Acer to use K6-2 300 and 333:
Key Points:
Priced same as PII
both K6-2 300 and 333 involved
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SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 20, 1998--
Intel PII and AMD K6-2 Processors, ATI 3D Graphics, Easy Internet Software
Featured
The newest Aspire PCs from Acer America Corporation upgrade the home PC experience for
first-time buyers with powerful new processors, great 3D graphics and sound, and software
that makes it easier than ever before to get set up and running. The systems also feature a new
"designed for the home" look, an Internet software emphasis on families and a new
easy-to-service micro-tower design.
The four systems being introduced today are powered by AMD K6-2 and Intel Pentium II
processors. Priced at suggested retail prices of between $999 and $1,299, the PCs are
affordable without sacrificing power, and are loaded with the latest software applications ideal
for home users. As always with the Aspire brand, the PCs are family friendly.
"Acer continues its ease-of-use improvements with these latest Aspire computers, as we focus
on first-time buyers who need a simple-to-use PC," said Mike Culver, vice president and
general manager of Acer America's Consumer Business Division. "System setup and self-help
are easier than ever, and our new Internet software is perfect for families. We also changed the
look of the system to be consistent with home decorating trends."
The new Aspire PCs are the first to feature a unique sleek design and a new light gray color
that was chosen specifically for the home environment. The systems can be placed in virtually
any room in the home because they easily pick up surrounding colors and fit in with the latest
decorating schemes. The simplicity of the design and the light, neutral color help to
"personalize" and ease the computing experience for first-time PC users.
The system design is enhanced by new 15-inch and 17-inch monitors, which feature the new
color, and Altec Lansing stereo speakers specifically designed to be attached to the sides of
the monitors with special hangers.
The new Aspire PCs are also the first from Acer to feature AMD's latest microprocessor, the
AMD K6-2. The new processor significantly enhances 3D graphics and multimedia
performance for Microsoft Windows-compatible PCs. It features 3Dnow! technology, a new
set of instructions that enable exciting levels of performance and realism.
Two of the new systems are housed in a small, sleek-looking micro-tower that is roomy
enough for upgrades and service without any internal disassembly. Unlike other micro-towers,
the Aspire case is not cramped, and features a double-stacked 3.5-inch cage for the hard and
floppy disk drives. The cage swings out for easy system maintenance and customer upgrades.
The Pentium II-based systems have an Accelerated Graphic Port (AGP) and ATI
Technologies' Rage Pro graphics with SGRAM memory to enable speedy 3D graphics. The
K6-2 PCs feature ATI's Rage II+ graphics processors. In addition, the systems feature
synchronous DRAM for main system memory, 56K fax/modems and USB ports.
The new Aspire PCs include Acer's suite of customer empowerment software tools consisting
of ACE Desktop, My Aspire Guide and the Acer Computer Explorer. The systems also
feature category-leading software titles, compelling Internet offers from GTE and links to
Acer's customer service center.
With the OOBE(TM) (out of box experience) set-up system of color-coded cables and a
simple instructive poster, Aspire owners can quickly and easily set up their PCs. The Aspire's
integrated software sequences new users through all the steps required to get their PCs running
and ready for the Internet. Once setup is completed, the software verifies that everything is
working properly.
The Aspire brand PCs are fully expandable. The micro-tower Models 6058 and 6063 feature
two open slots, while the mini-towers (Models 1860 and 1870) have five slots available. An
available external 3.5-inch bay enables customers to install devices like ZIP or tape drives.
ACE Desktop: A Customized User Interface
ACE Desktop enables novice and first-time computer users to be instantly productive using
their new Aspire computer with an easy-to-use customized interface. The friendly, graphical
interface lets users run any one of their pre-loaded applications, which are divided into four
categories: productivity, Internet, games and tools. The look and feel of the interface can be
easily changed to make various types of users, such as adults and children, feel more
comfortable when using their PCs. Making Computing Easy
The new Aspire systems also feature My Aspire Guide, a second-generation service and
information center that makes the Aspire PCs easy to use, maintain, upgrade and service. Each
"My Aspire Guide" is customized to provide unique content and capabilities for each individual
Aspire model released by Acer.
