Texas Instruments introduces new Extensa family of notebook computers; marks major expansion into consumer marketplace.DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 11, 1995--To expand its product line into the consumer marketplace, Texas Instruments See TI. (company) Texas Instruments - (TI) A US electronics company. A TI engineer, Jack Kilby invented the integrated circuit in 1958. Three TI employees left the company in 1982 to start Compaq. Monday introduced the Extensa(tm) family of notebook computers that make portable computing more affordable to home office and small business users.
Extensa Family Notebook Computers
Model 450/450T Model 550
Processor IntelDX4(tm) Pentium(r)
CPU Speed 75MHz 75MHz
Storage 340MB HDD 524MB HDD
Modular FDD Modular FDD
Minimum RAM 4MB 8MB
Maximum RAM 32MB 40MB
Display 10.4" dual scan (450) 10.4" dual scan
9.4" TFT (450T)
Pointing device Touchpad Touchpad
Battery NiMH (optional Li-ion NiMH (optional Li-ion
available through FDD) available through FDD)
Weight 5 lbs. 6.2 lbs.
Est. Street Prices $1,799 (dual scan) $2,499
$2,399 (TFT)
Extensa Family Notebook Computers
(continued)
Model 550CD/550CDT
Processor Pentium
CPU Speed 75MHz
Storage 524MB HDD
Modular FDD
Modular CD-ROM (2x)
Minimum RAM 8MB
Maximum RAM 40MB
Display 10.4" dual scan (550CD)
10.4" TFT (550CDT)
Pointing device Touchpad
Battery NiMH (optional Li-ion
available through FDD)
Weight 6.4 lbs.
Est. Street Prices $2,999 (dual scan)
$3,599 (TFT)
The modular FDD is interchangeable with an optional lithium ion battery on all models. The Extensa family sports new contemporary styling and is available in three models -- 450/450T, 550 and 550CD/550CDT CDT abbr. Central Daylight Time CDT Central Daylight Time CDT n abbr (US) (= Central Daylight Time) → hora de verano del centro; (BRIT -- with variations in hard disk drives, battery technology, RAM capacity and choice of dual scan Dual Scan, also known as dual-scan supertwist nematic or DSTN, is an LCD technology in which a screen is divided into two sections which are simultaneously refreshed giving faster refresh rate than traditional passive matrix screens. or 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 color display. The estimated street prices for the Extensa family will begin at $1,799. "Texas Instruments has spared no detail in ensuring that the Extensa notebooks deliver extraordinary performance and value," stated Steve Lair, vice president and worldwide executive director of TI's Mobile Computing Using a computing device while in transit. Mobile computing implies wireless transmission, but wireless transmission does not necessarily imply mobile computing. Fixed wireless applications use satellites, radio systems and lasers to transmit between permanent objects such as buildings Business. "TI is the leader in innovative, high-performance notebook computers, and we are applying those same standards of quality and excellence to our new value-priced Extensa family of notebooks." The Extensa family delivers TI performance, quality and versatility at very competitive affordable prices. Every aspect of the Extensa notebooks reflect TI's legendary technology and quality, which includes built-in investment protection and flexibility. For example, the removable hard disk (storage) removable hard disk - A type of magnetic disk, or possibly magneto-optical disk which is not permanently attached to the disk drive (not a fixed disk) but which can be taken out and replaced, allowing many disks to be used in the same drive. drives can be easily upgraded. The modular floppy disk drive floppy disk drive - disk drive is interchangeable with an optional 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, an additional Type III Type III may stand for:
CD-ROM in full compact disc read-only memory Type of computer storage medium that is read optically (e.g., by a laser). module is included on the Model 550CD and 550CDT and optional on the Model 550. "TI's entrance into this value-priced portable notebook computer market will give corporate users and consumers more to choose from for their mobile computing solutions," said Lair. "This all-in-one modular type of flexibility with the "extras" will help corporations in the 1990s compete effectively." The Extensa 550 models meet a wide range of users' needs with a 75MHz (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 processor, PCI bus PCI bus - Peripheral Component Interconnect architecture and 256KB Level 2 (L2) cache to provide all the performance required to take advantage of the pre-installed Windows(r) 95 in a small footprint weighing only 6.2 pounds. "The Extensa family demonstrates TI's commitment to expanding its presence in the growing channels of distribution, primarily the retail and superstore outlets. These new notebooks offer consumers the TI quality, reliability and compatibility they expect to see from a leader in portable computing at very affordable prices," said Lair. In marketing the new Extensa value line, TI is looking at a new customer base beyond their traditional customers who have different buying patterns. Price, in