NEC Computer Systems Announces 300MHz Pentium II Versa Notebooks for the Corporate Environment.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 1998--

The Second Generation Versa LX Integrates Intel's Latest

Processor Technology in a Modular All-In-One Design to Meet a

Wide Range of Corporate Needs

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Editor Highlights

--   300MHz Intel Mobile Module Pentium II processor (233 and 266MHz
     also available), or 233MHz mobile Pentium processor with MMX

--   New, easy to remove hard drive design

--   Innovative, modular, all-in-one design allows for a built-in
     floppy drive or SuperDisk LS-120 drive, hard disk and a modular
     VersaBay drive

--   14.1", 13.3" or 12.1" XGA TFT displays featuring NEC's 1/4-inch
     screen technology

--   Modular ultraslim VersaBay III with warm swap technology accepts
     24X CD-ROM, SuperDisk LS-120 drive, DVD drive, second battery,
     second hard drive or weight-saving module

--   All accessories are compatible across product lines, and with
     most previous and future NEC Versa offerings

--   Expandable memory: 32MB of RAM expandable to 256MB SDRAM SODIMM

--   Choice of Versa Dock or Versa PortBar docking solutions

--   Long-lasting power solutions: Li-ION battery, primary 12-cell 52
     watt hour pack, VersaBay III prismatic 6-cell 36 watt-hour pack

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NEC Computer Systems Division (NEC CSD) today announced that the next generation of its award winning Versa(R) LX series of notebook computers is available with Intel's 300MHz Mobile Pentium II processor, one of the fastest mobile processor currently available.

The Versa LX series is designed to meet a wide range of corporate computing requirements, and features a modular, all-in-one design with a built-in floppy or SuperDisk LS-120 drive, a hard drive and a modular VersaBay drive. This series also shares accessories with the slim-line Versa SX series and with previous and future Versa SX and LX offerings.

Versa LX systems featuring the 300MHz processor are available now built-to-order (BTO) through NEC NOW or selected resellers starting at about $3,899 for a system that includes a 14.1 inch TFT screen, 64MB RAM and a 3.2GB hard drive. The Versa LX line is also available in Japan, Europe and Asia Pacific.

"The Versa LX, which incorporates Intel's latest mobile processor, is an ideal solution for a corporation looking for a single family of notebooks that can meet the needs of a wide range of customers, from executives, to sales people, to corporate users who only occasionally telecommute and travel," said Robert Levin, vice president of product marketing for NEC CSD.

Intel 300MHz Mobile Pentium II Processors

The Versa LX series features the latest mobile processing technology from Intel to provide maximum computing power. In addition to the 300MHz processor, the series is available with the 233 or 266MHz Intel Mobile Pentium II processor or the 233MHz mobile Pentium with MMX technology.

"The NEC Versa LX series featuring Intel's Mobile Pentium II processor technology gives corporate customers a single mobile solution for a variety of corporate computing requirements," said Steve Nachtsheim, Intel corporate vice president and general manager, Mobile and Handheld Products Group.

VersaBay III Options

The Versa LX also includes a modular VersaBay III, an internal slot that allows users to warm swap a variety of storage and power computing tools.

VersaBay III options include: -0-

--   24X CD-ROM drive
--   SuperDisk LS-120 drive
--   DVD drive
--   Second hard drive
--   Second battery
--   Weight saving module

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In addition, the Versa LX comes with a built-in floppy disk drive or a SuperDisk LS-120 drive. The tri-spindle design of the Versa LX allows for its full versatility.

Enhanced Multimedia For Impressive Presentations

The Versa LX is designed for excellent multimedia performance, and features an ATI Rage LT Pro graphics accelerator with 4MB SGRAM and 3D accelerations equivalent to ATI's desktop chipset, as well as motion compensation support for DVD playback and full-motion MPEG II video support.

Premium Pioneer stereo speakers, support for a 64 voice hardware wavetable, 3D positional surround sound audio and a hardware volume control give the Versa LX impressive audio performance. The Versa LX also supports dual video display (with Windows 98) and simultaneous three display support for LCD, CRT or TV displays.

Compatibility for a Lower Total Cost of Ownership

Not only is the Versa LX engineered for superior performance, it is also designed to lower the total cost of ownership associated with maintaining the system.

All accessories used with the Versa LX series are compatible with the thin and light Versa SX series of notebooks and will also be compatible with most future offerings, lowering maintenance costs and allowing IS departments to manage only one set of accessories. Compatible accessories include docking stations and port bars, power supplies, VersaBay III devices and memory slots.

NEC Versa UltraCare Service

NEC CSD was one of the first personal computer manufacturers in the industry to offer an innovative, comprehensive service and support program. NEC CSD's highly acclaimed UltraCare(R) Service offers a standard, return-to-factory, three-year limited warranty on all parts and labor and lifetime technical support.

In addition, upon registration, the customer receives one free year of UltraCare Service; NEC CSD's enhanced warranty service program. Upgrades are available for up to five years. In the United States and Canada, UltraCare Service includes a toll-free hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as well as free overnight pickup, repair and return of the NEC Versa notebook computer within one business day after arrival at the service depot.

About NEC Computer Systems Division

NEC Computer Systems Division is a leading manufacturer of computer products and solutions for the commercial market. NEC-branded products include Versa(R) notebook computers, Direction(TM) personal computers, PowerMate(R) desktop computers, Express5800(TM) servers and MobilePro(TM) handheld personal computers.

NEC Computer Systems Division uses a distribution model that enables customers to purchase BTO and CTO notebooks, servers and desktop products, direct or via a network of qualified resellers. This customer-focused distribution model allows corporate end-users to choose the logistics and pricing advantages of direct sales, integrated with the service and support of their preferred resellers.

By calling 1-888-8NEC-NOW or visiting the web site at www.necnow.com, customers decide how, where and when they want their orders fulfilled.

NEC Computer Systems Division is a division of Sacramento, Calif.-based Packard Bell NEC, Inc., the fifth largest PC vendor in the United States according to International Data Corporation, an independent industry research firm based in Framingham, Mass.(a)

(a)(Q2, 1998 quoted with permission from IDC)

Note to Editors: To obtain photos of the Versa LX please call Mojgan Khalili at 650/528-5513. NEC, PowerMate, Express5800 and Versa are registered trademarks of NEC Corporation used under exclusive license. Direction and MobilePro are trademarks, and NEC NOW is a service mark of Packard Bell NEC, Inc. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Pentium is a registered trademark and MMX is a trademark of Intel Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: NEC Computer Systems Division

Mojgan Khalili, 650/528-5513

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