NEC Computers Inc. Introduces PowerMate 2000 Microdesktop PC With Intel Pentium III Processor.

Business Editors, High Tech and Hardware Writers

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 7, 2000

Flat Panel Microdesktop Features Space Saving Design With the

Power of an Intel(R) Pentium(R) III 500MHz Processor

NEC Computers Inc. (NECC) today announced that the revolutionary NEC PowerMate(R) 2000 microdesktop is now available with the computing power of Intel's Pentium III 500MHz processor for desktop PCs.

February 2000 marks the one-year anniversary since NEC first unveiled the microdesktop computer, which integrates desktop, mobile and advanced technologies, including a 15-inch LCD screen and sleek small-footprint design.

Introducing the NEC PowerMate 2000 microdesktop with an Intel Pentium III 500MHz processor signifies the next stage of development for the microdesktop category. Now enterprise or growing businesses that need the compact size of a microdesktop system will also have the full desktop processing power of an Intel Pentium III system. Significantly smaller than many of the top selling desktop computers(1), NEC PowerMate 2000 provides customers with the flexibility of a compact design. The microdesktop PC is a self-contained system with a footprint that measures only 10.5 inches wide by 7.7 inches deep.

Beyond the benefits of space conservation, the NEC PowerMate 2000 also emits less radiation, and consumes less power, with less glare than CRT monitors. Designed to ease viewing, the 15-inch XGA TFT display offers the flexibility of traditional monitors to swivel (40 degree range) and to rotate (160 degree range), while providing the sharp image and crisp text presentation of a digital LCD panel interface. A dedicated hardware scaling chipset enhances the quality of text and video clips at different resolutions, while 8MB(3) video RAM based on Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) and Advanced Graphics Port (AGP) delivers brilliant video performance.

&uot;The NEC PowerMate 2000's slim form factor is ideal for space constrained environments, like call centers, hotels, hospitals, banks and schools,&uot; said Stacey Wu, director of product management for NEC Computers. &uot;There is growing demand for small, highly-integrated computers that fit into places where space is at a premium. This growth trend of the microdesktop segment is driven by the widespread usage of Internet access in new environments.&uot;

The smaller scale of NEC Computers' award-winning mobile technology integrated into a desktop PC design allows customers to use the systems in a range of new, space restricted markets, or markets that require a more aesthetic appearance than a traditional desktop computer and monitor. These markets include hotels and resorts, military applications, research and development laboratories, healthcare, reception areas, kiosks and executive offices. The NEC PowerMate 2000's pivoting LCD panel and compact size make it ideal for deskside briefings and consultations with customers and clients. To enhance the system's appearance, all circuitry and components are contained in a small base unit that is no larger than the stand for a typical LCD monitor.

In addition to the small, efficient form factor, NEC Computers has also offers two CardBus PC Card (Type-II) slots and two USB connections into the microdesktop PC, which allows for customization and upgradeability. Both slots are easily accessible, which eliminates the need to upgrade a computer with a screwdriver. Many configuration options are possible through USB peripherals and PC cards (e.g., Flash Memory to ISDN connection) now becoming available. Each USB port can connect up to 127 distinct devices that have USB connectivity.

In an effort to further secure hard drive data, the NEC PowerMate 2000 offers a Secure Hard Disk Drive feature. The Secure HDD allows individuals to setup a unique password through a BIOS level command that prohibits access without the Secure HDD password. As a result, data on the NEC PowerMate 2000's secure HDD is not accessible to unauthorized users.

The NEC PowerMate 2000 is available with 64MB(5) or 128MB RAM(3) base memory that is upgradeable to 256MB 100MHz SDRAM SO-DIMM for performance increases for the scalable Windows NT(R) and Windows(R) 2000 operating systems. The system also sports a 6GB(6) or 12GB S.M.A.R.T hard drive, and built-in Intel 10/100MB Ethernet support for quick network set-up.

The NEC PowerMate 2000 microdesktop comes loaded with a suite of corporate manageability software, such as DMI 2.0, LANDesk Client Manager, NEC WebTelligent, NEC SNMP Agent, and back-up utility. Further, IT can remotely access the PowerMate 2000 through its Wake-on-LAN support.

Pricing and Availability

NEC PowerMate 2000 is available built- and configured-to-order from NEC Computers Inc. through selected resellers, or by calling [phone]. For more information on the system, visit www.powermate2000.com. A PowerMate 2000 with a PIII 500MHz processor, 15-inch TFT screen, 64MB of RAM(3), 6GB(6) hard drive, 24X(4) maximum variable speed CD-ROM, floppy disk drive, 10/100 LAN, and Windows 98 costs around $2,499.(2) Additional configurations include the larger 12GB hard drive, more base memory, and a choice of three operating systems.

NEC UltraCare(R) Service

NEC Computers was one of the first personal computer manufacturers in the industry to offer an innovative, comprehensive service and support program. NEC Computers Inc.'s UltraCare Service offers a standard, three-year limited warranty(7) on all parts, labor and technical support. Concurrent with the limited warranty and upon registration, the customer receives one year of NEC Computers Inc.'s extended service program for on-site(8) service at no additional charge. Screen insurance is also available for an additional $169 per year. In the United States and Canada, UltraCare Service includes a toll-free hot line to request on-site service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

About NEC Computers Inc.

NEC Computers Inc. (NECC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of NEC Computers International B.V., delivers mobile, desktop and server computing solutions to the commercial market in North America. For years, NEC's Versa(R) notebooks, PowerMate(R) desktops, Express5800(TM) servers and MobilePro(TM) handheld PCs have won awards in leading industry publications, including PC Computing, PC Magazine and Mobile Computing. NEC Computers Inc. focuses on the computing needs of the corporate market and sells systems primarily through the reseller channel.

NEC Computers Inc. taps into the technological resources of NEC Corporation's extensive research and development facilities in Japan, where products are developed for the global marketplace. NEC Corporation holds the third largest number of patents in the world, and serves as the source of NEC Computers Inc.'s technologically sophisticated products.

Editor's Note: NEC and PowerMate are registered trademarks, and Versa is a U.S. registered trademark of NEC Corporation. Express5800 is a trademark of NEC Corporation and/or one or more of its subsidiaries. All are used under license. Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. (C)2000 NEC Computers Inc.

NOTES: (1) 90% smaller than the number one selling desktop PC. Based on published specifications as of June 11, 1999 and PC Data Hits List of Top-Selling Hardware Desktop PCs for April 1999. (2) Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. Resellers determine their own pricing. (3) PowerMate 2000 uses dynamic video memory technology to share system and video memory: 8MB are reserved for video memory, 56MB are available for system memory for 64MB configurations. (4) Data on CD-ROM is read at variable transfer rates from innermost track to outermost track. (5) If upgrading after initial purchase, in order to achieve maximum capacity, one or more of the memory modules provided with the system may have to be replaced with optional larger memory modules. (6) When referring to hard drive capacity, GB stands for one billion bytes. Some utilities may indicate varying hard drive capacities. Total user-accessible capacity may vary depending on operating environment. (7) For a free copy of the limited warranty, please write to NEC Computers Inc., Attn: Warranty Dept., 15 Business Park Way, Sacramento, CA 95828. (8) On-site service is provided by third party authorized service providers and may not be available in some locations. In those areas in which it is provided, a technician will be dispatched, if necessary, following attempts to resolve the problem by telephone support.