IBM Launches New Innovative Aptiva S Series
Top-of-the-Line Aptiva S Series is Stylish, Fast and Fully Loaded
Research Triangle Park, NC (August 31, 1998) – IBM today announced the Aptiva SE7 — its most powerful consumer PC. Designed to meet the needs of the progressive, technology savvy buyer, the SE7 is the latest addition to IBM’s award-winning Aptiva S Series. Powered by Intel’s new Pentium II 450MHz(1) processor and sporting a sleek, black design, the Aptiva SE7 combines the best that IBM has to offer in performance, style and substance.
In addition, IBM is rounding out the Aptiva product line with the Aptiva E4N, priced at $1299*, which is the first consumer PC in the industry to feature AMD’s newly announced AMD-K6®-2/350MHz(1) processor.
“Now that we have delivered a superior sub-$1,000 PC, we feel it is very important to re-address the needs of the higher end of the PC marketplace. With our new Aptiva SE7, we are delivering the best in technology, design and performance to fit the lifestyle of the technology savvy buyer,” said Brian Connors, vice president, IBM Aptiva brand. “IBM is the company that is best able to bring outstanding quality and technology to consumers at every price point.”
Upon its introduction in 1996, IBM’s Aptiva S Series product line set the bar for premium PCs based on its design, innovation, style and technology. In that tradition, IBM’s new Aptiva SE7 is loaded with leading-edge multimedia technology, superior storage capabilities and extra expandability options for image-conscious consumers who expect the best from IBM.
“The sub-$1,000 PC category has been hot for more than a year, but growth in that space is slowing pretty dramatically,” said Aaron Goldberg, analyst at ZD Market Intelligence. “Although low-priced PCs will continue to be an important market segment, there are still consumers who demand, and are willing to pay more for, products with the most advanced hardware and software technology. IBM’s new Aptiva S Series is designed to tap into the needs of a market that has been underserved over the past 12-18 months.”
Elegant Style in a Smaller Space
Along with the Aptive SE7, IBM is announcing an optional black 15-inch flat-panel monitor for the consumer needing to conserve space without compromising on style. Not only does the 15-inch flat-panel monitor offer a true 15-inch viewable image size that nearly matches that of most 17-inch CRTs, but it is also optimized for 1024×768 resolution. This combination of size and resolution provides sharper clarity and crisper images on screen. In addition, the slim Infinity speakers not only take up less room on the desktop, but also deliver superb audio quality for the discerning listener. These features make it easy to integrate an Aptiva SE7 into any home or work environment. Also available for the Aptiva SE7 are 17-inch (15.9-inch viewable) and 19-inch (17.8-inch viewable) CRT monitors.
The Substance Behind the Style
In addition to the style and elegance of the Aptiva SE7, IBM has incorporated many features that set it apart from the ordinary PC. These include:
Power and Performance
Intel 450 MHz Pentium II Processor
IBM’s Deskstar 16.8GB(2) hard drive — one of the largest and fastest hard drives in the industry
True expandability in a high performance mini-tower PC including three open slots and two open bays
DVD-ROM drive for superior performance in graphics on games and movies
The Answer for Internet Enthusiasts
Fast 56K (v.90 compatible )(3) modem and choice of Internet browsers
Access to IBM Global Services — one of the highest rated ISPs — and 100 hour trial with America Online during the first month at no charge(4)
IBM’s exclusive “Aptiva on the Net” which enables Aptiva owners to surf the IBM web site for valuable information, at no additional charge during the warranty period(5)
IBM Update Connector which downloads select software files, drivers utilities and solutions to keep a system running at its optimum(6) Productivity and Education Tools
IBM’s own exclusive ScrollPoint Mouse and Rapid Access Keyboard
Productivity and protection software(7) including IBM Via Voice, Lotus SmartSuite, Norton AntiVirus and ConfigSafe
Education and reference software titles including World Book ’98 and Edmark Thinkin’ Things
Optional IBM Ethernet cards can be added to allow file, printer and resource sharing between PCs
Owner Privileges — The Ultimate Membership Program
All new Aptiva models feature a one year limited warranty(8) and include a one year Owner Privileges membership(9). This includes:
Service Privileges — preferred call handling(10), on-line support and step-by-step guides for installing featured networking solutions
Protection Privileges — alerts consumers via e-mail about performance-enhancing downloads available through IBM’s Update Connector, as well as upgrade advice and compatibility
Discount Privileges — delivers regular discount offers on the Internet, quarterly mailings with special discounts and software samples(11)
Advisory Privileges — a “cyber library” of articles covering family and financial tips, college information, training, exploring the Internet and more
Information about IBM’s Owner Privileges program can be obtained through the Web site located at http://www.ibm.com/privileges or by calling 1-888-PRIVILEGES
Aptiva E4N — Outstanding Technology at a Low Price
While the Aptiva SE7 is designed to meet the needs of the high end user, the Aptiva E4N delivers outstanding technology and performance at a lower price. Equipped with the latest AMD K6-2/350MHz processor, this system will meet the needs of many mid-range PC users. Backed by the quality and reliability for which IBM is known, this system includes more features than any other $1,299 Aptiva that IBM has ever offered, including 64MB(12) SDRAM, an 8.0 GB hard drive, Infinity speakers and graphics powered by the ATI Rage Pro Turbo 2X AGP.
Source: IBM