IBM Corp yesterday finally got around to announcing its PS/ValuePoint budget personal computers onto a US market long satiated with ever cheaper personal computers bearing blue chip brand names. The are four basic models, and they can be ordered via a toll-free telephone response line. The entry-level PS/ValuePoint 325T costs $1,300 and uses IBM’s 386SLC chip; it includes colour monitor and 80Mb disk. The PS/ValuPoint 425SX uses a 25MHz 80486SX and costs $1,630 with 80Mb, colour screen and 80Mb disk, with OS/2 2.0 pre-loaded. The ValuePoint 433DX includes a 120Mb disk and OS/2 2.0 at $2,000; no price for the 66MHz 466DX2, with a 212Mb disk. IBM reckons the ValuePoint will compete effectively with Compaq Computer Corp’s Prolinea, AST Research Inc’s Bravo line and Dell Computer Corp P Series; the machines will also be available to authorised resellers; prices include access to HelpWare support, with 24-hour, seven-day toll-free phone technical support, facsimile support, 24-hour bulletin board and next-day on-site service for the 12-month warranty.
