NEC brings lightning fast Internet access to home computer line
-- first in the industry to ship systems using 56Kbps X2
technology from U.S. Robotics; NEC Computer Systems
Division introduces four new PCs -- includes full multimedia
capabilities and superior price/performance
Business Wire - April 14, 1997 08:16
FINANCIAL NEC-COMPUTER-SYSTEMS CALIFORNIA COMED COMPUTERS ELECTRONICS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS PRODUCT V%BW P%BW
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MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 14, 1997--NEC Computer Systems Division
(NEC CSD) today announced the availability of four new desktop personal computers that include 56
Kilobits per second (Kbps) modems -- U.S. Robotics' x2 technology(a) -- for consumers who want high
speed Internet downloads now.
As part of its popular Ready line, the new systems are also available with Intel's Pentium Processor with
MMX technology for an enhanced multimedia experience.
Estimated street prices for the new PCs range from $1,299 to $2,199, and include a comprehensive
offering of hardware and software to support true multimedia computing. The new Ready PCs are
available now from leading national retailers such as Circuit City, CompUSA, Office Max, Staples and
other selected stores. Fire Hose vs. Garden Hose
"Today's Internet environment demands an even greater need for speed," said Murali Dharan, Vice
President of Desktop Systems, NEC CSD. "With U.S. Robotics' x2 technology for 56Kbps speed, it's
like downloading files using a fire hose instead of a garden hose. When you couple that with Intel's
Pentium with MMX technology, consumers can expect a rich multimedia experience."
With new high speed, integrated modem and service from one of the more than 500 Internet Service
Providers who have agreed to adopt x2 technology, Ready customers will be able to surf the Internet,
download e-mail or complex graphics/audio/video files in nearly half the time it took with earlier modem
technology.
U.S. Robotics is the first company to market with 56Kbps technology. As part of a previous
announcement, NEC Computer Systems Division and U.S. Robotics signed a pact to use x2 Technology
in NEC desktop systems.
"We are pleased to provide the latest in modem technology for NEC's popular Ready line of PCs," said
Michael Seedman, Vice President and General Manager, U.S. Robotics Personal Communications
Division.
"x2 has been widely accepted by more than 500 Internet Service Providers worldwide planning to offer
x2 to their customers_that represents more than 18 million subscribers. NEC customers will have
numerous options for Internet access at x2 speeds. Nearly 200 ISPs already have x2 service available
today, providing local access nationwide in both the US and Canada." Pentium With MMX Technology
For Rich Multimedia
Intel's Pentium with MMX technology improves the multimedia capabilities of a PC system by enabling
higher quality and performance capabilities for graphics, video and audio. Multimedia applications will run
10-20% faster than on systems without MMX technology, graphics and audio will be more powerful and
realistic.
The performance of certain functions within applications written specifically for MMX technology will be
increased by over 400%. (Source: Image Processing component of Intel Media Benchmark, for Windows
95). With MMX technology, software developers will be able to deliver a new generation of
higher-performance multimedia and communications applications, making the PC a solid computing and
entertainment platform. NEC's New Ready Line
Each Ready system is ready to use right from the box, and includes an assortment of hardware and
software for every member of the family. The new Ready systems are available with 166 megahertz
(MHz) and 200 MHz Pentium processors and Pentium processors with MMX technology.
The systems are configured with either 16 or 32 megabytes (MB) of memory, 2.1 to 4.3 gigabyte (GB)
high capacity hard drives, a 56Kbps x2 modem and a 16X (Maximum Performance) CD-ROM drive.
Each model incorporates an ATI graphics accelerator board with one or two MB of memory, and a 16
Watt sound system with 3D Surround Sound and hardware wavetable for high performance stereo sound.
Pricing and Configurations
Estimated street prices (excluding monitor) are:
Ready 9701SE $1,299
166 MHz Pentium processor, 16 MB memory, 2.1 GB hard drive, 16X
CD-ROM, 56Kbs x2 modem, 64-bit graphics and an NEC 16Watt sound
system (based on 8 Watts per channel).
Ready 9704 $1,599
200 MHz Pentium processor, 24 MB memory, 3.2 GB hard drive, 16X
CD-ROM, 56Kbps x2 modem, 64-bit graphics and an NEC 16Watt sound
system.
Ready 9712SE $1,799
166 MHz Pentium processor with MMX technology, 32 MB memory, 3.2 GB
hard drive, 16X (maximum performance) CD-ROM, 56Kbps x2 modem, 3D
graphics with 2MB and an NEC 16Watt sound system.
Ready 9716SE $2,199
200 MHz Pentium processor with MMX technology, 32 MB memory, 4.3 GB
hard drive, 16X (maximum performance) CD-ROM, 56Kbps x2 modem, 3D
graphics with 2MB and an NEC 16Watt sound system.
Complete Software Bundle Includes MMX Titles
A full spectrum of software comes pre-installed on all the Ready systems, and includes productivity,
education, entertainment and online or Internet communications. Additional software includes Microsoft
Windows 95, Microsoft Encarta/Works/Money, Microsoft Arcade/Publisher and McAfee ViruScan and
WebScan, to protect against computer viruses.
Each system also includes NEC's WebWay service, an exclusive NEC online service providing one-step
Internet access. WebWay service is designed to provide a forum for direct interaction with NEC, and a
way for NEC to provide quality technical support services to its customers.
Ready systems with MMX technology include additional software specifically written to take advantage
of MMX technology. These titles include Blockbuster Entertainment Guide to Movies and Videos, The
Family Doctor, Timetables of Technology, The Third Dimension and Pod. These systems also feature
Starfish Internet Utilities to help manage online activities, and The Palace, a chat environment software to
facilitate online forum discussions.
For sales information or the nearest authorized reseller, interested customers should call 888/306-INFO
(888/306-4636) or www.nec-computers.com .
NEC Computer Systems is a leading worldwide supplier of notebook and desktop computer systems and
servers for the commercial and consumer markets. NEC Computer Systems is a division of Packard Bell
NEC, Inc., one of the largest computer companies in the world. Packard Bell NEC headquarters are in
Sacramento, Calif.
Note to Editors: WebWay is a trademark of NEC Computer Systems Division, Inc., a Packard Bell NEC
Company. Pentium is a registered trademark and MMX is a trademark of Intel Corporation. Microsoft is
a registered trademark and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. X2 is a trademark of U.S.
Robotics. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective trademark
owners.
(a) x2 Technology is capable of 56Kbps downloads. However, due to FCC rules which restrict power
output of the service provider's modem, current download speeds are limited to approximately 53Kbps.
Actual speed may vary depending on line conditions. An x2-capable analog phone line and an x2-capable
service provider are required for these high speed downloads.
CONTACT: NEC CSD
Micael Wong, 415/528-5875
m.wong@neccsd.com
REPEATS: New York 212-752-9600 or 800-221-2462; Boston 617-236-4266 or
800-225-2030; SF 415-986-4422 or 800-227-0845; LA 310-820-9473
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