NEC Computer Systems is First to Announce Two Distinct Classes of Universal Notebook Computers.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 1, 1998--

Versa SX and Versa LX Notebook Computers Announced Today Meet a

Range of Corporate Needs and Give Corporate America a Solution

for Better Managing Equipment and Information

NEC Computer Systems Division (NEC CSD), in conjunction with similar NEC announcements made in Japan, Europe and Australia, today announced the Versa(R) SX series and Versa LX series of notebook computers, two new classes of notebooks that will share all accessories, including docking options, VersaBay III modular components, power supplies and memory modules, across Versa product lines.

This global launch is an important first step in NEC CSD's ongoing commitment to provide corporations with complete solutions for better managing resources as the number of employees working outside of the traditional office setting continues to increase.

"With the Versa SX and the Versa LX products, NEC is offering companies a computing solution that meets the requirements of a wide range of users, from highly mobile executives, to the sales force, to people who occasionally travel," said Robert Levin, vice president of corporate clients, NEC CSD.

"All of the accessories used with these two lines are compatible and will also be compatible with many future product offerings. Customers will only have to manage one set of accessories."

Changing Role of MIS

By 2001, industry analysts predict that more than 40 percent of white collar-workers will work outside the confines of a traditional office, meaning that corporations and small businesses will have to adjust to support a new population of location-independent employees with a variety of needs and a range of products.

In this complex environment, having a single family of systems that meets the needs of the entire enterprise and shares accessories simplifies the operation of business and also contributes to further lowering the total cost of ownership.

Compatibility: Now and in the Future

With the announcement of the Versa SX series and Versa LX series, NEC is making a commitment to corporations to provide notebook accessories that are compatible across product lines, meaning that corporations will only have to maintain one set of accessories and that those accessories will also be compatible with future NEC Versa product offerings.

With Versa accessories, an IT manager may deploy the same port bars and docking stations at all of its locations, allowing mobile users to easily access information globally. Coworkers will also be able to easily exchange accessories such as CD-ROMs and batteries, regardless of what type of notebook they use.

Compatible accessories include the following:

-- 24X CD-ROM -- Floppy drive -- NEC SuperDisk LS-120 Drive Pak -- NEC Zip Drive Pak (available 9/98) -- DVD Drive Pak -- Secondary LiION Battery -- Secondary 5.0GB Hard Disk Drive -- Secondary 6.0GB Hard Disk Drive (expected to be available 8/98 ) -- Versa Dock docking station (expected to be available 7/98) -- Versa PortBar port replicator -- AC adapter 

The Versa SX Series

The Versa SX series is designed for the mobile professional who requires full functionality in a highly portable system. The Versa SX features a thin and light form factor that weighs 4.8 pounds and measures only 1.3 inches in height. This notebook also includes the latest mobile processor technology from Intel and is available with a 233 or 266MHz Pentium II processor.

NEC CSD has also integrated its new 1/4-inch screen technology into the Versa SX, available in 13.3 and 14.1 inch TFT display sizes. The Versa SX also features a VersaBay III slot, a modular bay that accepts one of seven hot-swappable storage and computing tools.

The Versa SX is available built-to-order in mid-June starting at $3,499 for a system that includes a 233MHz Pentium II processor, 13.3 inch screen, 32MB RAM and a 2.1GB hard drive. A system with 233MHz Mobile Pentium processor with MMX technology will be available in August starting at $2,999.

The Versa LX Series

The Versa LX series, a modular, all-in-one device featuring a built-in floppy drive, a hard disk and a modular VersaBay III slot, is designed for the enterprise environment and is aimed at a range of corporate customers who require a large display, powerful multimedia performance, remote manageability and versatility.

Like the Versa SX, the Versa LX features NEC's new thin screen technology, VersaBay III slot, a built-in floppy drive or SuperDisk LS-120 drive, and is available with either a 233 or a 266MHz Pentium II processor. The Versa LX is available this week starting at $2,499 for a system that includes a 233MHz Pentium processor, a 13.3 inch screen, 32MB RAM and a 2.1GB hard drive.

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 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 presently includes a toll-free hot line to request service 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.

Company Background

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 built-to-order (BTO) and configured-to-order (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, California-based Packard Bell NEC, Inc., the third largest PC vendor in the United States according to International Data Corporation, an independent industry research firm based in Framingham, Mass. -0-

Note to Editors: To obtain photos of the Versa LX or Versa SX please call Mojgan Khalili at 650/528-5513. NEC, PowerMate and Versa are registered trademarks of NEC Corporation used under exclusive license. Direction, Express5800 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

[e-mail]

D.J. Anderson, 650/528-5306

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