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 wavettable for high
performance stereo sound. Pricing and
Configurations
Estimated street prices (excluding monitor) are: -0-
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.
-0- 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. -0-
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. -0-
(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.
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