NEC Technologies Introduces its Multimedia, Road Warrior Notebook Computers; Versa 6000 Series of Notebook Computers Gives Users the Ultimate Technological Competitive Advantage.MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 13, 1996--Versa 6000 Series Highlights: -- Superior processing, graphics and video performance with Intel's Pentium 2.9 volt, 133 or 100 MHz (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. microprocessors, 256KB Level 2 Cache and 16 MB RAM, PC CardBus and PCI bus PCI bus - Peripheral Component Interconnect architecture -- High resolution, 1024 x 768, large, active matrix 12.1-inch screens provide bright, vivid graphics that are ideal for presentations and multimedia -- Stunning multimedia with integrated hardware-accelerated 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). that allows full-screen, full-motion video Video transmission that changes the image 30 frames per second (30 fps). Motion pictures are run at 24 fps, which is the minimum frequency required to eliminate the perception of moving frames and make the images appear visually fluid to the eye. playback, 6X 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). drive for smooth graphics, 16-bit sound capabilities for high-quality, rich sound -- Powerful remote connectivity by integrating advanced telephony, communications capabilities and Internet and network accessibility with a cellular-ready 28.8Kbps, V.34 data/fax/voice internal modem A modem that plugs into an expansion slot within the computer. Unlike an external modem, an internal modem does not provide a series of display lights that inform the user of the changing modem states. The user must rely entirely on the communications program. Contrast with external modem. -- Up to 2.88 GB of hard drive storage for large capacity files, video images and applications -- New large-capacity, lightweight lithium ion A rechargeable battery technology introduced in 1991 that provides greater charge per pound than nickel metal hydride. In 1993, Toshiba introduced the first notebook in the U.S. with a Li-ion battery. battery -- Maximum flexibility and instantaneous customization with VersaBay II slot -- Wireless connectivity with front and back 4Mbit Fast Infrared (FIR) -- Hot motorized mo·tor·ize tr.v. mo·tor·ized, mo·tor·iz·ing, mo·tor·iz·es 1. To equip with a motor. 2. To supply with motor-driven vehicles. 3. To provide with automobiles. docking and extensive expansion capabilities with NEC's Docking Station (1) A cradle for a portable device that serves to charge the unit and connect it to other sources or destinations. For example, an iPod docking station charges the iPod and connects it to a computer, speakers or TV set. 6000 -- Choice of WFWG WFWG - Windows for Workgroups or Windows '95 operating environments Strengthening its technology leadership position in the mobile computer marketplace, 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. Technologies, Inc. (NECT (NEC Technologies, Inc.) The name of the former North American subsidiary of NEC that specialized in monitors, data projectors and printers. For more information, visit www.necdisplay.com. See NEC. ) today announced the Versa Versa Versatile System Architecture (Genrad) 6000 Series of notebook computers, designed to provide the highest level of performance available, extensive multimedia capabilities and powerful, simple remote connectivity in a form factor that allows comfortable portability without any sacrifice or compromise in productivity. NEC integrated newly available technologies into the 6.9-pound Versa 6000 Series to create a new standard of notebook computers with a combination of capabilities that have previously been available only in desktop computers. Some of the new features in the Versa 6000 series are: screen resolutions up to 1024 x 768, hardware-accelerated MPEG, advanced telephony and cellular capabilities and 6X CD-ROM drive A device that holds and reads CD-ROM discs. CD-ROM drives generally also play audio CD discs by sending analog sound to the sound card via a 4-pin cable. For specifications of 10x, 20x, etc. drives, see CD-ROM drives. See CD-ROM, CD-ROM changer, CD-ROM server and CD-ROM audio cable. . The combination of the Versa 6000 Series features makes it an ideal tool to supply the power needed for performance-critical applications such as video and graphics-packed presentations, multimedia, CAD, photo manipulation Photo manipulation is the application of image editing techniques to photographs in order to create an illusion or deception (in contrast to mere enhancement or correction), through analog or digital means. and multi-columned, calculation-intensive spreadsheets, Internet and network access and remote communications (1) Communicating via long distances. (2) See remote control software. . "Our mission was to build a notebook computer that may be used anywhere, anyplace for anything so that our power users have a system that they can rely upon," said Dale Fuller Dale Fuller was named the interim chief executive officer and president of McAfee, Inc.