CompUSA Suggests ‘Hot’ Gifts for the Holidays
DALLAS — November 4, 1996 — CompUSA Inc. (NYSE: CPU), America's Largest Computer Superstore(R) retailer, today released its "CompGifts List" with suggestions for shoppers seeking the most popular and unique computer-related gifts this season.
"'Speed and style' is the theme this year," explained Larry Mondry, CompUSA executive vice president of merchandising. "We believe the hottest gift items will include PCs with 166 to 200 mhz Pentium processors, high-speed notebook computers, wireless keyboards, hand-held personal computers (HPCs), and 'edutainment' and game software."
CompUSA's 1996 CompGifts List offers the following gift ideas:
1) Desktop, multimedia personal computers with "all the bells and whistles" including a 200 mhz Pentium processor, 32 MB of RAM, a 3.0 gig hard drive, built-in fax/modem, telephone answering and video conferencing capabilities, and a CD-ROM drive. (Approximate price: $2800.)
"These are the ultimate systems, for either home or office, and they've got the power to run the latest software — whether you're organizing your finances, surfing the Internet or playing the newest game," said Mondry. "PC manufacturers have also introduced new colors and sleek, ergonomic designs that fit comfortably into everyday life."
2) Portable notebook PCs with high-speed, 100 to 133 mhz Pentium processors. This season's notebooks offer excellent value with a wide range of built-in features such as fax/modems, LAN cards, and CD-ROM drives. (Price range: $2000 to $4000.)
3) Wireless keyboards, mice and joysticks offer convenient, "tangle free" operation by utilizing radio frequency or infrared communication signals.
4) The lastest peripherals such as 17-inch monitors, "photo quality" high-resolution printers, 33.6 bps modems, and scanners.
5) Handheld personal computers (HPCs), which are small enough to fit into a coat pocket, will utilize Microsoft's new Windows CE operating system and feature touch-sensitive displays and miniature keyboards. Software will include handwriting recognition, a personal information manager, an Internet browser, e-mail, and applications based on Microsoft Office software.
6) Digital cameras eliminate the need for film by digitally storing photo images. The newest models offer improved image resolution, increased memory and easier-to-use features for casual photographers.
7) "DirecPC," a product from Hughes Network Systems, offers Internet access at a downstream speed more than three times faster than ISDN (and 14 times faster than a 28.8 bps modem) via a 21-inch satellite dish.
8) Computer software for all ages and interests. Suggested titles for children include "Toy Story Activity Center" and "101 Dalmatians Animated Story Book" (Disney Interactive), "Barbie Fashion Designer" (Mattel) and the "JumpStart" series (Knowledge Adventure). In games, "Flight Sim 6.0" (Microsoft), "Command & Conquer: Red Alert" (Virgin), "Quake" (ID Software) and "Mech Warrior 2: Mercenaries" (Activision) are expected to be hits. Popular productivity software will include "Netscape Navigator 3.0" (Netscape), "Windows 95" (Microsoft), "Norton AntiVirus 95 2.0" (Symantec) and "Quicken 6.0 for Win 95" (Intuit).
9) Accessories for the computer such as notebook bags, mouse pads, surge protectors, tool kits, and disk holders.
10) Gift certificates, the ideal "one size fits all" gift for computer users, are redeemable for any CompUSA merchandise and can be purchased in any denomination.
CompUSA Computer Superstores offer everyday low prices on a broad selection of thousands of computer hardware, software, accessory and related products, as well as excellent customer service. Each location also offers an extensive menu of technical services and a wide variety of on-site training classes.
CompUSA Inc. is one of the nation's leading retailers and resellers of personal computers and related products and services. The company currently operates 113 Computer Superstores(sm), in 52 major metropolitan markets throughout the United States, and PCs Compleat, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of CompUSA and a leading direct reseller of personal computers and peripherals. In addition to retail customers, CompUSA Computer Superstores serve corporate, government, and education customers. The Computer Superstores average 27,000 square feet and include technical service departments and classroom training facilities.
SOURCE: CompUSA Inc.
CONTACT:
Carol Elfstrom, Dir. of Public Communications, CompUSA, 972-982-4181