Packard Bell' Platinum series have all these goodies - including System Wizard. Read on.
Packard Bell, the world's No. 1 supplier of home computers, ships integrated x2
high-speed modem in its platinum PC series
by Business Editors
Jun 2 1997 9:48AM CST, BUSINESS WIRE
SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 2, 1997--Packard Bell, a division of Packard Bell NEC Inc.,
maintains its leadership in quick-to-market delivery of innovative technology to the home user with integration of
high-speed x2 modem technology in its Packard Bell Platinum PC series. This advanced modem technology,
developed by U.S. Robotics (NASDAQ:USRX) and built in to programmable Digital Signal Processing chipsets
manufactured by Texas Instruments (NYSE:TXN), is designed to support download speeds up to 56Kbps.
Through a strategic relationship with U.S. Robotics and Texas Instruments, the company is bringing the x2 modem
technology to consumers in its Platinum PCs with Intel Pentium processor with MMX technology. The systems include
a comprehensive offering of hardware and software to support true multimedia computing and are now available
through leading retailers in the U.S. market for estimated street prices ranging from $1,799 to $2,299. With the new
high-speed integrated modem and service from one of the more than 500 Internet Service Providers that are adopting
x2 technology, Packard Bell PC buyers will be able to download complex graphics, audio and video files found on the
Internet in nearly half the time it took with earlier modem technology. "As the No. 1 provider of PCs to the home
user with a tradition of making technological innovation and its benefits available and affordable to the greatest
number of people, it's a natural for Packard Bell to be a front-runner in bringing this advanced communications
technology to our customers," said Mal Ransom, senior vice president, marketing, Packard Bell NEC. "Our systems
have been designed for easy access to the Internet and with x2 technology, the download process can be faster and
much more enjoyable." U.S. Robotics, the world's leading provider of modems and remote access equipment,
extensively field tested x2 and shipped its first x2 products in February 1997. Using x2 developed by USR gives
Packard Bell an edge in providing high-speed modem technology well in advance of PC manufacturers who are
dependent on other companies for their modem technology. "We're very pleased to provide the latest in modem
technology to Packard Bell, the worldwide leader in the home PC market," said John McCartney, president and COO
of U.S. Robotics. "With x2's widespread acceptance by the hundreds of Internet Service Providers worldwide,
representing more than 18 million subscribers, Packard Bell customers will have numerous options for Internet access at
x2 speeds." Rich Templeton, T1 executive vice president semiconductor group president, said: "The modems in Packard
Bell systems are based on T1's software-defined DSP which provides flexibility and cost performance advantages
over conventional modem chipsets. This technology protects the customers' investment by allowing them to upgrade
their modems with software to comply with evolving technological advances." Packard Bell Platinum PCs Enrich
the Multimedia Experience Platinum models with integrated x2 modem technology include the 2010X, 2015X, 2240X
and the new 2250X introduced Monday (see related release). In addition to answering the need for higher download
speed, the Platinum PCs are loaded with performance features, including a 166MHz, 200MHz or 233MHz Intel
Pentium processor with MMX multimedia enhancement technology; 16, 24 or 32 MB of EDO memory; 2 GB, 3.2 GB or 6.4
GB hard drive; and 16X CD-ROM. All models also are packed with a rich software suite for the entire family.
Additionally, an array of hardware and software features enhance sight and sound to make family computing a truly
enriched multimedia experience -- 64-bit 3-D graphics power for high resolution and 3-D special effects; Dolby
Digital (AC-3) Surround Sound decoding and Dolby ProLogic capability; SRS 3-D Amphitheater Stereo Sound for
true-to-life audio experience; MPEG-2 for full-motion video playback of movies, concerts and DVD entertainment; and
Universal Serial Bus for faster data transfer rates and easy addition of multiple peripherals such as joysticks,
scanner and other devices. Comprehensive Service and Support All Platinum PC models include SystemSoft's System
Wizard support-call solution that provides capabilities for the PC to self-correct more than 5,000 common computing
errors automatically without the user having to call in to customer service. The PCs also are backed by a one-year
limited warranty for hardware defects. Ninety days of on-site service is included for those customers who register
their Packard Bell computer. Premier Support, a pay-as-you-go service, also is available for in-depth "how to"
questions, software training and other assistance. Company background Packard Bell is the world's No. 1 selling home
computer. Credited with having pioneered the mass marketing of PCs through the retail channel, Packard Bell
brings innovative, affordable technology to the greatest number of homes in the world. Based in Sacramento, Packard
Bell NEC is the No. 2 PC supplier in the United States and No. 3 worldwide. The company designs, manufactures and
markets a broad range of desktop, notebook and mobile computers and network servers under the Packard Bell, NEC
and Zenith Data Systems brands. The company's major manufacturing operations are in Sacramento; Fife, Wash.;
Angers, France; Malaysia; and Syndey, Australia. For more information on Packard Bell products visit
www.packardbell.com on the World Wide Web.
(Copyright 1997) |
