NEC Computer Systems Division Debuts Next-Generation Value Line of Versa Notebook Computers; Versa 2500 Series offers interchangeable components, multimedia capabilities and sophisticated, high-performance features at affordable prices.MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 10, 1997-- Continuing to bring sophisticated, high-performance mobile computing to the value segment, the NEC (NEC Corporation, Tokyo, www.nec.com, www.necus.com) An electronics conglomerate known in the U.S. for its monitors. In Japan, it had the lion's share of the PC market until the late 1990s (see PC 98). NEC was founded in Tokyo in 1899 as Nippon Electric Company, Ltd. Computer Systems Division of Packard Bell NEC (Packard Bell, The Netherlands, www.packardbell.com) A major PC manufacturer that is the consumer brand of NEC Computers International and the home computing market leader in the U.K. and much of Western Europe. , Inc. today introduced the Versa Versa Versatile System Architecture (Genrad) (R) 2500 Series, its next-generation value line of notebook computers. The first model to be introduced in the Series is the Versa 2530 notebook computer, which features 133MHz (MegaHertZ) One million cycles per second. It is used to measure the transmission speed of electronic devices, including channels, buses and the computer's internal clock. A one-megahertz clock (1 MHz) means some number of bits (16, 32, 64, etc. Pentium processing power, full multimedia capabilities, interchangeable components and upgradeability. The Versa 2530 notebook computer offers users today's high-end technology at an estimated selling price of $1,999. The Versa 2530 notebook computer builds upon the success of the Versa 2400 Series by integrating newer technologies that are now available for the mainstream marketplace such as 8X CDs, larger hard drives and Level 2 cache See L2 cache. level 2 cache - secondary cache . The Versa 2500 Series is aimed at independent business professionals, small-to-medium sized businesses and corporate users who need mobility and have average computing needs. The Versa 2500 Series and the new NEC Versa 2600 Series, also introduced today, comprise the complete NEC value notebook family. (See related release on NEC Versa 2600 Series, "NEC Computer Systems Division Brings All-In-One Mobile Computing Convenience to Commercial and Retail Markets with the Versa 2600 Series of Notebook Computers.") "NEC is delivering on the requirements of the customer based on extensive customer feedback, to provide the next step in mobile computing for those who want to upgrade their Versa 2400 notebook or need to be mobile and productive," said James P. Schwabe, senior vice president of Portable Systems and Peripherals for NEC Computer Systems Division. "Because our modular components are upgradeable we're maximizing system and component lifecycles and thus decreasing the Versa's 2530 total cost of ownership, making the Versa 2530 a wise investment." Flexible functionality Designed into the Versa 2530 are two NEC VersaBay slots to provide the utmost in flexibility. Users may create the custom configuration of choice by mixing and matching components -- 8X CD-ROM CD-ROM: see compact disc. CD-ROM in full compact disc read-only memory Type of computer storage medium that is read optically (e.g., by a laser). option, battery and floppy drive -- to extend computing functionality or increase the battery life for on-the-road computing. Continuing NEC's commitment to offer multiple-generation compatibility, optional CD-ROM and battery packs from the earlier NEC Versa 2400 Series are supported in this next-generation value line. Exceptional performance Driving the Versa notebook computer is Intel's 133MHz pentium processor with 256KB of Level 2 cache, providing computing speed for demanding word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software. And to take advantage of multimedia functions, the Versa 2530 notebook is equipped with a 12.1-inch DSTN (1) (Dual-scan STN) An enhanced STN passive matrix LCD display. The screen is divided into halves, and each half is scanned simultaneously, thereby doubling the number of lines refreshed per second and providing a sharper appearance. color display supporting 256 brilliant colors at 800 x 600 resolution, allowing users to view 56 percent more information than 640 x 480 resolution CRTs. Users will see on their Versa notebook screen virtually the same amount of information they can view on a standard 14-inch SVGA (Super VGA) A screen resolution of 800x600 pixels. Third-party vendors extended IBM's VGA display standard and were the first to use the term. SVGA has also referred to 1,024x768 resolutions. See PC display modes. desktop CRT (1) (C RunTime) See runtime library. (2) (Cathode Ray Tube) A vacuum tube used as a display screen in a computer monitor or TV. The viewing end of the tube is coated with phosphors, which emit light when struck by electrons. . Powerful multimedia The NEC Versa 2530 notebook computer's optional 8X CD-ROM, which plugs into one of the versatile VersaBay slots, allows such things as quick access to large databases, easier loading of software and support for game playing. Today's multimedia applications -- business presentations, entertainment or games -- are further supported with full-screen MPEG (Moving Pictures Experts Group) An ISO/ITU standard for compressing digital video. Pronounced "em-peg," it is the universal standard for digital terrestrial, cable and satellite TV, DVDs and digital video recorders (DVRs). video for smooth video playback and 16-bit Sound Blaster Pro compatibility, two stereo speakers, microphone and three audio ports for full, rich sound. Upgradeable for expandability Users can add to the standard 16MB of EDO RAM as computing needs grow, for a total of up to 48MB of memory. In addition, the fully-featured Versa 