New IBM Aptiva Models Feature IBM ViaVoice Technology for the Holiday Season
When Consumers Talk, the New Aptiva PCs Listen and Take Note
Research Triangle Park, NC (September 23, 1998) – IBM today announced four powerful new Aptiva PC models, three of which deliver IBM’s industry-leading ViaVoice speech recognition software — providing consumers with one of the most advanced speech-to-text technologies available on a PC.
With prices ranging from $899 to $1,799*, these new Aptiva models offer consumers an outstanding combination of technology features. Three of the new systems combine Infinity brand speakers with ViaVoice software, allowing the PC to not only type when users talk, but also speak with incredible clarity(1).
Rounding out the IBM-exclusive products featured on two of the Aptivas are the Rapid Access Keyboard and ScrollPoint Mouse, both developed to make the PC as easy to use as possible. In addition, these IBM Aptiva PCs come with industry leading Internet tools, unsurpassed service and support and popular software titles(2) that make for a great buy this holiday season.
“IBM Aptiva has long been recognized for delivering outstanding multimedia technology to consumers,” said Brian Connors, vice president, IBM Aptiva brand. “By incorporating the power of IBM’s ViaVoice technology into three of these new Aptiva models, we are providing our customers with technology unmatched by the competition.”
Specific attributes of each new Aptiva E Series model include:
Aptiva E2U: $899 – features substantial technology and multimedia capabilities, including an AMD-K6-2/333MHz(3) processor with 512K L2 Pipeline Burst cache, 48MB(4) RAM, 6.0 GB(5) hard drive, 4MB SGRAM and a 32X max-14X min CD-ROM(6) drive and complete Lotus SmartSuite.
Aptiva E3U: $1,099 – equipped with an AMD-K6-2/350MHz processor and 100MHz front-side bus, 64MB(4) RAM, 8.0 GB hard drive, 4MB SGRAM, 32X max-14X min CD-ROM drive and popular software including IBM ViaVoice and Lotus SmartSuite.
Aptiva E5U: $1,399 – powered by an Intel® 350MHz Pentium® II chip with 100MHz front-side bus, 96MB RAM, an 8.0 GB hard drive, 4MB SGRAM, DVD-ROM drive and popular software including IBM ViaVoice and Lotus SmartSuite.
Aptiva E6U: $1,799 – Intel 400MHz Pentium II chip and 100MHz front-side bus, 128MB SDRAM, 13.5 GB hard drive, 4MB SGRAM, DVD-ROM drive and popular software including IBM ViaVoice, Lotus SmartSuite, World Book 1998 Multimedia Encyclopedia and Edmark’s Thinkin’ Things 1.
IBM Owner Privileges: Meeting the Owner’s Personal Needs
For added protection and piece of mind, all new Aptiva models feature a one year limited warranty(7) and include a one year Owner Privileges(TM) membership(8). Owner Privileges gives the Aptiva owner a number of great features including:
E-mail messages about performance enhancing downloads available through IBM’s Update Connector, as well as upgrade advice and compatibility
Preferred call handling(9), on-line support and step-by-step guides for installing featured networking solutions
A “cyber library” of articles covering family and finacial tips, college information, training, exploring the Internet and more
Regular discounts on selected software bundles(10)
Information about IBM’s Owner Privileges program can be obtained through the Web site located at http://www.pc.ibm.com/privileges or by calling 1-888-PRIVILEGES.
IBM Aptiva: Adding Internet to Everything Else
Every IBM Aptiva features the following tools to help users take advantage of the Internet:
Fast 56K (v.90 compatible)(11) modem and choice of Internet browsers
Access to IBM Global Services — one of the highest rated ISPs
100 hour free trial with America Online during the first month(12)
IBM’s exclusive “Aptiva on the Net,” which enables Aptiva owners to surf the IBM web site for valuable information, without the need for an ISP(13)
IBM Update Connector which downloads select software files, drivers, utilities and solutions to keep a system optimally running(14)
Productivity and protection software including IBM ViaVoice, Lotus SmartSuite, Norton AntiVirus and ConfigSafe
Optional IBM Ethernet cards can be added to allow file, printer and resource sharing between PCs
Source: IBM