Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD)

[KeithDust2000]

eMachines Introduces 64-Bit PC for Gaming and Other Multimedia Applications

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 16, 2003--
Incorporating AMD Athlon(TM) 64 Processor, T6000 Series Accelerates Today's Applications and Provides Platform for Era of 64-Bit Computing


eMachines Inc., the third-largest provider of desktop PCs in the United States according to IDC, today introduced its T6000 PC, the first in a series of new 64-bit PCs from the company incorporating the AMD Athlon(TM) 64 processor.

Enhancing the performance of 32-bit applications for gaming, digital photography and other multimedia applications, the T6000 provides a ready platform for the coming era of 64-bit computing for consumers. The product features an AMD Athlon 64 processor 3200+ with HyperTransport(TM) technology, increasing bandwidth and reducing bottlenecks for increased processing speed and seamless multi-tasking on multiple applications.

"The T6000 is designed to offer cinematic gaming experiences and accelerate digital photography applications such as Adobe(R) Photoshop(R)," said Ed Fisher, senior vice president, global sales operations for eMachines, based in Irvine. "It also provides a platform for cutting-edge 64-bit applications promising new computing experiences that are planned for release as early as the first quarter of 2004.

"The eMachines T6000 series of 64-bit PCs demonstrates our continuing commitment to providing consumers high-quality products with the latest technology at the right price," Fisher said.

"eMachines' customers can immediately reap the benefits of the AMD Athlon 64 processor's extraordinary application performance while also gaining a foothold into the next wave of personal computing," said Marty Seyer, general manager of AMD's Microprocessor Business Unit. "AMD has taken the leadership role in bringing 64-bit computing to the desktop. With the evolutionary AMD64 technology, customers get leading-edge performance today coupled with the ability to take advantage of 64-bit computing when they want to."

The T6000 also includes an ATI RADEON(TM) 9600 video card with 128MB/128-bit dual channel memory support for "cinematic" visual quality for games and other graphics-intensive applications. Other features include a front-panel "8-in-1 Media Reader" for downloading digital audio and video from a wide range of new media devices, 512 MB PC3200 DDR memory, WD Caviar(R) SE 160 GB hard drive with 7,200 RPM and 8 MB cache, and CD-RW and DVD drives.

"The T6000 is perfect for gaming enthusiasts and demanding PC users," said Rick Bergman, senior vice-president, marketing and general manager, Desktop Business Unit, ATI Technologies. "ATI's RADEON 9600 graphics gives users a distinct advantage with its speed, precision and superior performance."

The eMachines T6000 PC is currently available from Best Buy with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $1,299. The T6000 series of 64-bit PCs will be available from additional authorized eMachines retailers next year.

Featuring an elegant chassis design with six-channel audio and premium keyboard with "shortcuts" to key features, the eMachines T6000 includes seven USB 2.0 ports, two 1394 IEEE ports, one serial port and one parallel port as well as 10/100 Mbps built-in Ethernet, VIA KT800 chipset, floppy disk drive and V.92 modem.

The 8-in-1 media reader on the front panel offers compatibility with all major digital storage technology, including Secure Digital, Smart Media, Compact Flash, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Micro Drive, Multimedia Card media, and USB 2.0 mini-flash drives.

The T6000 features the Microsoft Windows(R) XP Home Edition operating system, Microsoft Works 7.0, Microsoft Money 2004, Encarta Online, Adobe Acrobat(R) Reader(TM), Power DVD, Microsoft Media Player, Real Player, Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, CompuServe, MSN, and three-month AOL membership.

"With its new T6000, eMachines is satisfying the needs of the PC enthusiast and gamer market segments in which Western Digital's award-winning and innovative Special Edition series has been tremendously popular for years," Richard E. Rutledge, vice president of marketing for Western Digital Corp.

Norton AntiVirus 2003 comes pre-installed on all eMachines PCs, providing protection from all previously released computer viruses. After three months, users can choose to subscribe to anti-virus updates from Symantec for protection from future viruses.

eMachines supports all of its PCs and monitors through a comprehensive Customer Care program comprised of one-year free parts, labor and technical support with several service options, including an End-User Replaceable Parts Program, five-day depot repair, and nationwide authorized service centers.

On-site service is included for customers purchasing two- or three-year extended service plans. The two-year plan costs $99 and the three-year plan costs $139 when purchased by the customer within 90 days of the PC purchase.

In addition, a pro-active service tool called BigFix(R) is available at no charge on every eMachines system. With the customer's permission, BigFix identifies and sends "Fixlet" messages offering upgrades to enhance the performance or capabilities of the customer's specific PC configuration. For instance, eMachines users who have activated the BigFix application are offered Microsoft(R) XP operating system updates to prevent damage from the latest worm or virus, or a new video driver to support the latest computer games.

For more information, consumers can visit www.emachines.com or call 800-362-2446.

About eMachines Inc.

Recently voted the No. 3 top-selling desktop PC vendor in the United States by industry analysts IDC, eMachines Inc. is a privately held company dedicated to providing consumers with affordable, high-value personal computers. Incorporating the same high-quality, brand-name components as other major PC brands, eMachines is able to offer premium value to its customers by working closely with its manufacturing and retail partners, and by strictly maintaining one of the lowest operating costs in the PC industry. Since inception, eMachines has shipped more than 6 million PCs through leading national and international retailers, catalog and online merchandisers. For more information, visit www.emachines.com

Note to Editors: eMachines is a registered trademark of eMachines Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Features, pricing, availability and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Contacts


Maples Communications for eMachines Inc.
Rick Havacko or Mike Kilroy, 949-477-0710
[e-mail]

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