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From: i...@dell.dell.com (Dell Computer Corp)
Newsgroups: comp.newprod
Subject: DELL COMPUTER ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST 486-BASED EISA TOWER SYSTEMS
Message-ID: <45326@mcdchg.chg.mcd.mot.com>
Date: 11 Sep 90 17:20:07 GMT
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Organization: Dell Computer Corporation, Austin, Texas 78759-7299
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Posted: Tue Sep 11 18:20:07 1990
DELL COMPUTER ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST 486-BASED EISA TOWER SYSTEMS
--Ideal For UNIX Workgroup Servers and PC Network Servers
AUSTIN, TEXAS, AUGUST 31, 1990 -- DellTM Computer Corporation
(NASDAQ:DELL) today broadened the high-end of its personal
computer product line with the introduction of two floor-standing
models, the Dell SystemR 425TE and the Dell System 433TE. The
tower systems, running at 25-megahertz and 33-megahertz
respectively, are based on the IntelR i486TM microprocessor and
the 32-bit EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture) bus.
The System 425TE is available immediately; first customer
shipment for the System 433TE begins in October.
In addition to today's introduction, the company announced
the Dell Drive Array, a Dell-developed mass storage option that
dramatically improves storage performance and data reliability.
(Detailed information on the Dell Drive Array is included as a
separate press release included in the press packet.)
Performance and expandability key requirements
The System 425TE and System 433TE are ideal for use as
UNIXR-based multiuser host systems and high-speed workgroup
servers, or multifunctional PC network servers. The systems
also offer workstation-level performance and expandability for
high-end single-user applications such as software development
and CAD. Both systems support up to 64 megabytes of main memory.
Both systems provide Dell Computer's highest level of
performance and expandability available in an advanced personal
computer system. "Our high-end customer base of corporate
accounts, systems integrators and value added resellers need
powerful and expandable systems to support networks and run
sophisticated applications," said Joel J. Kocher, senior vice
president of U.S. sales and operations. "These products are
designed specifically for advanced applications and connectivity
environments and represent solutions to our customers'
requirements at prices that position the 425TE and 433TE ahead of
our competitors."
Specially-designed ergonomic and security features
The tower systems incorporate expandability, performance,
ergonomics and security features, including password protection,
all in one package. "These features and the balanced performance
of the tower systems make them ideal for use in the most
demanding multifunction PC network environments or as UNIX-based
multiuser hosts or workgroup servers," said G. Glenn Henry,
senior vice president for the product group.
The password protection allows the user two methods to
"lock" the system from unauthorized access. The first method
prevents the system from operating until a password is entered;
the second method allows the system to run an operating system,
but will not accept keyboard input (other than the password)
until the password is entered.
The 24-inch high chassis fits under most desks, and comes
with rear wheels and a built-in handle for easy maneuverability.
A lockable side panel allows easy access to vertically mounted
option cards to provide easier access to cable connections that
are located at the top of the system. The front control panel
provides convenient access to the power switch, reset button, and
SmartVuTM, a diagnostics display. (Refer to the SmartVu press
announcement for more information.)
A powerhouse of standard features
"The 425TE and 433TE are the computers of choice for the
most demanding workgroup applications requiring high processing
speed and maximum expandability and capacity," said Mr. Henry.
System performance features include faster RAM access
through the use of an advanced interleaved-memory architecture
and the use of shadow RAM. The System 433TE also features 128
kilobytes of external cache that supplements the eight kilobytes
of internal cache inherent on 486-based PCs.
The tower systems also provide large mass storage capacities
with fast-access disk drives: up to 1.6 gigabytes of hard disk
storage using high-speed IDE and ESDI drives. (The Dell Drive
Array will be available in the fourth quarter 1990.)
For industry-wide compatibility, the towers feature the
high-performance 32-bit EISA bus with eight EISA expansion slots
for industry-standard add-on boards, and an integrated high-
speed 16-bit VGA video adapter with 512 kilobytes of RAM. The
VGA adapter displays up to 1024x768 pixels in 16 colors.
Standard memory on the tower systems is four megabytes of
random access memory (RAM), expandable to 64 megabytes on the
system board using one, two, four and eight megabyte SIMM
modules.
The tower systems also include a 5.25-inch, 1.2 megabyte or
3.5-inch, 1.44 megabyte diskette drive; a 101-key keyboard; eight
expansion slots (six EISA master and two EISA slave slots); one
parallel and two serial ports; a PS/2 compatible mouse port; and
a 300-watt power supply.
Mass storage options are 80, 100 and 190 megabyte IDE hard
disk drives and 330 and 650 megabyte ESDI hard disk drives. The
330 and 650 megabyte drives offer 15 megabits per second transfer
rates and 18 and 16 millisecond access times respectively.
Optional tape backup devices are also supported. The tower
systems also support an optional Weitek 4167 math coprocessor.
Pricing
Prices for the 425TE range from $6749 for a configuration
with four megabytes of RAM, a floppy disk drive, an 80-megabyte
hard disk drive and a VGA Monochrome monitor to $15,399 for a
system with 1.3 gigabyte storage (two 650 megabyte hard disk drives)
and a high performance TI34010-based GPX-1024/256 accelerator board
(256 colors; 1024x768 resolution) with a GPD 19-inch color monitor.
Price for the 433TE range from $8949 to $17,599 for
comparable configurations.
Software compatibility and support
The 425TE and 433TE are fully compatible with MS-DOSR, MSR-
OS/2 and UNIXR System V operating systems. Dell's software
product offerings include Dell MS-DOS 3.3 and 4.01, Dell MS-OS/2
1.1 with Presentation Manager, Dell UNIX System V, Version 3.2
with X Windows and VP/ix, DELL Server graphical client/server
software, and the full range of NovellR NetWare. Dell is an
authorized Novell reseller.
Dell UNIX System V is based on AT&T System V and will also
run most XenixR applications. Dell is an AT&T source code
licensee which enables Dell to provide responsive UNIX software
support and UNIX performance and compatibility improvements.
The DELL Station, a UNIX/DOS workstation based on Dell's
desktop 80486-based systems, and the DELL Server, a new UNIX/DOS
workgroup server based on Dell's new tower 486-based systems, are
preconfigured with Dell UNIX System V, the X Window System
(X11R3), VP/ix for DOS compatibility, and a suite of integrated
office automation applications from Uniplex. Uniplex is a leader
in UNIX-based office automation software. Dell systems also
support Novell NetWare and other network operating systems.
Complete service and support
The 425TE and 433TE are backed by Dell's 30-day total
satisfaction guarantee, toll-free technical support and a one-
year Xerox on-site service contract included in the price of the
computers. Dell also offers comprehensive UNIX software support
options ranging from telephone support to remote system
administration. The Xerox service contract can be extended up to
an additional four years through Dell Computer Corporation.
Dell Computer Corporation 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 level of
customer satisfaction in the industry for its line of personal
computers. Dell pioneered the direct marketing of personal
computers in 1984. Information on the company and its products
can be obtained through its toll-free number: 800/426-5150.
# # #
Dell System is a registered trademark and Dell is a trademark of
Dell Computer Corporation.
UNIX is a registered trademark of American Telephone and
Telegraph Company.
Intel is a registered trademark and i486 is a trademark of Intel
Corporation.
MS, MS-DOS and XENIX are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
Novell is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc.
--
Dell Computer Corp. !'s:uunet!dell!info
9505 Arboretum Blvd @'s:i...@dell.com
Austin, TX 78759-7299 1-800-426-5150