ZENITH DATA SYSTEMS MOVES INTO PENTIUM 100MHz MARKET WITH ENHANCED Z-NOTE MX PORTABLES;

        Drops Prices Up To 16 Percent On Existing 75 MHz Z-Note
                              MX Notebooks

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill., April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Zenith Data Systems (ZDS) has started shipping two enhanced models of the popular Z-NOTE MX portable computer featuring Pentium 100 MHz performance. One of the first to deliver a notebook system with the latest Pentium CPU, ZDS has also included select technologies typically found in premium products -- an IrDA infrared serial port and SVGA DSTN display -- in the additions to the mid-range priced Z-NOTE MX portable line. ZDS also announced price reductions of 11-16 percent on existing Z-NOTE MX 75 MHz notebooks.

"The new Z-NOTE MX models reflect Zenith Data Systems' successful strategy to bring leading-edge technology to an affordable price point for our customers as quickly as possible," said Mike Wilson, senior director of portable product marketing at ZDS. "Now our customers can enjoy the latest in Pentium technology--100 MHz performance--at a mid-range price early in the processor's life cycle."

Enhanced portable performance and communications

The Pentium 100 MHz CPU in the new Z-NOTE MX systems brings unprecedented performance to the mid-range price notebook class. Equipped with 256K L2 cache, PCI local-bus video and a Windows accelerator, the systems' power and speed allows users to tackle intensive computing tasks typically relegated to high-end portables.

A standard 810MB hard disk drive, 8MB of upgradable RAM and an NiMH battery also make the enhanced Z-NOTE MX notebooks a worthy match for heavy-weight uses. In addition, the new model featuring the SVGA DSTN display lets users view more information at one time to further enhance productivity.

"The latest Z-NOTE MX models combine a unique mix of features that fit the performance requirements and price range of professionals in information-intensive fields like finance, accounting, engineering, manufacturing and sales," said Wilson. "ZDS has also built communications into the systems as a cornerstone of their functionality."

The IrDA serial port on the 100 MHz Z-NOTE MX portables provides the capability for users to conduct convenient wireless printing and file transfers. Netscape Internet browser software is pre-installed, and an optional 14.4 or 28.8 PCMCIA (PC Card) modem with CommWorks software is available to complete the communications link.

"We've done everything we can to make the new Z-NOTE MX notebooks the ideal communications platform for traveling professionals," commented Wilson. "The keys to successful computing on the go are all covered. The new Z-NOTE MX notebooks are powerful, compact, light-weight and efficient. And innovations like our AccuPad interface make them especially easy to use."

The touch-sensitive AccuPad on the Z-NOTE MX portable functions both as a pointer and a mouse. It allows users to intuitively control cursor movements by tracing a finger along the AccuPad surface. The Pentium 100 MHz notebooks also feature an integrated 16-bit Sound Blaster-compatible stereo sound system with high-quality microphone support that enable hands-free recording of sound or voice messages for added convenience. Dual on-board stereo speakers, external headphone and microphone line jacks further extend Z-NOTE MX multimedia capabilities.

Abundant options and software in a sleek physique

Like the previous Z-NOTE MX models, the new Pentium 100 MHz systems feature an integrated AC adapter module for a lighter load that swaps easily with the floppy disk drive module. It can be operated external to the system while the floppy drive is inserted, or traded for a second battery module to instantly double the notebook's battery life.

Dual-scan systems with the battery installed weigh only 5.9 pounds, while active-matrix units with a battery weigh 6.1 pounds. Users can expect over four hours of battery life with two batteries installed. The sleek Z-NOTE MX notebook measures 11.1 x 8.7 x 1.9 inches (WDH).

The Z-NOTE MX line also supports PC Card flexibility, with room for two Type II or one Type III PC Card. In addition, the optional ReadyDesk port replicator offers a cost-effective bridge between stationary office peripherals and the notebook.

Like the previous Z-NOTE MX models, the new configurations ship with a Windows 95-optimized keyboard, and a completely integrated software suite for increased productivity and value. Systems preconfigured with the Microsoft Windows 95 package include Netscape Navigator Personal Edition and Norton Navigator, plus CoSession for remote ZDS support and ZDS EZ-Companion--custom designed software to make using the system even easier and to help users take full advantage of Windows 95's robust features. Microsoft Windows for Workgroups/MS-DOS configurations of the Z-NOTE MX notebooks include Netscape, PC Tools for system management and CoSession.

Z-NOTE MX Pentium 100 MHz pricing and availability

The new Pentium 100 MHz Z-NOTE MX models are configured with 8MB RAM, an 810MB hard disk, a choice of Windows 95 or Windows for Workgroups/MS-DOS with the appropriate integrated software suite described above, and an NiMH battery. A system featuring a 10.4-inch SVGA DSTN display has an estimated street price of $2,799. A Pentium 100 MHz Z-NOTE MX with a 10.4-inch SVGA TFT display is competitively priced at $3,599.

Both new models are available now through authorized ZDS resellers and distributors.

Z-NOTE MX 75 MHz price reductions

In addition to announcing the new 100 MHz Z-NOTE MX notebooks, ZDS also announced price reductions on the 75 MHz Z-NOTE MX configurations ranging from 11-16 percent. A 75 MHz Z-NOTE MX with 8MB RAM, 810MB hard drive and TFT active display is now $3,099, down $600 from its previous price of $3,699. The same system but with a DSTN screen is $300 less than its former $2,799 price for a current price of $2,499.

Technical support and warranty coverage

Zenith Data Systems offers 24-hour, seven days-a-week toll-free customer assistance and product support. When used with a modem, CoSession remote assistance software enables a ZDS technical consultant to provide dial-in analysis of a customer's system. Customers can also connect with the ZDS World Wide Web home page at http://www.zds.com for technical information.

Z-NOTE MX notebook computers are backed by a one-year limited warranty that includes Z-CARE mail-in service with 24-hour repair upon receipt by ZDS. All response commitments are based upon commercially reasonable efforts, and all response times may vary depending on availability and/or the nature of the service requested.

About Zenith Data Systems

Zenith Data Systems offers a full line of personal computer products ranging from high-performance servers and desktops to its award-winning line of notebook computers and wireless mobile products. With more than 1,200 Z-LINK GOLD resellers in the U.S. and sales locations in more than 30 countries, ZDS markets its products to business, education and government. The company is headquartered in Buffalo Grove, Ill., with engineering facilities in Santa Clara, Calif., Billerica, Mass. and Buffalo Grove; and manufacturing facilities in St. Joseph, Mich.

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/NOTE TO EDITORS: Zenith Data Systems, 2150 East Lake Cook Road, Buffalo Grove, Ill., 60089, 847-808-5000, fax [phone], Internet http://www.zds.com. Please direct reader inquiries to 800-533-0331.

Products mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Prices quoted are estimated street prices in U.S. dollars. Reseller prices may vary. Resellers determine their own pricing which may be higher or lower than Zenith Data Systems' prices.

Evaluation units are available upon request. Please call Glynis Gibson at 312-868-9400./

/CONTACT: Deanne Phillips of Gibson Communications, Inc., 312-493-1076, [e-mail] /

CO: Zenith Data Systems ST: Illinois IN: CPR SU: PDT 

DC -- NYM043 -- 3203 04/15/96 09:01 EDT