SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 6, 1997--Packard Bell NEC Inc., U.S. Robotics (USRX) and
Texas Instruments (TI) Thursday announced they have joined hands to enable next-generation 56Kbps high-speed modem
capabilities in future Packard Bell and NEC brand personal computers.
U.S. Robotics' x2 technology, built into modem chipsets manufactured by Texas Instruments, will be incorporated in Packard
Bell and NEC brand systems. The high-speed modem-equipped PCs are expected to be available in the second quarter of this
year.
Packard Bell NEC is the second-largest supplier of personal computers in the United States and the No. 3 supplier
worldwide. The company is the No. 1 supplier of home computers worldwide through its Packard Bell and NEC brands.
Additionally, Packard Bell NEC is renowned for its technological innovations and for making the benefits of technology
available and affordable to the greatest number of people. Packard Bell pioneered the retail channel, with the first fully
configured PC and software solution, the first multimedia PC and the first real-world user interface to make it easier than ever
before to use a PC.
Its NEC brand has gained recognition with a history of firsts in the mobile arena -- shipping the first TFT display, the first
unique modular notebook and the first notebook equipped with Pentium processors with MMX technology. Building on the
company's tradition, Packard Bell NEC expects to be the front runner in providing integrated 56Kbps modem technology to
desktop PC users.
With the new high-speed integrated modem and service from one of the more than 400 Internet Service Providers that are
adopting x2 technology, Packard Bell and NEC PC buyers will be able to surf the Internet, download e-mail or the
increasingly complex graphics, audio and video files found on the Internet in nearly half the time it took with earlier modem
technology.
Additionally, with Texas Instruments' Digital Signal Processing (DSP) implementation of U.S. Robotics' x2 technology in TI's
TMS320x2 chipset, consumers who purchase Packard Bell and NEC brands will be able to upgrade their modems to faster
modem speeds and evolving 56Kbps industry standards.
"With the need for speed in today's Internet environment, Packard Bell NEC chose U.S. Robotics and Texas Instruments, two
world-class companies, to bring innovative, high-speed modem technology to its Packard Bell and NEC PC customers as
quickly as possible," said Beny Alagem, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Packard Bell NEC Inc.
"We will make an enhanced Internet experience available to the greatest number of people worldwide through our established
leadership in the home PC marketplace," Alagem added.
U.S. Robotics, the world's leading provider of modems and remote access equipment, extensively field-tested x2 and shipped
its first x2 products in February 1997. It is the first company to market with 56Kbps modem technology. This gives Packard
Bell NEC an edge in providing this high-speed modem technology well in advance of PC manufacturers who are dependent on
other companies for their modem technology.
"We're very pleased to begin this new relationship with Packard Bell NEC, who holds the leading share of the home PC
market, and we're looking forward to providing them the latest technology for their customers," said John McCartney,
president and chief operating officer of U.S. Robotics.
"With x2's widespread acceptance by more than 400 Internet Service Providers worldwide, representing more than 18 million
subscribers, Packard Bell and NEC customers will have numerous options for Internet access at x2 speeds."
According to Richard Templeton, TI executive vice president and semiconductor group president: "The modems in Packard
Bell and NEC systems will be based on TI's software-defined DSP, which provides flexibility and cost-performance
advantages over conventional modem chipsets. This technology protects the customers' investment by allowing them to
upgrade their modems with software to comply with evolving technological advances."
TI, a world leader in digital signal processing solutions, has shipped more than 20 million modem chipsets equipped with the
DSP software upgradeable solution since late 1995. Also, TI was the first to market with 33.6Kbps modem chips and the first
semiconductor manufacturer to deliver 56Kbps modem capabilities on the same chip.
This new DSP-based modem technology reflects TI's focus on digital signal processing solutions as the cornerstone in the
company's strategic direction.
About U.S. Robotics
U.S. Robotics is one of the world's leading suppliers of products and systems that provide access to information. The
company designs, manufactures, markets and supports remote access servers, LAN switching equipment, desktop/mobile
client products and modems, telephony products and handheld organizers.
U.S. Robotics products connect computers and other equipment over analog, digital and switched cellular networks, enabling
users to gain access to, manage and share data, fax and voice information. Its customers include Internet service providers,
regional Bell operating companies, interexchange carriers and a wide range of other large and small businesses, institutions and
individuals.
The company's fiscal 1996 sales were $1.98 billion.
About Texas Instruments
An industry pioneer and the worldwide leader in digital signal processing solutions, Texas Instruments celebrates the 15th
anniversary of its first DSP in 1997. TI provides innovative DSP solutions to more than 20,000 customers worldwide in the
computer, communications, consumer, automotive, military and industrial markets.
TI was recognized by IEEE for technical excellence in the design and application of DSPs by receiving the 1996 IEEE
Corporate Innovation Recognition Award. TI offers a unique breadth of digital and mixed-signal products and technologies,
hardware and software development tools, design information services and global support.
Texas Instruments Inc., with headquarters in Dallas, is one of the world's foremost high-technology companies, with sales or
manufacturing operations in more than 30 countries. TI products and services include semiconductors; software productivity
tools; mobile computing products and consumer electronics products; electrical controls; and metallurgical materials.
For more information about Texas Instruments, visit www.ti.com on the Internet.
About Packard Bell NEC Inc.
Packard Bell, a Packard Bell NEC company, is the world's No. 1- selling home computer manufacturer. Credited with having
pioneered the mass marketing of PCs through the retail channel, Packard Bell brings innovative, affordable technology to the
greatest number of homes in the world.
Packard Bell was the first company to bundle CD-ROM drives and fully configured multimedia systems, the first to offer
easy-to-use graphical user interfaces for the home market and the first to ship Pentium processors to the retail channel.
The company's NEC Computer Systems Division is a leading worldwide supplier of notebook and desktop computer systems
and servers for the commercial and consumer markets. NEC serves the consumer desktop market with three product lines:
Ready multimedia PCs for the home; Ready Office PCs for the work-at-home and small business market; and PowerPlayer,
the ultimate gamer system.
Each system is richly configured with the latest hardware features and software titles and is ready to use right from the box.
Based in Sacramento, Packard Bell NEC designs, manufactures and markets a broad range of desktop, notebook and mobile
computers and network servers under the Packard Bell, NEC, Zenith Data Systems and ZDS Direct brands. The company's
major manufacturing operations are in Sacramento; Fife, Wash.; Angers, France; Sydney, Australia; and Tel Aviv, Israel.
For more information on Packard Bell products, visit www.packardbell.com, and on NEC products, contact www.NEC.com
on the World Wide Web.
CONTACT: Packard Bell NEC Inc./Ketchum Public Relations
Gerry Lynne Baker, 714/842-4027
Jennifer Lowitz, 310/444-1304
or
U.S. Robotics
Laurie Lentz, 847/982-5230
or
Texas Instruments
Nancy Moreland, 281/274-3261
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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