(NYSE:MFE) from October, 2006 through April, 2007. He was on the McAfee Board from January 2006 until July 2007. , vice president of NEC's Portable Systems Division. "With the Versa 6000 Series, we've integrated a combination of features that our competition cannot beat with their current product lines." Portable desktop power for mobile professionals The Versa 6000 Series gives business users a technological competitive advantage by incorporating the newest and most advanced features. The three models within the Series offer Intel's newest processors and 64-bit PCI (1) (Payment Card Industry) See PCI DSS. (2) (Peripheral Component Interconnect) The most widely used I/O bus (peripheral bus). architecture for accelerated graphics and input/output performance. The 32-bit PC CardBus technology provides fast data transmission and backward compatability to existing PC Cards. By providing higher throughput, PC CardBus offers access to features that had previously been unavailable on mobile computers, such as high-performance networking. The Versa 6000 Series also has 256KB of Level 2 cache See L2 cache. level 2 cache - secondary cache to give the already powerful processor an extra boost and integrated math coprocessor A mathematical circuit that performs high-speed floating point operations. It is generally built into the CPU chip; however, in older PCs, such as the 386 and 486SX, the math coprocessor was an optional, separate chip. to speed through mathematical-intensive applications. Advanced, powerful multimedia made portable and simple The Versa 6000 Series features an array of multimedia-enabling features that allow even the most demanding presentations to be taken on the road. Standard with each Versa is an internal, removable 6X CD-ROM drive that offers the fastest sustained data transfer rate of 1026KB/second for smooth, "no jaggies" video. The Versa 6030X incorporates Zoom Video technology that enables the system to support data transmission rates up to 27MB/second. Hardware-assisted MPEG allows full-motion, full-screen playback up to 30 frames per second (fps) and delivers smooth motion video. In an effort to provide optimal sound and viewing, NEC positioned two stereo speakers below the display raising the screen closer to eye level and projecting the sound directly toward the user. And, with the 16-bit Sound Blaster A very popular family of sound cards from Creative Labs. In the days of DOS, Sound Blaster was the de facto interface for gaming sounds. Monaural Sound Blaster cards were introduced in 1989, and stereo cards followed in 1992 (Sound Blaster Pro). 16-compatible soundcard, the notebook computers support .AVI (Audio Video Interleaved) A Windows multimedia video format from Microsoft. It interleaves standard waveform audio and digital video frames (bitmaps) to provide reduced animation at 15 fps at 160x120x8 resolution. Audio is 11,025Hz, 8-bit samples. , MIDI and .WAV files to produce clear and powerful audio. For easy control, the Versa 6000 Series has an external volume dial and four audio ports. A microphone, FM synthesizer synthesizer Machine that electronically generates and modifies sounds, frequently with the use of a digital computer, for use in the composition of electronic music and in live performance. and InterActual's VideoSaver MPEG presentation software add more enhanced multimedia capabilities. Powerful and easy connectivity The multiple communications capabilities integrated in the Versa 6000 Series range from cellular to infrared to telephony. The Versa 6000 Series offers one of the widest arrays of connectivity possibilities. The internal 28.8Kbps modem is cellular-ready so users may connect to email, gain network access or send a facsimile transmission via their cellular phone. Communications software that is pre-loaded on each notebook computer has fax/data transmission capability and enables the Versa 6000 Series to serve as a speaker phone and answering machine. Internet access is provided via pre-loaded Netscape Navigator software. With PC CardBus architecture, users may also take advantage of high-speed networking cards. Additionally, NEC designed the Versa 6000 Series with front- and back-4Mbit FIR (fast infrared). FIR allows wireless file transfer and remote printing with other infrared-equipped computers and printers. The Versa 6000 Series' infrared capability is up to 40 times faster than previously