AUSTIN, Texas -- Dell Computer Corp. announced a new marketing strategy Monday, introducing three new lines of personal computers targeted at different market segments.
The new PC lines are: the Dell NetPlex, aimed at corporate customers looking for an inexpensive network 'node'; the Dell OptiPlex, targeted at corporate customers who require more advanced features and performance; and the Dell Dimension XPS, directed at PC enthusiasts who seek leading-edge performance and rock bottom pricing.
The Dell NetPlex line offers corporate customers who use networked systems a high-quality, network-ready client system at an low price.
NetPlex systems come with factory-installed network cards certified to be Novell- and Banyan-compatible. Designed from the ground up for networked environments, the NetPlex design features a compact chassis and space-saving keyboard that make the most of often limited desk space.
Though designed for networking, NetPlex systems -- available with a variety of 486 microprocessors and upgradable to Intel OverDrive processors -- also can be used as stand-alone machines in a corporate environment. Prices start at $1,049 including color monitor.
The Dell OptiPlex line is aimed at corporate customers who seek more advanced features and performance.
OptiPlex MX products, the first systems in the new line, are mid- sized desktop PCs that feature the same convenient factory-installed network cards as the NetPlex line.
The new systems also offer advanced features like local-bus expansion slots to allow for easy upgrade to new technologies, extremely fast graphics and built-in diagnostics that allowing customers to easily identify system problems so a service technician can more quickly correct them.
Prices for the OptiPlex MX begin at $1,399, including a color monitor.
The Dell Dimension XPS line is aimed at customers -- hobbyists and technology enthusiasts in both the business and home computing environment -- who demand the highest possible performance at the lowest possible cost.
Each Dimension XPS system starts with an Intel 486 DX2 microprocessor, running at 50 or 66 megahertz.
They also include a minimum of 8 megabytes of random access memory to handle even the most complex applications and a No. 9 GXE VL video card, offering not only faster video performance but increased flexibility in controlling resolution and display characteristics, regardless of the monitor used.
For the ultimate in video performance, an optional Diamond Viper VL video card provides the fastest Windows graphics on the market. Other options include a CD-ROM drive, sound card and amplified speakers.
Prices for the Dimension XPS systems start at $2,049, including an UltraScan color monitor.
The Dell NetPlex and Dimension XPS systems are available immediately from Dell. The OptiPlex products will be available beginning August 9.
