NEC REDEFINES NOTEBOOK COMPUTING WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE ULTRALITE
VERSA SERIES 

Implements Many Technology Firsts In Portable Computing

Technology Innovations and Main Features of NEC's UltraLite Versa Series

* A modular design that lets users choose their notebook
  configuration then change that configuration as their computing
  needs change
* The only notebook computer with five upgrade paths--display,
  hard disk drive, memory, processor and pen computing
* A user-removable, upgradable, and reversible STN monochrome 
  or active-matrix TFT color display design which converts from 
  a notebook to a pen tablet in seconds
* DoubleTime feature that allows users to remove the floppy disk
  drive and insert an additional battery to double battery life
* First notebook computer with local bus video for superior
  graphics performance
* First notebook computer with PCMCIA slots with QuickSwap
  capability that allows users to insert and remove PCMCIA cards
  without powering down the system
* Innovative active-matrix color pen computing capability
* First notebook computer family to feature the i486SL
  microprocessor running at 20MHz, 25MHz or 33MHz
* Low-power 3.3 volt architecture for superior battery life
* Standard 3-year limited warranty
* UltraCare Warranty Service Program offers users extensive 
  and unprecedented service and support
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(Boxborough, Mass., March 8,1993)--NEC Technologies, Inc. today redefines
notebook computing with the introduction of its premier UltraLite Versa
Series--the first portable modular notebook series that allows each user
to choose specific configurations and change those configurations as their
needs change. Each UltraLite Versa notebook computer requires no tools for
users to upgrade memory, hard drive, display and communications devices.
NEC installable upgrades for processor and pen input are designed to
accommodate emerging technologies and the changing needs of today's mobile
professional.

The NEC UltraLite Versa Series of notebook computers gives users a host of
computing options. For instance, users may choose processor speed, 20MHz,
25MHz or 33MHz; display type, active-matrix TFT color or monochrome;
memory, 4MB standard, upgradable to 8MB, 12MB or 20MB; and hard disk drive
size, 80MB, 120MB, 180MB or larger when available. Users also may choose
to upgrade the system to accept pen input. In addition, users even have
the option of removing the floppy drive to install a second battery to
double the length of computing time away from a power source. This feature
set uniquely positions the UltraLite Versa Series of notebook computers to
meet varying needs within business environments, company departments and
those of individual mobile professionals.

NEC Focuses On Key Needs Of Mobile Professionals . . .

To create the UltraLite Versa Series of notebook computers, NEC focused on
the concerns, needs and working environments of mobile professionals:

* Performance and processing power 
* Battery life 
* Upgradability/Flexibility 
* Display quality 
* Connectivity 
* Pen input capability

"Our research indicates the need to provide mobile professionals a notebook
computer with power and versatility," explained Bob Levin, director of
marketing for NEC's Portable Systems Group. "To meet these special
requirements, we took a modular approach to the UltraLite Versa Series and
developed a notebook that can grow with changing needs, and have the
flexibility to be used across many applications." 

Power-Packed Performance

While versatility is critical to mobile professionals, they equally depend
on powerful performance. To address this need, the UltraLite Versa i486SL
is the best-suited processor designed for business applications in a
mobile, battery-operated environment.

Developed specifically to maximize battery life, the i486SL microprocessor
and many other components operate at 3.3 volts, significantly reducing
system power consumption, thereby increasing battery life. Intel's i486SL
microprocessor further extends battery life through its integrated SMM
architecture which optimizes the control of power to components through
system software.

NEC's power management implementation allows the user to choose one of
NEC's four levels of power management environments, regardless of
application, to maximize battery life. Users have the option of choosing a
standard operating environment, high or low power management or
customizing the level of power management.

For example, users who need long battery life, may, with the touch of a
function key, choose the high power management working environment. This
will automatically activate maximum power management. The system will
enter into, after a predetermined time of inactivity, Local Stand-by mode,
the first of NEC's four levels of power management. Global Stand-by,
Suspend and Suspend to Disk are the additional NEC levels of power
management that are accessed in subsequent order.