available infrared capabilities. High-contrast, high-resolution display As one of the largest Thin-Film-Transistor (TFT (Thin Film Transistor) The term typically refers to active matrix screens on laptop computers. Active matrix LCD provides a sharper screen display and broader viewing angle than does passive matrix. See LCD and thin film. TFT - Thin Film transistor ) LCD manufacturers in the world, NEC has the capability to provide the most advanced screen technology available today in large volumes. The NEC-manufactured Versa 6000 Series TFT color screens are available in high-resolution, 1024 x 768 or 800 x 600, active matrix 12.1- or 11.3-inch models. Additionally, NEC has integrated Chips and Technologies' new HiQVideo Multimedia PCI video subsystem into the Versa 6000 Series to provide speedy visuals of complex graphics and full-motion, full-screen video. The advanced video subsystem supports MPEG-1, Cinepak and Indeo video playback. The displays provides bright, high-quality graphics that are ideal for on-the-road presentations, multimedia applications and graphics. The addition of higher resolution and larger screens allows 156 percent more information to be displayed than 640 x 480 resolutions as well as 35 percent more viewable area on a 12.1-inch screen (compared to a 10.4-inch screen). Additionally, the greater color depth built into the new Versa notebook computers portrays smoother color gradients and minimizes banding. Uncompromising expandability, modularity and flexibility In 1993, NECT created a de facto standard Hardware or software that is widely used, but not endorsed by a standards organization. Contrast with de jure standard. de facto standard - A widespread consensus on a particular product or protocol which has not been ratified by any official standards body, such as ISO, in the portable computer marketplace with its modularity and backward and forward Adv. 1. backward and forward - moving from one place to another and back again; "he traveled back and forth between Los Angeles and New York"; "the treetops whipped to and fro in a frightening manner"; "the old man just sat on the porch and rocked back and forth all upgradeability and compatibility that was first introduced in the original NEC Versa notebook computer's VersaBay module. The front-loadable VersaBay II module allows the exchange of the floppy disk drive floppy disk drive - disk drive with the 6X CD-ROM drive, extra battery or additional hard disk drive. By adding a second hard drive, the notebook computer may have up 2.88 GB of storage capacity. NEC's Docking Station 6000 transforms the Versa 6000 Series into a multimedia desktop. The Docking Station 6000 provides "hot," motorized docking to provide a quick, simple connection with the Versa 6000 Series notebook computers. In addition to full replication of the Versa 6000 ports, the Docking Station 6000 also features one ISA (1) (Instruction Set Architecture) See instruction set. (2) (Interactive Services Association) See Internet Alliance. (3) (Internet Security and Acceleration) See .NET. , one PCI and one combination ISA/PCI slot for added flexibility. Other features include: one internal 3.5-inch hard drive bay, two external half-height bays (which may be used for the VersaBay 6X CD-ROM drive or floppy disk drive), 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. II, built-in high-quality speakers, four audio ports and one RJ-11 phone jack. The Docking Station 6000 also provides keylock protection and a security system, similar to a car alarm, that sounds if an attempt is made to force the Versa 6000 notebook computers from the Docking Station 6000 when in the locked position. For users who need simplicity without the added multimedia and storage capability, NEC's PortBar 6000 provides full port replication in a small, lightweight form factor. Maximizing battery life and intelligent power management The Versa 6000 Series utilizes a new lithium ion battery that lasts from 2-4 hours, depending on usage and system configuration. Battery life may be doubled for coast-to-coast power by adding an additional battery in the VersaBay II slot. Additionally, NEC has added an LCD status panel that displays remaining battery life in numeric percentages, rather than bars, so that users may estimate remaining battery life at a glance. NEC's power management allows users to conserve energy, maximize battery life and protect against data loss due to low battery power. To help users better understand and implement power management, NEC incorporated on-screen on·screen or on-screen adj. & adv. 1. As shown on a movie, television, or display screen. 2. Within public view; in public. , icon-supported power management. NEC's four power-saving modes are: -0-