addition to quality and reliability, greatly influence consumer buying decisions. Extensa Model 450: Extraordinary Combination Of Weight, Power And Affordability With a weight of only 5 pounds, the Extensa 450 combines exceptionally light weight with a full complement of features that allow users to be more productive. These include a full-size keyboard and display, floppy disk drive, PCMCIA slot, SIR port and other standard features. TI customers can choose from two models: the Extensa 450 with a 10.4-inch dual scan color display or the Extensa 450T with a 9.4-inch TFT color display. Both models are powered by a 75MHz IntelDX4 processor and include 4MB of RAM memory (expandable to 32MB), removable 340MB hard disk drive, and an optional lithium ion battery can be used in the removable floppy disk drive slot to give the user additional battery life. Extensa Model 550: The Power Of A Pentium Processor For The Price Of A 486 System The Extensa 550 notebook gives users the power of a 75MHz Pentium processor for the price of many competitors' 486 notebooks. The Extensa Model 550 delivers extraordinary performance that includes PCI bus and 256Kb L2 cache (Level 2 cache) A memory bank built into the CPU chip, packaged within the same module or built on the motherboard. The L2 cache feeds the L1 cache, and its memory is slower than L1 memory. The L2 cache feeds the L1 cache, which feeds the processor. to optimize the power of the Pentium processor and take full advantage of Windows 95 multitasking multitasking Mode of computer operation in which the computer works on multiple tasks at the same time. A task is a computer program (or part of a program) that can be run as a separate entity. and plug-and-play capabilities. The Model 550 has 10.4-inch dual scan display Noun 1. dual scan display - a type of passive matrix display in which the top and bottom half of the screen are refreshed simultaneously passive matrix display - a type of LCD display used for some portable computers; parallel wires run both vertically and , 8MB of RAM memory (expandable to 40MB), a removable 524MB hard disk drive and floppy drive See floppy disk. floppy drive - disk drive , and weighs 6.2 pounds. The notebook offers exceptional connectivity capabilities, a Type III PCMCIA slot as well as interfaces for parallel, serial PS/2(r), VGA (Video Graphics Array) The display standard for the PC. All PC display adapters support VGA, and Windows machines boot up in "VGA mode" before switching to higher resolutions. , Serial Infrared See SIR. and an expansion interface. Extensa Model 550CD and 550CDT: Multimedia Powerhouse The Extensa models 550CD/550CDT include a modular CD-ROM disk drive that is interchangeable with the floppy disk drive giving users convenient and flexible multimedia capabilities. The Model 550CD has a 10.4-inch dual scan display and the Model 550CDT provides a 10.4-inch TFT color display. Like the Extensa 550, these models include 8MB of RAM memory (expandable to 40MB), a user replaceable 524MB hard disk drive and outstanding connectivity features. Multimedia-equipped for unforgettable presentations, the Extensa 500CD/CDT includes industry standard 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). Pro(tm) compatible stereo sound and is WAV and MIDI capable to play files using FM synthesis to fully support all business and entertainment programs. In addition, audio record and play back is possible via an internal microphone and speaker. External line-in, speaker and microphone ports are also standard equipment on the full-featured notebook computer. "Key applications which will enable increased productivity for customers' using the Extensa 550CDT notebook computers include accessing extensive company product catalogues with video demonstrations, previewing upcoming television commercials and movie trailers, presenting video profiles, and many other applications which demand access to information libraries," commented Lair. Port Replicator Provides An Easy One-Step Connection To Desktop Peripherals TI provides users an optional port replicator for easy, one-step connection for the most commonly used peripherals to the Extensa family. The port replicator connects to the expansion bus and includes interfaces for parallel, serial, PS/2 mouse or keyboard ports, VGA and serial infrared. Texas Instruments Inc., headquartered in Dallas, is a high-technology company with sales or manufacturing operations in more than 30 countries. TI products and services include semiconductors; defense electronics; software productivity tools; printers, notebook computers and consumer electronics products; custom engineering and manufacturing services; electrical controls; and metallurgical materials. -0- Note to Editors: More information about TI located on the World Wide Web (http//www.ti.com). Please refer all reader inquiries to: -0- Texas Instruments Inc. P.O. Box 6102, MS3242 Temple, Texas 76503 800/TI-TEXAS CONTACT: Texas Instruments Inc. Jerry Rycaj, 817/774-6110 or BRSG/Maples Bob Maples, 714/253-8737 |
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