Dell Adds Anti-Theft Security for Notebook Computers

ROUND ROCK, Texas & VANCOUVER, Canada--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Dell and Absolute Software have teamed to provide notebook computer theft recovery services for Dell's U.S. consumer customers.

The move makes Dell the first PC manufacturer to deliver a higher degree of peace of mind by combining theft recovery measures with accidental damage protection.

With the purchase of select Dell(TM) Inspiron(TM) notebooks, customers who opt for CompleteCare Accidental Damage Service(1) with prices ranging from $99 to $139, now will receive Computrace(R) LoJack(R) for Laptops(2) theft recovery service, valued at between $49 and $119. This service is available for systems with 1 - 4 year warranties.

Dell's CompleteCare(TM) Accidental Damage Service, available in most states, provides coverage for issues not covered under the standard limited warranty. These include spills, drops and electrical surges. Computrace LoJack for Laptops gives consumers additional benefits by providing security software that helps track down a notebook computer if lost or stolen and helps protect any personal data on the system.

"Losing a computer is costly, even potentially devastating, when you consider the value of the data and personal information stored on today's notebooks," said Rocky Mountain, of Dell's U.S. Consumer business. "Combining accidental damage protection with theft recovery service is a huge win for consumers who want increased security."

Dawn Burnett, a student at the University of Massachusetts, found this out the hard way. "When I purchased my Dell notebook last year, I wanted to keep my investment safe and secure, so I bought both CompleteCare and the LoJack for Laptops," Burnett said. "It really paid off when my computer was stolen from my dorm room. The companies came to my rescue. Absolute tracked down and recovered my computer, and Dell fixed the damage that occurred during the theft."

"Mobile computing is becoming the standard for individual consumers, and with it comes increased exposure to identity theft and data loss from loss or theft," said John Livingston, chairman and CEO of Absolute Software. "Dell clearly understands this risk and has become the first PC manufacturer to offer an integrated accidental damage and theft recovery solution to help protect its customers."

"Absolute has been reuniting Dell business and institutional customers with their lost and stolen notebooks for almost 10 years and looks forward to extending our industry-leading theft protection service to Dell's home users," said Livingston.

Computrace LoJack for Laptops is also available for purchase as a standalone product on the Dell Software and Peripherals site for prices ranging from $49 - 139.

Dell received the Computer Shopper 2006 Shoppers' Choice Award for best customer service and support recently. This caps off a year when Dell invested $150 million in customer service and support improvements.

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 other computer company, placing it No. 25 on the Fortune 500. For more information, visit www.dell.com. To get Dell news direct, visit www.dell.com/RSS.

About Absolute Software

Absolute Software Corp. (TSX:ABT) is the leader in Computer Theft Recovery, Data Protection and Secure Asset Tracking(TM) solutions. Absolute Software provides organizations and consumers with solutions in the areas of regulatory compliance, data protection and theft recovery. The company's Computrace(R) software is embedded in the BIOS of computers by global leaders, including all Dell notebook computers. For more information about Absolute Software and Computrace, visit www.absolute.com. For product information on Computrace LoJack for Laptops, please visit www.lojackforlaptops.com.

Pricing, specifications, availability and terms of offers 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.

Dell and Inspiron are trademarks of Dell Inc.

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

(1) CompleteCare Accidental Damage Service: CompleteCare service excludes theft, loss, and damage due to fire, flood or other acts of nature, or intentional damage. CompleteCare not available in all states. Customer may be required to return unit to Dell. For complete details, visit www.dell.com/servicecontracts.

(2) Computrace LoJack for Laptops: Not a Dell offer. Certain conditions apply. Only if the Customer Computer has not been Recovered during the Recovery Period and the Customer has fully complied with all of the Money-Back Guarantee Terms and Conditions: CRI or ASC will pay the Customer the lesser of the amount equal to the actual price paid by the customer for the recovery service (exclusive of taxes, shipping or handling charges) or the U.S. Suggested Retail Price for the Service Term purchased, regardless of the amount of service remaining. For full details, see terms and conditions at www.lojackforlaptops.com.

Source: Dell

Released February 6, 2007