(EMAILWIRE.COM, October 28, 2002 ) Michael Dell today announced worldwide availability of the OptiPlex™ SX260, the smallest and most flexible desktop computer in Dell history.

"The OptiPlex SX260 is a result of direct customer feedback," said Dell, CEO and chairman, at a press conference. "We talk daily to tens of thousands of customers around the world and continually incorporate their feedback into the design of innovative, relevant products. The SX260 is ideally suited for space-conscious customers, including many in the Japanese market, but doesn't sacrifice power as a result of its small size."

The SX260 weighs less than 8 pounds and is 50 percent smaller by volume than the existing OptiPlex small form factor chassis1. It can be easily mounted horizontally or vertically underneath a desk, to a wall or behind the optional SX260 flat panel monitor. The chassis attaches flush to the back of the flat panel stand to blend the space savings of a traditional all-in-one PC with the benefits of modularity, such as serviceability.

The system's hot-swappable media bay accommodates any module from the popular Dell Latitude C-Family of notebooks, allowing users to share modules, such as a CD-RW drive, amongst a mix of Latitude and SX260 systems. The SX260 is also the first OptiPlex system to support booting to the new Dell USB memory key, a removable storage device launching in November. Dell expects the convenience, reliability and higher storage capacity of USB memory keys to become the customer preference over floppy disk drives. The SX260 security features include a sequential locking system that prevents unwanted access to the media bay, chassis cover, internal hard drive door, motherboard and rear cabling, and locks the entire unit to the workspace itself, all through a single industry-standard Kensington lock slot.

The SX260 is also Dell's first slot-less desktop computer. The system has no PCI or AGP slots, meaning greater image stability and standardization. In addition, the SX260 is image compatible with Dell's mainstream GX260, which helps reduce overall total cost of ownership. The embedded Intel® Extreme graphics achieves AGP-quality performance and beyond by using up to 64MB of system memory2. SX260 customers have the option of Intel® Pentium® 4 or Celeron® processors, up to 2GB of high-performance DDR-SDRAM system memory and six integrated USB 2.0 ports, two in front and four in back. Networking features include integrated Gigabit3 Ethernet and an optional TrueMobile 1180 802.11b wireless networking module, which connects via USB and attaches easily to the chassis.

Prices for the OptiPlex SX260 start at $5994. A typical configuration sells for $1,4994 and includes an Intel Pentium 4 2.0 GHz processor, 256MB shared DDR-SDRAM, 20GB hard drive, removable 24X max CD-ROM, integrated Intel Pro/1000MT Gigabit Ethernet network adapter, integrated Intel Extreme graphics, 15" UltraSharp™ SX260 flat panel solution, Windows XP Professional, three-year limited warranty5 and next-business-day onsite service6.

OptiPlex desktops are designed for networked business environments, with long product lifecycles, standards-based technology and a full suite of user-friendly management tools, making them easy to deploy and maintain. Complete product details can be found at www.dell.com/optiplex.

The OptiPlex product line is supported by Dell Services, which can help lower customers' cost of computing with world-class service and support including deployment and after-sale support. Complete information on Dell Services is available at www.dell.com/services.

Technical Features of the OptiPlex SX260 include:

Intel® Pentium™ 4 (400&533MHz FSB) and Intel® Celeronâ processors (400MHz FSB)
Intel® PRO/1000 MT Gigabit Ethernet Network Connection
266MHz Shared DDR SDRAM
Integrated Intel® Extreme graphics
845G Chipset with ICH4
6 2.0 USB ports, 2 front & 4 rear
Integrated ATA/100 with SMART II
Integrated AC '97 Audio with front and rear jacks
Supports optional Dell USB memory key
LegacySelect 2.0 & S3/4 Ready
Windows® XP and 2000
Lockable media bay, internal hard drive door, motherboard access door and rear I/O
9.7" (247mm) x 3.3" (84.7mm) x 9.5" (242mm) (HxWxD)
7.8 lbs (3.5kg)
About Dell

Dell Computer Corporation (Nasdaq: DELL) is a premier provider of products and services required for customers worldwide to build their information-technology and Internet infrastructures. The company's revenue for the past four quarters totaled $31.2 billion. Dell, through its direct business model, designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements, and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained at www.dell.com.

Dell is a trademark of Dell Computer Corporation.
Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. 1OptiPlex Small Form Factor (SF) chassis volume is (643.5 in.3) vs. SX260 chassis volume (304.1 in.3) 2Between 32 and 64 MB of system memory may be allocated to support graphics, depending on system memory size and other factors. 3This term indicates compliance with IEEE standard 802.3ab for Gigabit Ethernet, and does not connote actual operating speed of 1Gb/sec. For high-speed transmission, connection to a Gigabit Ethernet server and network infrastructure is required. 4All pricing, specifications, and availability may change without notice. Taxes and shipping charges extra, and vary. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. U.S. only. 5For a copy of our guarantees or limited warranties, please write Dell USA L.P., Attn: Warranties, One Dell Way, Round Rock, TX 78682. 6Service may be provided by third-party. Technician will be dispatched if necessary following phone-based troubleshooting. Subject to parts availability, geographical restrictions and terms of service contract. Service timing dependent upon time of day call placed to Dell. U.S. only.

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Produced for Dell

Contact:


Cody Pinkston, Jess Blackburn
(512) 723-3593, (512) 725-0187
cody_pinkston@dell.com
jess_blackburn@dell.com



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