Each level of NEC's power management powers down system functions to best
utilize battery life. For example, in Local Stand-by, the CPU consumes
less power than in Normal Mode and power to unused system components is
turned off. In Global Stand-by, all major power consuming devices are shut
down while maintaining RAM contents.

This feature gives users total control over the ability to manipulate
battery life to the fullest extent, without having to worry about
underlying technology.

DoubleTime Feature Gives Double-Capacity Battery Life

In addition to the processor, NEC extends battery life to a new height by
giving users the option of removing the 1.44 MB 3.5" internal floppy disk
drive and installing a second battery, thus doubling battery life to 5 to
10 hours for the active-matrix color systems and 8 to 12 hours for the
monochrome systems. Nickel metal-hydride batteries are standard with all
UltraLite Versa notebook computers.

This feature addresses needs of notebook computer users who require long
uninterrupted battery life for non-stop computing while flying
coast-to-coast or attending all-day business meetings.

"Users we interviewed told us that one of the greatest concerns of mobile
computing was the ability to provide uninterrupted power in critical
situations such as customer presentations," explained Levin. "Our unique
DoubleTime feature is designed to make extended computing away from a
power source possible and alleviate the issue of battery downtime." 

Upgradability Without Sacrificing Weight or Options

With more upgrade paths than any other notebook computer currently on the
market, the UltraLite Versa Series offers users the ability to increase
their computing power as their needs change. The UltraLite Versa Series
systems have a thin profile of 2.09 inches and a lightweight form factor
of approximately 6 pounds for the monochrome notebook and 6.8 pounds for
the active-matrix color notebook. Equipped with 256KB of Flash ROM, users
may upgrade the system BIOS via a floppy disk or download upgraded BIOS
through NEC's electronic bulletin board.

The following upgrade paths are available in the UltraLite Versa Series of
notebook computers: 

* Monochrome screen is user upgradable to a color screen.
* Both monochrome and color screens will support pen input via 
  an NEC installable pen upgrade. 
* The hard drive is user upgradable from 80MB to 120MB to 180MB
  or larger. 
* System memory is user upgradable from 4MB to 8MB, 12MB or 20MB.
* Processor speed is NEC upgradable from 20MHz to 25MHz or 33MHz.

The UltraLite Versa notebook computer may be transformed into a desktop
computer with NEC's one-touch Docking Station expansion option. The
Docking Station expansion option comes complete with two full-size ISA
slots, three drive bays and full-port replication (enhanced parallel port,
serial port, VGA CRT port (super VGA), PS/2-style mouse port, PS/2-style
keyboard). NEC's Docking Station expansion option also has microphone and
headphone ports for multimedia needs and a reinforced metal cover capable
of supporting a CRT. With the NEC Docking Station, users may have the best
of both worlds--a high-performance desktop computer with plenty of storage
and expansion capability and a lightweight, powerful notebook computer for
the road. 

The Most Versatile High-Quality Display

NEC, the pioneer of TFT active-matrix color notebook computing and the
first manufacturer to ship an active-matrix color notebook in the U.S.,
has revamped its 9.45" active-matrix color screen to make it brighter,
thinner and display more colors at higher resolution. Unlike
passive-matrix displays, active-matrix color displays provide a wider
viewing angle, a faster screen refresh and higher contrast, while
eliminating ghosting. The UltraLite Versa active-matrix color display
offers Super VGA resolution of 640 x 480 with 256 brilliant colors. NEC's
monochrome display offers up to 64 crisp shades of gray.

The UltraLite Versa notebook computer also incorporates another NEC
first--local bus video in a notebook computer. NEC's implementation via
the i486SL PI (peripheral interface) bus allows the graphics engine to
display information faster and eliminates the bottleneck of display data
traditionally associated with ISA bus-based video.

