Inc. today began shipping the PowerBook G3 series of notebook computers. Housed in a sleek, distinctive enclosure, the new PowerBook G3 outperforms all Pentium and Pentium II notebooks. The aggressively priced new notebooks can be built-to-order in over 1,000 possible configurations to meet customers' needs.

"The new PowerBook G3 is what the Apple is all about--creating the best computers on the planet," said Steve Jobs, Apple's Interim CEO. "Our design team came up with a great looking PowerBook with performance that blows away Pentium notebooks at all key price points."

PowerBook G3 redefines notebook computer design with:

• Elegant new look with comfortable rounded contours and soft gripping surfaces;
• State-of-the-art full-sized keyboard;
• 12.1-inch STN, or 13.3-inch and 14.1-inch TFT displays, each in the same versatile enclosure.

The PowerPC processors in the new PowerBook G3 series are up to twice as fast as those in Pentium II-based notebooks, based on BYTEmark processor test scores. Performance features of the PowerBook G3 include:
 

• PowerPC G3 processors at 233MHz, 250MHz or 292MHz, with up to 1MB level 2 backside cache;
• 32MB SDRAM (expandable to 192 MB);
• 2 to 4MB SGRAM;
• 66MHz memory bus in 233MHz and 83MHz memory bus in 250MHz and 292MHz configurations;
• S-video out capability on 13.3-inch and 14.1-inch configurations;
• 10Base-T Ethernet networking--standard on all configurations--and the K56flex modem option;
• CardBus expandability enables high-performance third-party options;
• Easy keyboard access to memory slots and drive bay;
• Hot-swappable expansion bays for easy addition of storage devices and batteries, including dual batteries for up to seven hours of use.

The PowerBook G3 series 12.1-inch and 13.3-inch configurations are available immediately starting at U.S. $2,299; the 14.1-inch display configurations will be available in early June. Through the Apple Store (www.apple.com), customers can create more than 1,000 possible build-to-order configurations. When visiting the Apple Store customers will see nine sample configurations listed, six of which are stock configurations available now through Apple resellers and retail channels.

Apple Computer, Inc. ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II, and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Apple is now recommitted to its original mission - to bring the best personal computing products and support to students, educators, designers, scientists, engineers, businesspersons and consumers in over 140 countries around the world.

Press Contacts:
Nathalie Welch
Apple Computer, Inc.
(408) 974-5430
email: welch@apple.com

Todd Paoletti
NRW for Apple Computer, Inc.
(650) 827-7030
email: todd@nrwpr.com

If you are considering the purchase of an Apple product and would like to have product information faxed to you, please call 1-800-462-4396 in the U.S. or 1-800-263-3394 in Canada. If you do not have a fax machine or would like to locate an Apple authorized reseller near you, please call 1-800-538-9696. Customers in the U.S. now have the option of buying products over the Internet at the Apple Store (http://www.apple.com/) as part of a distribution strategy that utilizes the Internet, along with the Company's existing retailers and resellers to sell products. Customers outside the U.S. should contact their local Apple representatives for information.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit Apple's Spring Product Launch Virtual Press Room website (http://www.apple.com/pr/), call Apple's Media Helpline at (408)974-2042, or contact Todd Paoletti at our PR agency, Niehaus Ryan Wong, Inc., (650)827-7030.

Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh and Power Macintosh are registered trademarks and of Apple Computer, Inc. Additional company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the individual companies and are respectfully acknowledged.