AST shatters price/performance barrier with Ascentia J20 notebook computer designed for the retail channel; part of the award-winning Ascentia J Series, the J20 makes its debut at selected stores providing the latest technology at an outstanding price.

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 12, 1996--Furthering its commitment to the retail channel, AST Computer today introduced the Ascentia J20, the first notebook computer in a new line of aggressively priced feature-rich mobile PCs developed specifically for the retail market.

Complete with a 100MHz Intel Pentium processor, a bright 11.3-inch SVGA STN color display and a host of hardware extras, the Ascentia J20 gives customers premium technology for an extraordinary value. The Ascentia J20 is currently available in the United States through Sam's Club and Price Costco.

"With the introduction of the Ascentia J20, AST continues its commitment to provide the best in hardware at extraordinary price points," said Mark Marlow, director, mobile product marketing for AST Computer. "The Ascentia J20 breaks new ground in the retail market by delivering a system that's fully equipped, from a powerful processor to an exceptional display, all for well under $2,000."

AST's Ascentia J20 Provides Performance without Compromise

Feature-packed and aggressively priced compared to other retail notebooks, the Ascentia J20 offers tremendous bang for the buck. Priced at only $1,799, the Ascentia J20 features an Intel 100MHz Pentium processor, 8MB of RAM standard expandable up to 40MB, a 540MB upgradeable hard drive, and two type II or one type III expansion slots. With the brilliant 11.3-inch Super VGA screen, customers can view up to 56 percent more information than on comparable systems.

Lightweight at only 5.9 pounds, the Ascentia J20 provides users with a choice of either Windows 95 or Windows for Workgroups and features a full-size keyboard with palm-rest and integrated trackstick.

A nickel-metal hydride battery provides up to three hours of battery life, and a PC Card slot gives users the ability to add storage or fax/modem capabilities. Sending and receiving files from any IrDA compliant computer or printer is easy with the Ascentia J20's built-in high-speed infrared port.

For the ultimate in audio, the Ascentia J20 has integrated 16-bit Sound Blaster compatible audio support and comes complete with a built-in speaker and microphone, allowing customers to interweave full-motion .AVI files with music, special effects or voice-over.

High-performance features such as 32-bit local bus video and 1MB of graphics memory provide users with added performance for their money. AST offers a one-year limited warranty and 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week technical support.

"The Ascentia J20 marks the beginning of a new era for AST in the retail market. We will continue expand our retail presence to capitalize on this growing market's demand for notebook PCs," commented Marlow.

"The introduction of these new feature-rich Pentium processor- based systems available with many of the best features at aggressive prices means customers have it all without spending a bundle. Follow on offerings will continue to include high-performance hardware at very competitive prices."

AST also offers the Ascentia line of professional notebooks for Fortune 1000 companies who require more power and advanced features which is sold through the reseller channel.

Worldwide Service and Support

All Ascentia notebooks are covered by a worldwide three-year limited warranty, giving users the flexibility and convenience of having their notebook computer serviced throughout the world.

The first year is covered automatically by ExeCarePlusSM 48-Hour Repair Service in the United States, with AST paying shipping fees. Years two and three are covered by a carry-in warranty service to more than 1,200 authorized service centers.

Users can extend their ExeCarePlus 48-Hour Repair Service for two more years for just $96. International customers are serviced on a carry-in basis by any of the authorized AST Service Providers located in more than 30 countries around the world. Upgrade programs are also available outside the United States, and service may vary according to the warranty terms of each country.

For mobile product customers, AST offers the Express ONE Overnight Notebook Exchange program. In conjunction with Federal Express Corp., AST provides a unique, next-business-day, on-site notebook replacement program.

A special introductory rate of $60 for one year, or $198 for three years, is available if Express ONE is acquired within 30 days of purchasing an AST notebook. After 30 days from notebook purchase, the cost is $108 for the remainder of the first year.

In addition, AST backs all of its products with a host of multisource support programs including:

-- AST's technical support hotline includes live 24-hour, seven-day-a-week assistance as well as an interactive voice- response system, InfoLine. InfoLine provides pre-recorded responses (which can also be faxed) to many common technical questions. By choosing InfoLine, customers can receive answers to questions without waiting for live phone support. Both can be accessed toll-free at 800/727-1278.

-- Info-FAX is a voice-automated fax-response line that provides users with product information. It can be accessed 24-hours a day, seven days a week, at 800/926-1278.

-- AST OnLine!, AST's bulletin board service, can be accessed at 817/230-6850.

-- Prodigyr: JUMP:AST.

-- CompuServer: GO:ASTSUPPORT.

-- America Onliner: Keyword: AST.

-- Internet e-mail: [e-mail].

Corporate Background

AST Research, a member of the Fortune 500 list of America's largest industrial and service companies, is one of the world's leading personal computer manufacturers. The $2.468 billion company develops a broad spectrum of desktop, mobile and server PC products that are sold in more than 100 countries worldwide.

AST systems meet a wide range of customer needs, from corporate business applications to advanced home and home office use. Corporate headquarters is at 16215 Alton Parkway, P.O. Box 57005, Irvine, Calif. 92619-7005. Telephone [phone] or 800/876- 4278. Fax [phone].

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NOTE: AST is a registered trademark; AST Computer and Ascentia are trademarks; and GuardianCare is a service mark of AST Research Inc. Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corp. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. Sound Blaster is a registered trademark of Creative Technologies Ltd. All other products or services mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

CONTACT: The Benjamin Group

Lisa Zwick, 714/727-7961

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