Not only does NEC break technological barriers by improving screen
performance with local bus video, it advances the functionality of the
screen by making it user removable and reversible. Reversing the screen
allows users to convert the full-function notebook computer into a pen
tablet or a powerful small group presentation tool.

In addition, the UltraLite Versa notebook computer provides external
display capabilities comparable to desktop systems (800 x 600 at 256
colors and 1024 x 768 at 16 colors). Through the VGA port, users may
simultaneously display information on the notebook screen and external
monitor at 640 x 480 at 256 colors. 

Uncompromising Connectivity

Another technology strength is the ability to house two Type II PCMCIA
cards stacked or one Type III PCMCIA card. NEC's innovative QuickSwap
capability is built-in intelligence that allows for removal and insertion
of PCMCIA cards without leaving the current application or powering down.
The UltraLite Versa Series of notebook computers' flexible PCMCIA
architecture offers users a variety of communications options from
data/fax modems to Ethernet for connectivity to local area networks. The
PCMCIA 5MB Flash Storage card offers users the ability to have secure
non-volatile data in a credit-card sized form factor.

Pen Computing Capability

The UltraLite Versa allows users to select or upgrade to either active
matrix color or monochrome pen capable models. As mobile professionals,
such as salespeople, insurance adjusters and accountants, learn to
appreciate the benefit of pen computing, the NEC UltraLite Versa Series of
notebook computers will be right there with them. The UltraLite Versa
Series of notebook computers has the ability to convert into a tablet
system, allowing for any applications where the pen is used as an input
device to gather data or obtain signatures.

In addition, the UltraLite Versa notebook design combined with pen
capabilities makes it ideal for mobile users who simply want the easiest,
most intuitive pointing device available also.

When neither pen nor trackball suit the user's needs NEC has provided a
built-in software capability that allows the arrow keys to function as a
mouse for quick navigation through DOS or Windows applications when other
devices aren't practical. 

Pricing, Availability and Warranty

NEC UltraLite Versa Series notebook computers will be widely available in
early April through NEC's network of authorized dealers at the following
configurations and suggested retail prices: 

Model                               SRP
--------------------------        -------
UltraLite Versa 20,   80MB        $2,659
UltraLite Versa 20,  120MB         2,879
UltraLite Versa 20C,  80MB         3,869
UltraLite Versa 20C, 120MB         4,089
UltraLite Versa 25,  120MB         3,059
UltraLite Versa 25,  180MB         3,329
UltraLite Versa 25C, 120MB         4,269
UltraLite Versa 25C, 180MB         4,539

The UltraLite Versa series comes standard with a 3-year limited warranty.
NEC's new UltraCare Warranty Service Program, which offers repair service
within one business day in the U.S. and Canada, is available to end users
at no additional charge with product registration for the first year of
UltraLite Versa ownership. For international travelers, UltraCare is also
available in twenty-four countries outside North America. To register,
users must complete the Product Registration Card enclosed with each
UltraLite Versa notebook computer and mail it to NEC. Users will receive
an information booklet explaining the program as well as a proof of
coverage sticker to be placed on the bottom of the unit. An upgrade to
UltraCare for the second and third year of warranty coverage is available
for just $99.

UltraLite Versa Series Promotion

To add even more excitement to the UltraLite Versa, users will receive a
free MicroSoft Ballpoint mouse and a coupon for a free NiMH battery with
every system purchased by April 30, 1993.

NEC Technologies, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of computers and
peripherals for the North American market. Product lines include,
award-winning MultiSync monitors, ProSpeed laptop computers, UltraLite
notebook computers, Silentwriter and Colormate printers, PowerMate Image
and Express systems products, and MultiSpin CD-ROM hardware. NEC
Technologies, Inc. is a subsidiary of NEC Corporation.

NEC Technologies
1414 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA 01719-2298
508-264-8000

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