New Media introduces industry's first game PC Card; Zap, Boom, Crunch, Wham --Laptop PCs come alive with the sounds of games.

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 6, 1995--As you click on your favorite game, the workhorse hum of your laptop has just been replaced with the theme song from Star Trek, or the eerie sound of doors slamming shut as you begin another challenging Spear of Destiny floor.

Grabbing the joystick, you fend off evil aliens, blow-up enemy space ships and shoot your adversaries. You have just experienced a new dimension in portable computing that is now possible through the use of the industry's first game card featuring a built-in speaker, the GAMEjammer.

Introduced Monday by New Media Corp., the GAMEjammer PC Card provides a new concept in entertainment for the mobile computing market. Adding a built-in speaker and joystick port to the capabilities of a sound card, this credit-card sized product enables users to get maximum entertainment value from their laptop computers.

"There are thousands of portable computer users who would like to have the flexibility to play games or sound programs on their computer in between meetings or while passing time on long air flights," explained Jay Kerutis, vice president of marketing and sales. "Affordably priced at under $150, we designed the GAMEjammer specifically for portable computer users who relax by catching up on the latest video games or sound programs. This includes the college student who may want to do other applications with their portable computer than just study."

Designed with a built-in speaker allowing any laptop with a PCMCIA socket to have sound, the new PC Card eliminates lugging around heavy speakers that take up too much room in briefcases or luggage. Video games can now come alive on the laptop as the sound emanates from the machine, bringing users more excitement as they do battle.

Additionally, for video game and music enthusiasts, GAMEjammer comes complete with a cable that includes a joystick port, microphone in, lines in and out. New Media also will offer a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) in, out and through port adapter as an option for music enthusiasts that demand MIDI connectivity and portability.

Additional Applications for Full-Featured Game Card

For those executives who are music lovers at heart, GAMEjammer enables them to create computer generated sounds. By plugging in a MIDI sound device, such as a keyboard synthesizer, users can record and playback MIDI sequences. Users can also use a microphone or line level music CD player to record analog sounds and manipulate them digitally. The size of the sound file recorded is only limited by the amount of available disk space on the laptop.

Additionally, the GAMEjammer allows the portable computer to become a personal message center for verbally recorded notes, thoughts or action items to be played back and followed up on when returning to the office. The GAMEjammer also provides the capability to add audio to one-on-one multimedia presentations.

GAMEjammer supports the most popular audio file extensions including .wav, .mid and .avi. This new PC Card is Adlib compatible and can play Sound Blaster games under Windows and Windows 95.

Added Bonuses

As with all New Media products, the GAMEjammer comes complete with the company's suite of ease-of-use tools including Auto-Install, Knowledge Bank, CardSleuth, Integrated Messaging and custom designed diagnostic software. Auto-Install is an installation and configuration program which automatically analyzes the machine's PCMCIA software, loads all of the necessary driver and application software, and edits the appropriate system files. Also included is Knowledge Bank, a troubleshooting and information resource; CardSleuth, a general diagnostic utility program; and Integrated Messaging, a program that automatically alerts users to situations in their system that might require their attention.

Designed using the company's proprietary Zero Consumption APM (Advanced Power Management) technology, the GAMEjammer is designed to draw zero power when not in use. PC Card power usage is critical to portable computer users. New Media developed Zero Consumption APM, so users can leave the card in the slot without worrying about reducing battery life. With Zero Consumption APM, the card only uses power while accessed. Without Zero Consumption APM, a typical PC Card in standby mode can use as much as 25 percent of the laptop's power -- even when not in use.

Pricing and Availability

The GAMEjammer will be available in December, carrying a suggested retail price of under $150. Like all New Media products, the GAMERjammer is backed by a lifetime warranty and is FCC Class B certified for both home and office use.

Company Information

New Media Corp., a $60 million manufacturer of portable computing solutions with headquarters in Irvine, Calif., is the leading designer and developer of PC Cards for laptop computers. New Media's software expertise has enabled the company to quickly build a reputation for supplying the industry's broadest line of easy-to-install and use PC Cards. The company's products address all market segments, from data communications and networking to multimedia and mass storage. New Media's PC Cards are the only PCMCIA products to achieve true plug-and playability as well as 100 percent compatibility with today's full range of portable computers.

New Media is at the vanguard of PC Card technology. The company's extensive research and development activities have led to many innovative solutions and PCMCIA firsts, which have advanced the state of the industry. New Media's products are sold through OEMs, distributors and retailers, and the company's own international network of distributors.

CONTACT: Lages & Associates

Marissa Jabczenski, 714/453-8080

or

New Media Corporation

Saundy Morrison Hill, 714/453-0100