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Advanced Mobile Wireless Card From Dell Bolsters Speed, Range; Draft 802.11n Wi-Fi Technology, Dell Network Assistant Software Deliver Faster, Easier-to-Operate Wireless Networking Connections

Posted on: Monday, 17 July 2006, 12:00 CDT

Dell (NASDAQ:DELL) today announced an internal wireless mini card capable of giving many of its notebook customers up to five times the speed(1) and twice the range(2) of the industry's widely used 802.11g Wi-Fi technology standard(3).

The Dell Wireless 1500 Draft 802.11n dual-band wireless card is available now for all Dell(TM) XPS(TM) mobile systems and select Inspiron(TM) notebooks.

Dell also unveiled a new software utility, Dell Network Assistant, to help simplify the setup and management of wireless networks. The application is pre-installed on all new Dell XPS systems, Inspiron notebooks, Dimension(TM) desktops and select Dell Precision(TM) workstations.

When connected to a wireless Draft 802.11n network router featuring Intensi-fi(TM) technology, the Dell Wireless 1500 Draft 802.11n wireless card supports data rates up to 270 megabits per second (Mbps)(1), versus the maximum 54 Mbps(1) with 802.11g wireless technology(4). The Dell card is Wi-Fi certified to ensure backward compatibility with 802.11g, 802.11b and 802.11a wireless standards.

With increased throughput and greater range, 802.11n wireless technology easily manages challenging tasks that can bog down a wireless network, such as multi-user, graphic-intensive gaming, high-definition video streaming or transferring large data or multimedia files. Users can also experience greater mobility, connecting to the wireless network in areas that may have formerly been out of range, such as porches and decks.

The Dell Wireless 1500 Draft 802.11n wireless card, priced at $59, features a next-generation wireless technology based on the 1.0 draft of the IEEE 802.11n specification. Faster speeds and increased range are enabled by a sophisticated antenna system that manages the transmission and receipt of multiple simultaneous data streams (Multi-Input, Multi-Output or MIMO).

Dell Network Assistant

Since almost 90 percent of Dell notebooks are configured with a wireless card, Dell understands that mobile users need a fast and easy way to work with wireless networks. Dell Network Assistant is an all-in-one utility that helps users set up, maintain and even troubleshoot networks and networked devices.

Dell teamed up with SingleClick Systems to develop the utility, which features various setup wizards, including file and print sharing, a digital home interface and self-diagnosis and self-healing capabilities.

A full version of Dell Network Assistant is pre-installed on all Dell consumer notebooks and desktops available today. Current Dell customers can view a product demonstration and download the application at www.dell.com/networkassistant. After initiating the software, customers have access to the full version for 90 days. After that, the utility will continue to provide basic support, such as network status, troubleshooting and help with repairs. Customers can purchase the full version for $39 to use for the life of the system.

About Dell

Dell Inc. (NASDAQ:DELL) listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services they trust and value. Uniquely enabled by its direct business model, Dell sells more systems globally than any computer company, placing it No. 25 on the Fortune 500. Company revenue for the past four quarters was $56.7 billion. For more information, visit http://www.dell.com. To get Dell news direct, visit http://www.dell.com/RSS.

Pricing, specifications, availability and terms of offer may change without notice. Taxes, fees, shipping, handling and any applicable restocking charges are extra, and vary. Dell cannot be responsible for pricing or other errors, and reserves the right to cancel orders arising from such errors.

(1) For comparative purposes only. Actual speed varies with environment, equipment and other factors and will be less.

(2) Range may vary due to number of users, interference, transmission barriers (such as walls and building material) and other factors.

(3) Dell Wireless 1500 Draft 802.11n wireless card must be connected to Draft 11n routers with Intensi-fi(TM) technology. Tests were conducted by a third-party testing company in June 2006 comparing the Dell Wireless 1500 Draft 802.11n and the Intel 3945 802.11a/g internal wireless cards in a Dell XPS M1210 notebook.

(4) For best performance and interoperability, network routers should have latest firmware updates. Firmware updates can be downloaded from router manufacturers' websites.

Dell is a trademark of Dell Inc.

Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.

Source: Business Wire

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