-- Travel Productivity Maximum battery life -- system
powers down all components within
short unused time periods, dimming
screen brightness to gain longest
battery life
-- Travel Leisure Mid-range battery conservation --
system powers down some components
within longer unused time periods,
dimming screen brightness
-- Presentations Low-to-mid-range battery
conservation -- system components
power down within unused time
periods, maintains full screen
brightness and preventing screen
from timing out
-- AC mode Full power on -- all system components
on full power, maximum performance-0- Quality assurance, security protection and reliability
Despite the shorter lead times between product cycles, NEC has continued its standard of submitting its notebooks to 4,000 hours of vigorous testing to ensure that its internal components as well as its rugged, sleek design are of the highest quality. To ensure excellent technical service when traveling, the Versa 6000 Series' has bundled software that enables NEC technicians to perform remote diagnostics. In addition to the built-in alarm system in the Docking Station 6000, the Versa 6000 Series offers password protection down to the bios-level and has a Kensington lock slot as well. The placement of the Kensington lock is strategically located to prevent removal of the hard drive when in Docking mode. For protection against viruses, NEC pre-loads McAfee's industry-leading VirusScan and WebScan guard the system from virtually any virus. No-fault insurance no-fault insurance, type of indemnity plan, usually applied to automobile coverage, in which those injured in an accident receive direct payment from the company with which they themselves are insured. protection with NEC's Versa UltraCare service The NEC Versa 6000 Series offers a standard, return-to-factory, three-year warranty on all parts and labor. In addition, by submitting the product registration card, the customer receives one free year of UltraCare service, NEC's no-fault, 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. Pricing and Availability NEC's Versa 6000H and Versa 6030H will begin shipping at the end of May. The Versa 6030X model will begin shipping in July. All products will be available through NEC's nationwide network of authorized resellers. Estimated selling prices of the Versa 6000 Series are as follows: -0-
Model ESP
---------------------------------------------
NEC Versa 6000H $5,399
11.3" TFT SVGA Display, Pentium 100 MHz, 1.08 GB HDD,
16 MB RAM, 6X CD-ROM, 28.8Kbps voice/data/fax modem
NEC Versa 6030H $5,999
12.1" TFT SVGA Display, Pentium 133 MHz, 1.3 GB HDD,
16 MB RAM, 6X CD-ROM, 28.8Kbps voice/data/fax modem
NEC Versa 6030X $6,499
12.1" TFT XGA Color Display, Pentium 133 MHz, 1.44 GB HDD,
16 MB RAM, 6X CD-ROM, 28.8Kbps voice/data/fax modem,
Zoom Video-0- Meeting a variety of needs in the value and performance markets
Earlier this year, NEC introduced three new members of its value series of notebook computers -- the Versa 2200C, Versa 2205C and Versa 550D. The NEC Versa 2200C and Versa 2205C provide mainstream corporate users, independent business professionals and students Pentium performance and backwards compatibility that offers investment protection. The NEC Versa 550D, with an estimated selling price of $1,699, provides value-conscious notebook computer buyers with mobility and performance. NEC's best-selling performance product line of Versa 4000 notebooks were recently reduced in price, making high-performance, modular notebook computers affordable to a wider array of users. The Versa 4000 marked NEC's sixth generation of modular, backwards compatible notebook computers. About NEC Technologies, Inc. Headquartered in Boxborough, Mass., NEC Technologies, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of computers and peripherals for the North American North American named after North America. North American blastomycosis see North American blastomycosis. North American cattle tick see boophilusannulatus. market. Award-winning product lines include PowerMate and Ready systems products, RISC-based workstations and servers, NEC Versa notebook computers, MultiSync monitors and professional presentation products, Silentwriter and SuperScript Any letter, digit or symbol that appears above the line. For example, 10 to the 9th power is written with the 9 in superscript (109). Contrast with subscript. printers and MultiSpin CD-ROM readers. NEC Technologies, Inc. is a subsidiary of NEC Corporation. Information on the NEC Versa notebook computer family can be obtained by calling 800/NEC-VERSA or http://www.nec.com. CONTACT: NEC Technologies, Inc. D.J. Anderson, 415/528-5306 djanders@nectech.com |
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