Dell Computer first to market 20-megahertz 386SX-based PC

Dell System 320LX provides 25 percent performance increase in highly expandable system

Business Wire

March 19, 1990

AUSTIN, Texas -- Reconfirming its commitment to the rapidly expanding 386SX personal computer marketplace, Dell(TM) Computer Corp. (NASDAQ:DELL) announced Monday the Dell System(R) 320LX, a desktop PC based on Intel's 20-megahertz 80386SX.

The first 20-megahertz 386(TM)SX system on the market, the 320LX provides 25 percent higher performance than typical 16-megahertz 386SX-based systems and features extensive expansion options that provide maximum flexibility in configuring the system to meet user needs.

``The introduction of the 320LX responds to strong customer demand for our existing 386SX based systems,'' said Joel J. Kocher, senior vice president of Dell's USA sales and support. ``Customer interest in SX products is evident. Sales of the Dell System 316SX desktop and Dell System 316LT laptop have exceeded our expectations since their introduction in November 1989.

``The Dell System 320LX is competitively priced, and delivers 25 percent more power and more expandability than most other 16-megahertz SX systems.''

Dell System 320LX configurations start at $2899 for a complete VGA system. The configuration includes one megabyte of random access memory (RAM), a 3.5-inch or 5.25-inch floppy drive, a high-performance 40-megabyte hard disk drive and a VGA monochrome monitor.

The Dell System 320LX is targeted for the general computing needs of the business user. Its increased 386SX power and expandability, with high-performance disk drives and the ability to hold nearly 1,000 megabytes of storage, combine to allow the 320LX to serve applications ranging from word processing and spreadsheet functions to high-powered business or database applications.

The 320LX can also function as a small departmental file server. ``The Dell System 320LX is an affordable entry into more demanding applications,'' said Andrew R. Harris, Dell's senior vice president of marketing. ``And its ability to support 32-bit software and operating systems ensures that the 320LX will meet our customers business computing needs for years to come.''

THE MOST EXPANDABLE DESKTOP SYSTEM ON THE MARKET

With seven open expansion slots, users can add network cards, emulation boards, modem, facsimile boards, high-resolution video boards such as the Dell(TM) GPX controller and more--enabling the user to completely customize the system.

Storage options are equally flexible. With three external and accessible half-height drive bays and one full-height internal bay with up to 650 megabytes of storage capacity, the user can install up to five half-height devices. For example, the user can select nearly one gigabyte of storage with two floppy dirves or with a floppy drive and a tape unit.

The 320LX provides up to 8 megabytes of memory on the main system board, with an expansion of up to 16 megabytes in the system. The 8 megabyte capacity on the system board enables the user to add enough memory for almost any application without the additional expense of an add-on board and without using an option slot.

DELL SYSTEM 320LX USES SURFACE-MOUNT TECHNOLOGY, INTEGRATES FEATURES ONTO STANDARD SYSTEM BOARD

The 320LX uses surface-mounted components to reduce heat and power consumption, improve reliability and maximize space on the system board.

In addition to up to 8 megabytes of memory, features integrated on the 320LX system board include: floppy and hard disk controllers; two serial ports and one parallel port; LIM EMS 4.0 capabilities that provide more memory for application programs; and a socket for the new 20-megahertz 80387SX numeric coprocessor which greatly increases the speed of numeric calculations for intensive tasks such as spreadsheet recomputations.

CONFIGURATIONS

Memory options for the 320LX include 1,2,4,5 or 8 megabytes of RAM on the system board expandable to 16 megabytes. Mass storage options include 40,80,100 or 190 IDE hard disk drives. For applications reqwiring larger amounts of storage as well as faster access times, 330 or 650 megabyte ESDI hard disk drives are also offered. Optional tape backup devices include a 40 or 250 megabyte internal drive.

The Dell System 320LX is compatible with Dell's VGA Monochrome, VGA Color Plus and Super VGA Color monitors.

SOFTWARE SUPPORT

The Dell System 320LX supports industry-standard operating systems including Dell Enhanced MS-DOS(R) 3.3 and 4.01, Dell OS/2 1.1 with Presentation Manager, and Dell UNIX(R) System V, Release 3.2.

The 320LX also provides support for popular operating environments and 32-bit specific programs such as Microsoft Windows/386, Quarterdeck DESQview/386, VM/386, DOS Extender, NetWare/386 and Paradox 386; it will also support future 32-bit, 386-specific operating systems.

DELL SYSTEM 320LX IS NEWEST MEMBER OF DELL SX PRODUCT FAMILY

The Dell System 320LX joins the Dell System 316 and 396SX desktop systems and the Dell System 316LT laptop to form a family of 386SX-based systems. The Dell System 316, the original Dell SX system, has been recognized for excellence in its class, winning ``Best Buy'' honors in PC World (12/89).

Most recently it was the top ranked 386SX-based system in PC Week's ``Poll of Corporate Satisfaction'' (2/12/90). A full-sized desktop machine based on the 16-megahertz 80386SX, the Dell System 316 is expandable and configurable. Prices for the Dell System 316 begin at $2399 and includes one megabyte of memory, a 40 megabyte hard disk drive, a 5.25-inch or 3.5-inch floppy drive and a monochrome monitor.

Low-priced, with a small footprint and 16-megahertz 80386SX power, the Dell System 316SX is ideal for general business computing. The cost of a fully-configured Dell System 316SX begins at $1899 and includes 512 kilobytes of memory, a 20 megabyte hard disk drive, a 5.25-inch or 3.5-inch floppy drive and a VGA monochrome monitor.

The entry price for the Dell System 316LT laptop is $3499 and includes one megabyte of memory, a 20-megabyte hard disk drive and a 3.5-inch floppy drive. All system prices include a one-year Xerox on-site service contract.

``With the introduction of the Dell System 320LX, we have the broad range of 386SX-based products our customers are requesting today,'' said Harris. ``We will continue to strengthen our position in the SX market with additional offerings.'' Demand for 386SX-based systems is projected to grow at a compounded annual rate of 57 percent from 1989 through 1993 according to independent market analysts (source: Dataquest).

``The rapid development and introduction of this product,'' added Harris, ``reflects Dell's commitment to our core strategy: developing high-performance PCs at a good price.''

SERVICE AND SUPPORT

The 320LX is backed by Dell's 30-day total satisfaction guarantee, toll-free technical support and a one-year Xerox on-site service contract that is included in the purchase price of the computer. The Xerox service contract can be extended up to four additional years through Dell Computer Corporation.

Dell Computer Corp. designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports a complete line of personal computers compatible with industry standards. The company is recognized in independent surveys as having the highest customer satisfaction level in the industry for its line of personal computers.

Note to Editors: Dell System is a registered trademark and Dell is a trademark of Dell Computer Corp.

MS-DOS and MS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. Intel is a registered trademark and 386 is a trademark of Intel Corp.

UNIX is a registered trademark of American Telephone and Telegraph Co.

CONTACT: Dell Computer Corp., San Antonio, Texas Brian Fawkes or Michele Moore, 512/338-4400 or The Waggener Group, Oregon Alison O'Brien, 503/245-0905