2530 sports two PC Card slots for adding an array of options, including modems, network and SCSI interface cards, wireless communications devices and video cards. Storage is accommodated with a generous-sized 1.08GB hard drive with additional storage supported through use of the slide-in PC Card slots. Adding memory and options is easy with no need to power down the notebook when inserting or removing cards. An optional Port Replicator is available to connect all peripherals in a single step. Designed for ease of use Ergonomics and ease of use were considered when designing the Versa 2530 notebook computer. A full-sized recessed 87-key keyboard with responsive touch provides users comfortable computing. In addition, the VersaGlide touchpad A stationary pointing device that provides a small, flat surface that you slide your finger over using the same movements as you would a mouse. You can tap on the pad's surface as an alternate to pressing one of the touchpad keys. See mouse, trackball and pointing stick. pointing device is located on the sculpted sculpt v. sculpt·ed, sculpt·ing, sculpts v.tr. 1. To sculpture (an object). 2. To shape, mold, or fashion especially with artistry or precision: palmrest below the keyboard so users can point and click without lifting a hand from the keyboard. Communications made easy All Versa 2500 notebooks are equipped with an infrared port and LapLink software for transmitting and receiving data. The port allows communication with other infrared-equipped devices without the need for cumbersome cables. Printing a document or sending files to a desktop or another notebook is a simple matter of point and click. The infrared port has a speed of 115.2 Kbps and meets IrDA specifications. Convenience through factory-installed software To enable quick set up, a host of software is preinstalled on the Versa 2530 notebook computer, including both Windows 95 and Windows for Workgroups A version of Windows 3.1 introduced in 1992 that added peer-to-peer networking. See Windows. (operating system) Windows for Workgroups - (WFW, WFWG) A version of Windows 3.1 which works with a network. Although stand-alone 3. 3.11/MS-DOS. When users turn on the system for the first time, they select one operating system and the other is deleted from the hard disk. To safeguard against viruses in the ever-growing world of mobile computing, NEC has hot-loaded the industry's noted McAfee WebScan and McAfee VirusScan software packages. InterActual's VideoSave MPEG presentation software, the Official Airline Guide “OAG” redirects here. For other uses, see OAG (disambiguation). OAG Worldwide Limited, also known as the Official Airline Guide, is a United Kingdom based travel news, data and ranking service. with flight schedules for commercial airlines and easy-to-use documentation contribute to the system's usablity. Users may tap into the Internet with Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer See Internet Explorer. , or access their company's Internet gateway via LapLink TCP/IP TCP/IP in full Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol Standard Internet communications protocols that allow digital computers to communicate over long distances. support. LapLink not only provides wireless infrared transmitting and receiving, but the capability to perform remote diagnostics by an NEC technician. Free trial access to CompuServe and America Online is also included. Quick, reliable service and support The NEC Versa 2500 Series offers a standard, return-to-factory, one-year limited warranty on all parts and labor. Users receive one free year of UltraCare service, NEC's worry-free, award-winning, enhanced warranty service program. In the U.S. and Canada, UltraCare includes a toll-free hot line to request service 24 hours a day, seven days a week as well as free overnight pickup and return and repair of the NEC Versa notebook computer within one business day after arrival at the service depot. UltraCare service is also available in 26 countries internationally. Model, pricing and availability The NEC Versa 2530 notebook, equipped with a 12.1-inch SVGA DSTN color display, Intel Pentium 133MHZ processor, 1.08GB hard disk drive, 16MB of memory and 8X CD-ROM support is available now through NEC's network of authorized resellers ar an estimated selling price of $1,999. Options and accessories also are available through NEC's reseller channel, including memory cards, CD-ROM, Port Replicator, cellular-ready 33.6 Kbps data/fax modem PC card A modem for use in a laptop or other computer with a PC Card (PCMCIA) slot. Modem PC Cards come in landline and wireless varieties, the latter enabling you to connect to a specific cellular or data service. See wireless modem. , Ethernet, SCSI SCSI in full Small Computer System Interface Once common standard for connecting peripheral devices (disks, modems, printers, etc.) to small and medium-sized computers. SCSI has given way to faster standards, such as Firewire and USB. card, Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) A rechargeable battery technology that has approximately 30-50% more charge per pound than nickel cadmium. Introduced in the early 1990s, it uses nickel and metal hydride plates with potassium hydroxide as the electrolyte. Smart Battery, and carrying cases. About NEC Computer Division NEC Computer Systems is a leading worldwide supplier of notebook and desktop computer systems and servers for the commercial and consumer markets. NEC Computer Systems is a division of Packard Bell NEC, Inc., one of the largest computer companies in the world. Packard Bell NEC headquarters are in Sacramento, Calif. For more information about NEC products, contact 1-800-NEC-VERSA or www.NEC.com. CONTACT: NEC Computer Systems Division D.J. Anderson, 415/528-5306 djanderson@nectech.com |
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