The interactive guide is filled with rich multimedia content and "how to" videos on cabinet
access, CPU and memory upgrades. The guide also provides a comprehensive set of software
utilities that protect a consumer's computer investment by offering preventive maintenance with
accurate and comprehensive system diagnostics. InternetACE Makes Using the Internet Fun
Acer Aspire's Internet offering helps bring the web to Aspire customers, including kids, rather
than the other way around. InternetACE is an easy to use browser, based on Microsoft
Internet Explorer 4.0 technology, that offers novice computer users an intuitive and organized
approach to surfing the web and interacting with email. Novice users can have instant access
to the coolest Web sites, all pre-loaded and arranged in logical categories, eliminating the need
to type in lengthy URL titles. Furthermore, the family friendly interface makes sending and
receiving e-mail and files as easy as word processing.
The InternetACE browser provides a point-and-click interface to the Internet, presenting users
with a categorized listing of some of the Web's most popular sites that can be accessed by a
click of the mouse button rather than by typing in URL addresses. The browser incorporates
Yahooligans!, a filtered search engine for kids. When young children type in certain search
criteria, only family-oriented sites appear as choices.
A 30 day free trial is included for Electric Library, an online service providing access to
content from national and international news wires, 150 full-text newspapers, hundreds of
full-text magazines, a complete encyclopedia and transcripts from television and radio
broadcasts. A desktop link to Chumbo, an online source for purchasing application software,
is also included.
Easy desktop access to the ZD Guide to Computing and the Internet is provided with an
InternetACE link. This guide is a custom-blended site specifically for Aspire customers, and
focuses on five key areas of computing: exploring the web, tips and tricks, family computing,
fun projects with your PC and small office/home office.
Acer partnered with GTE Internetworking Services, a leading Internet Service Provider, to
offer all new Aspire owners hassle-free Internet registration, with "no credit card required" sign
up and 50 hours of free Internet access. Big Software Bundle and One-Year Warranty
The most popular software applications are bundled with most Aspire systems. Microsoft's
Encarta '98 multimedia encyclopedia and Rage's hot 3D/AGP graphic game, Incoming(R), are
included on the Aspire Models 6058 and 6063. The Aspire Models 1860 and 1870 feature
the IBM Worldbook encyclopedia and Crystal Dynamic's Pandemonium. All systems are
bundled with Microsoft Works(R) 4.5, Intuit(R) Quicken(R) SE, Microsoft Money(R) 98,
Microsoft Windows 98 and Inoculan(R) Anti-Virus.
All Aspire brand computers are backed by a one-year limited product warranty, 800 toll-free
technical support, and free Internet technical support. Extended warranty programs provide
consumers with a wide variety of additional support services. Aspire PCs are widely available
at an expansive network of major retailers throughout the U.S. and Canada, such as Best Buy,
Sears, Wal-Mart, Damark and Future Shop.
Aspire PC Configurations
Sug. Retail
Model Housing Processor Memory HDD CD Modem Price
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1860 MT AMD K6-2 300 MHz 64MB 5.1GB 24x 56Kbps $ 999
1870 MT AMD K6-2 333 MHz 64MB 7.2GB 32x 56Kbps $1,199
6058 MMT Intel PII 300 MHz 48MB 4.3GB 32x 56Kbps $ 999
6063 MMT Intel PII 333 MHz 64MB 8.4GB 32x 56Kbps $1,299
Monitors
Model 55s 15-inch (13.7-inch viewable) digital, .28mm pitch $199
Model 77s 17-inch (16-inch viewable) digital, .28mm pitch $299
About Acer America
Acer America Corporation (www.acer.com/aac/) is a member of the
Acer Group, the world's third largest OEM and brand name manufacturer
of computer components, peripherals, desktops, notebooks and servers.
The Acer Group employs more than 23,000 employees who support
distributors and dealers in over 130 countries. Headquartered in San
Jose, Calif., Acer America designs, builds and markets robust mobile,
client and server solutions for enterprise-wide applications and
business professionals who require reliability, enhanced productivity
and greater value of ownership. Acer America Corporation, member of
the $6.3 billion Acer Group, posted revenues of $1.4 billion in 1997.
Acer, Aspire, Acer America and OOBE are trademarks of Acer
Incorporated. Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel
Corporation. AMD-K6 is a registered trademark of AMD Corporation. All
other products, brand names or companies are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective companies.
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