Packard Bell PCs Add Another Remote to Pile
The computer for the couch potato has arrived.
Packard Bell Electronics Inc., unveiling its fall lineup of personal computers today, will include a remote control to run communication and entertainment features and perform basic tasks such as opening files.
Some industry analysts expressed skepticism about the immediate appeal of the innovation but called it a sign of the role PCs may someday play as a center for different electronics devices.
Packard Bell also has created several new designs for its PCs, making them resemble other consumer electronics items that blend in with the furniture. They include an ultra-thin model that resembles a CD player and a diamond-shaped one that fits into a corner.
“We are creating the deepest line of computers for a consumer to consider,” said Beny Alagem, the company’s chief executive officer. His company has led others in U.S. sales of PCs since October.
With the formal introduction today, Sacramento-based Packard Bell will again become the first PC maker to show off its models for fall and the holidays, the busiest sales period of the year for computers.
Most of the machines will be run by Intel Corp.’s advanced Pentium chip, although some Packard Bell models will continue to use 486 chips. All will have at least 8 megabytes of main memory and 28,800-speed modems. Hard drives will range from 540 megabytes to 2,100 megabytes. Prices run from $1,400 to $3,000, including monitor.
The new models should be in stores late this month. They will include coupons for buyers to get Microsoft Corp.’s new operating software, Windows 95, free when it becomes available Aug. 24.
