Agfa Introduces Mac Version of SnapScan 1212u; Brings Award-Winning Scanning Technology and USB Interface to iMac Users.

WILMINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 19, 1998--Agfa Desktop Products Group (DTP), a leading provider of award-winning desktop scanners and digital cameras, introduces the Macintosh(tm) version of the SnapScan 1212u. Designed specifically for iMac users, the new scanner incorporates the advantages of the widely acclaimed Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface with the award-winning features of Agfa's SnapScan line of scanners.

The SnapScan 1212u was introduced first in a PC version to support Windows 98 and users of computers that have the USB interface. With the release of the Macintosh version, Agfa confirms its support for the creative home user who wants true plug and play convenience. Agfa has long been a provider of imaging technology for the Macintosh platform, for both the professional and home user. The company's strategy is to provide the best possible solution regardless of the platform.

The SnapScan 1212u is among the first scanners to offer the new USB interface, representing a unique package of quality, speed and ease of use. The USB interface makes it easier for consumers to add a wide variety of peripherals to their desktop computers through a one-size-fits-all, plug and play connection. Agfa refers to the SnapScan 1212u interface as a "hot plug-in" to denote its fast, scan-ready status.

The USB is the first generic interface for both the PC and the Macintosh--the first step toward true cross-platform compatibility. Agfa believes that the convenience resulting from this standard will improve communications and make it easier for users to share a variety of devices.

"Our goal has always been to provide the creative community at home and in the office with the tools to express their creativity and to work more productively," said Per Save, vice president of marketing, Agfa Desktop Products Group. "The iMac with USB connectivity is targeted to the home user who wants a turnkey solution to computing. The SnapScan 1212u completes that solution by providing a push-button approach to high-quality scanning."

Another reason Agfa chose to support the iMac is to give its dealers and computer resellers the ability to respond to consumer needs--all consumers, regardless of their platform preferences.

USB peripherals automatically self-configure, radically simplifying the process for expanding their PC systems. With a USB there is no need to adjust system settings, insert add-in cards or reboot the system after connecting the scanner. This is a decided advantage for those who use the same connection for a number of peripherals, such as printers, scanners, digital cameras, etc. Users can easily add up to 127 devices on a single computer by using peripherals with USB hubs. In addition, the USB connection is inherently faster--which means a much faster data transfer rate for the during scanning.

Performance Features of the SnapScan 1212u.

The SnapScan 1212u features true optical resolution of 1200 x 600 ppi (pixels per inch), which can be interpolated to 9600 ppi, and 36-bit color depth (12 bits per colour) to deliver greater sharpness and color detail.

The SnapScan 1212p offers scanner driver software that responds to all needs and experience levels. With an intuitive easy-to-use user interface, FotoSnap is ideal for the inexperienced user. The software reads the image on preview and automatically selects the best setting for the final scan. As the users' experience and skill level increases, FotoLook lets them adjust scanner parameters to correct or enhance characteristics of the original.

Color-It! lets the user manipulate photos and create images for a variety of creative applications. Also included is Caere's OmniPage Limited Edition OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software. OCR software scans and converts hard-copy text into an editable format. The software bundle also includes the popular Visioneer PaperPort document management software for sending, filing, copying and locating scanned documents.

The maximum scanning area is 8.5 by 11.7 in. The SnapScan 1212u will support the Apple iMac as well as future Apple computers with the USB interface.

Price and Availability.

The SnapScan 1212u will be available the end of this month, at the manufacturers suggested retail price of $129.

About Agfa

The Agfa-Gevaert Group is a worldwide manufacturer of imaging products and systems, with annual worldwide sales of $4.5 billion. Agfa-Gevaert manufactures and markets products and systems for the electronic and photographic prepress, medical, and technical diagnostic and amateur and professional photographic markets. Headquartered in Europe, Agfa-Gevaert is wholly-owned by Bayer AG. In the United States, Agfa operates as a division of Bayer Corporation, with headquarters in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey. Bayer, headquartered in Pittsburgh, has major businesses in chemicals, health care and imaging technologies. Agfa is on the World Wide Web at http://www.agfahome.com.

(Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.)

EDITOR'S NOTE: Color images of Agfa products are available for download from Agfa's press site on the World Wide Web at http://www.agfapress.com or by contacting Scott Signore of Agfa DTP at 978/658-5600, ext. 5567

Product and company information can be found on Agfa's home page on the World Wide Web at http://www.agfahome.com.

In addition:

-- The domestic activities for Agfa DTP (including desktop scanners, digital cameras and AgfaJet ink-jet materials) are headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts.

-- For general product information, customers can call 888/281-2302

-- To purchase products, customers can call 978/658-5600, ext. 5196