ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, September 26, 1996 TAG: 9609260057
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: NEW YORK
SOURCE: DAVID E. KALISH ASSOCIATED PRESS
THE IBM APTIVA S SERIES separates the diskette and CD-ROM drives from the rest of the circuitry to give the user more flexibility and less backache.
IBM plans to introduce its new home computers today, a line of black machines with a unique idea for saving desk space that reflects the growing influence of other sleek electronic equipment.
Its new Aptiva S Series separates the diskette and CD-ROM drives from the box that contains the main circuitry, allowing people to place the computer box away from the work area without sacrificing convenience.
The foray into design by the No.2 personal computer maker signals that the recent industry trend has entered the mainstream.
PC makers struggle to stand out because their machines are fundamentally similar, built from the same processing chips and operating software.
``What this signals is that IBM is realizing the trend of where the market is going, and they realize they have to be inside that trend,'' said Bill Zinsmeister, an analyst at International Data Corp., based in Framingham, Mass.
The Aptiva S encases the drives and power controls in a discrete slim ``media console'' that forms a base for the monitor, close at hand even when the hardware box is stored off the desk. Previously, people could stow the bulky box away from the desk but would then need to stretch to insert and eject diskettes and CDs.
The new system also features a distinctive monitor stand supported by elegant wide arches to provide space for the keyboard when not in use.
The computer system also lessens the clutter on the screen, featuring software that centralizes all the communication functions, from fax to e-mail. An individual entering the central location can click the cursor on any one of the mailboxes and start the function. Consumers also can dial from a remote location into the Aptiva system to get voice playback of their e-mail messages.
Its lowest-cost model will use Intel Corp.'s Pentium 166 MHz microprocessor with prices starting at $2,499, excluding a monitor. The highest-cost machine, at $3,099, will be run by a 200 MHz Pentium. All will have at least 16 megabytes of main memory, hard drives ranging from 2.5 to 3.2 gigabytes and 28,800 bps modems.
Monitors cost an extra $499 to $799, depending on display size.
Analysts said that IBM cut its prices by between $150 and $300, or up to 10 percent, at the last minute, so the new models wouldn't be dismissed as upscale high-end computers.
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: AP. The IBM Aptiva S Series costs $3,000 to $3,800.by CNB