Dell's New 386SX Systems Include Low-Priced Model and Portable
 
Microbytes Daily News Service
Copyright (c) 1989, McGraw-Hill, Inc.
Dell Computer today is introducing two systems based on Intel's
386SX CPU. The new System 316SX is one of the lowest-priced SX
machines on the market, and the 316LT is the company's first
portable computer.
 
The System 316SX is a small-footprint 16-MHz 386SX-based desktop
that will list for $1899 and come with 512K RAM, a 20-megabyte
hard drive, a floppy drive, and a VGA monochrome monitor. This is
only $300 more than a similarly configured System 210, a 286
(12.5 MHz) computer. The motherboard of the 316SX can accept up
to 8 megabytes of RAM and includes a VGA controller, disk
controllers, serial and parallel ports, and a math coprocessor
socket. Three 16-bit expansion slots and three drive bays are
available for an internal hard drive and two half-height drives.
The 316SX should be available by the end of November, Dell says.
A version with 2 megabytes of RAM, a 40-megabyte hard drive, and
a VGA color monitor will sell for $2699.
 
Dell's new 316LT is a 15-pound battery-powered portable based on
a 16-MHz 386SX CPU. It features a blue-toned backlit supertwist
LCD screen with VGA-standard resolution up to 640 by 480 pixels
and 16 gray shades. Standard memory is 1M byte, and up to 8M
bytes can be installed on the motherboard. For storage there's a
20-megabyte hard drive and a 3.5-inch 1.44-megabyte floppy drive;
a 40-megabyte drive and an external 5.25-inch 1.2-megabyte drive
are options. The Dell 316LT has a list price of $3499. A model
with a 40-megabyte hard drive lists for $3799. The system is
available immediately.
 
The most innovative aspect of the Dell portable is what Dell
calls its patent-pending Continuous Power Battery System. Like
many portables, the 316LT uses small, removable NiCad battery
packs, but in addition there's an internal battery that will run
all operations without interruption for 3 to 5 minutes during the
time needed to remove and replace the battery pack. Dell
anticipates that users will carry several of the $80 battery
packs, which last 2-3 hours and require 8 hours to recharge. An
external charger will be available at a later date. A light but
bulky AC adapter is also available.
 
The display is removable (it works only when attached, however;
there's no extension cord) and it can be easily replaced in the
event of failure or for later upgrades to superior display
technology.
 
Contact: Dell Computer Corp, 9505 Arboretum Blvd, Austin, TX
78759-7299 (512) 338-4400; fax (512) 338-8421.
 
                              --- Andy Reinhardt
 
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