Dell Computer and Gateway announced the availability yesterday of
new systems with updated hardware from Intel, including Gigabit
Ethernet capability and enhanced graphics support,
respectively.
Gateway will offer Intel's new 845GL chipset and six USB (Universal
Serial Bus) 2.0 connections with seven machines in its Gateway 300
series and Gateway 500 series.
Dell introduced the OptiPlex GX260, which features an Intel
Pro/1000 MT Gigabit (10/100/1000) Ethernet controller, which will
allow users to take advantage of Gigabit Ethernet technology - a
networking technology that allows data to flow at 1Gbps (bits per
second), a significant improvement over existing 100Mbps
technology.
Gigabit Ethernet has dropped in price, and the cost of moving up to
it would not have been too much for Dell. At present, it is still
mainly a server-to-server technology used by companies with
high-bandwidth applications.
Dell is also including the OpenManage Client Administrator, a
management tool for system administrators designed to facilitate
software deployment, system migration, and inventory of hardware
and software. The application was developed in a partnership with
Altiris Software.
An entry-level version of the GX260, with a 1.7GHz Intel Celeron
processor, 128Mbytes of Dual Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic RAM and
a 20Gbyte hard drive is priced at $749 (£514). A configuration with
a 1.8 Intel Pentium 4 processor, 128Mbytes of DDR SDRAM, and a
20Gbyte hard drive starts at $849 (£583).
Gateway is targeting the home user, looking to increase interest in
its lower-cost 300 series and mid-level 500 series.
Users will be able to choose between the standard Intel 845G or
845GL chipset on the following models: the Gateway 300LS, the
Gateway 300S, the Gateway 300X, the Gateway 500L, the Gateway
500SE, the Gateway 500S, and the Gateway 500X. The systems range in
price from $649 (£445) to $1,499 (£1,028), and are available
immediately.
The Intel Extreme Graphics feature allows users to view more
graphics-intensive video and games, including 3D rendering, on
their home PCs. The six USB 2.0 ports also cater to the
entertainment-conscious user by providing connections for
peripherals like digital cameras or audio players, and permitting
faster downloads.