Packard Bell, Microsoft Introduce Fancy PC for the Consumer Market

Packard Bell on Monday introduced a souped-up personal computer for the consumer market that is the first PC to carry the Microsoft Corp. name.

The Microsoft Station, available now at an estimated retail price of $3,499, includes an Intel Corp. Pentium 133-megahertz processor and a bundle of more than 30 Microsoft software titles.

The computer, which comes with a quad-speed CD-ROM drive and high-quality audio, also includes a 1.6-gigabyte hard drive, 16 megabytes of RAM and a built-in telephone answering machine.

“Together, Packard Bell and Microsoft decided to partner on an ultimate machine designed to fit the lifestyle of the person who wants the very best,” Packard Bell Chief Executive Beny Alagem said in a statement.

Among the Microsoft software included on the machine is the Windows 95 operating system, Office productivity software and several CD-ROM references, including the Encarta 96 encyclopedia and Bookshelf 95 general reference collection.

Packard Bell has about 12% of the U.S. PC market. It is virtually tied with Compaq Computer Corp. for the No. 2 position in sales. Apple Computer Inc. is No. 1.