Apple Ships PCMCIA Expansion Module for PowerBook 500 Series

Industry-Standard PC Cards Provide New Solutions for Apple PowerBook Users

CUPERTINO, California--September 26, 1994--Continuing its efforts to
support industry standards and offer cross-platform compatibility, Apple
Computer, Inc. today announced shipment of its first PCMCIA (Personal
Computer Memory Card International Association) Expansion Module for the
recently announced PowerBook 500 series computers. Apple expects the
module to be available in mid to late October (Phase I). Apple's PCMCIA
Expansion Module is a user-installable, wallet-sized case that fits into
one of the two battery bays of any PowerBook 500 series computer. In Phase
I, the module will accept the most popular data/fax modem and ATA storage
cards. In Phase II, rolling out in early '95, Apple plans to provide a kit
for developers to create a host of other solutions. Apple's implementation
of PCMCIA follows industry-standard PCMCIA guidelines, and is designed to
be compatible with most PC Cards designed for Windows and DOS- based
computers.

The PCMCIA Expansion Module offers PowerBook customers a simple way of
adding new capabilities to PowerBook computers through the use of
industry-standard PC Cards. PC Cards are lightweight and portable-- about
the size of a credit card--and offer customers a variety of uses,
including storage cards that hold large volumes of information and
cellular and data/fax modem cards for connecting to online services or
accessing remote desktop computers and networks. By early next year, as
developers begin to introduce new cards that meet Apple's implementation
of PCMCIA Card & Socket Services specifications, customers can expect
third-parties to provide additional solutions that might include paging,
wireless networking, global positioning, and Token Ring connectivity.

On other computing platforms, customers are often expected to use PCMCIA
software and hardware from a variety of sources that don't necessarily
interpret PCMCIA guidelines in the same way. This can lead to
compatibility and configuration issues that are frustrating and time
consuming. Apple, on the other hand, through its ability to tightly
integrate hardware and software, is able to provide a much more "user
friendly" PCMCIA solution that minimizes these issues.

Some key benefits for users are:

- "Hot Swapping": This allows users to move cards in and out of the module
while the computer is running. It also allows cards to be switched without
reconfiguring the system.

- Easy Installation: Inserting the PCMCIA module is as easy as inserting a
battery. PCMCIA software is installed by simply placing three items into
the computer's "system folder".

- Software Eject of Cards: Apple's PowerBook 500 series computers are the
only notebook computers in the industry that allow for a PC Card to be
ejected via software. For example, when an ATA storage card is inserted,
it will show up on the computer screen and can be ejected automatically by
either "dragging" it into the "trash" or selecting a special icon in the
new control strip module--a gauge that pops up on the PowerBook screen to
monitor battery life, control sound volume, and manage file sharing.

Apple's implementation of PCMCIA will roll out in two phases:

- Phase I: Available in mid to late October; Apple will provide customers
with the PCMCIA Expansion Module and software support for modems and ATA
storage cards.

- Phase II: Expected to roll out early next year; Apple plans to provide
developers with a kit and specifications for creating new PC Cards or
adapting existing solutions, other than ATA storage or modems, to the
Macintosh platform.

The PCMCIA Expansion Module is expected to be available through authorized
Apple resellers worldwide in mid to late October. Apple Price in the U.S.
is $219. (Price and availability may vary outside the U.S.)

To receive a current list of available PC Cards in the United States via
fax, call 1-800-462-4396, or in Canada call 1-800-263-3394 and ask for
document #10307.

Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized pioneer and innovator in the information
industry, creates powerful solutions based on easy-to-use personal
computers, servers, peripherals, software, online services, and personal
digital assistants. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple (NASDAQ:
AAPL) develops, manufactures, licenses and markets products, technologies
and services for the business, education, consumer, scientific &
engineering and government markets in over 140 countries.

Apple Computer Inc, 20525 Mariana Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014
408-996-1010

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