Mactell unveils G3 systems, entry-level models
Mac OS cloner Mactell Corp. this week introduced new high-performance models with PowerPC 750 processors in its XB Pro line of Mac clones as well as a pair of entry-level configurations.
The company took the wraps off the XB Pro G3, a series of models based on the Tsunami logic board design that will run the PowerPC 750, or G3, processors. The company said the machines are due by the end of the month.
The upcoming systems will come standard with 32 Mbytes of RAM, a 2-Gbyte hard drive, a 24x CD-ROM and a graphics card with 8 Mbytes of video RAM. In addition to the backside Level 2 cache usual with G3 systems, the models will include a 512-Kbyte Level 3 cache.
The $4,995 XB Pro G3 275Mhz will run a 275-MHz processor and a 1-Mbyte backside cache. A similar configuration with a 266-MHz chip and 1-Mbyte backside cache will cost $4,595.
The $3,595 XB Pro G3 250Mhz will run a 250-MHz processor and a 512-Kbyte backside cache.
In addition, Mactell said it will offer G3 upgrades to users of its XB Pro models, which use PowerPC 604e processors. The cards will cost $969 to $1,889, depending on the model and processor speed.
Also, the company recently released an XB Tanzania series, which use the 40-MHz Tanzania I logic board. The systems include a 200-MHz PowerPC 603e processor, 16 Mbytes of RAM, 2 Mbytes of VRAM, a 1-Gbyte hard drive and an 8x CD-ROM drive. A desktop version with three PCI slots costs $795; a five-slot minitower model is $849.
Mactell Vice President Pat Berry said the company until recently was focused on OEM customers. It now offers direct buyers an online ordering system. "This market isn't going to go away," Berry said. "There will always be people who don't want to buy slower Apple drives and cards when they're going to do their own configurations."
Mactell Corp. of Austin, Texas, can be reached at (512) 323-6000 or (888) 622-8355; fax (512) 323-6394; http://www.mactell.com.