NEC TECHNOLOGIES INTRODUCES THE READY SERIES OF MULTIMEDIA PCs; INCLUDES
INDUSTRY'S FIRST CERTIFIED MPC LEVEL 2 SYSTEM TO FEATURE A TRIPLE-SPEED
CD-ROM READER

Boxborough, Mass., October 19. 1993-- Signaling a new era in multimedia
computing for the small office/home (SoHo) environment, NEC Technologies
today introduced its Ready Series of Multimedia PCs. Comprised of two MPC
Level 2-compliant systems, the Ready 425CD2 and the Ready 433CD3, the
Ready Multimedia PCs feature built-in NEC CD-ROM readers and a
comprehensive suite of pre-loaded software.

The Ready 433CD3 is recognized as the industry's first MPC Level 2
certified system to feature a triple-speed CD-ROM reader--NEC's new
MultiSpin 3Xi.

Ready Multimedia PCs Feature Unprecedented CD-ROM Technology and Superior
Sound

The cornerstone of effective multimedia computing solutions is outstanding
CD-ROM performance and functionality. To this end, highly-acclaimed NEC
CD-ROM readers are included as integral components of the Ready Multimedia
PCs.

The Ready 433CD3 features the recently-introduced MultiSpin 3Xi, a
triple-speed CD-ROM reader that redefines the standards of CD-ROM
computing. The MultiSpin 3Xi transfers data at a speedy 450
KB/second--three times the normal transfer rate of 150KB/second--with an
access time of 195 milliseconds. The MultiSpin 3Xi's innovative front
panel includes displays and controls that enable users to monitor their
reader at all times, and an LCD display for real-time performance and
diagnostic information. In addition, NEC's MusicSensor technology allows
users to play audio/music CDs, without a computer, on the MultiSpin 3Xi.
The Ready 425CD2 includes a high-performance dual-speed CD-ROM reader with
a 300 KB/sec data transfer rate and 380ms average access time. Both CD-ROM
readers are MPC Level 2 certified and are Kodak Multisession Photo CD
compatible.

To allow users to take full advantage of multimedia sound capabilities, the
Ready Multimedia PCs features a high-performance 16-bit 44KHz stereo sound
card featuring MediaVision's new JAZZ16 technology, Labtec CS-800
high-efficiency speakers, a monitor-mountable microphone, and a set of
headphones.

NEC Brings Advanced PC Technology to SoHo Multimedia Computing

With the introduction of the SoHo-targeted Ready Multimedia PCs, NEC
implements several advanced PC technologies until now found only in
high-end, professional workstations for the advanced business user, such
as NEC's acclaimed Image series.

The Ready Multimedia PCs feature NEC's third-generation local bus video, a
technology NEC invented in 1991, to provide users with the fastest
graphics available in this class of PCs. NEC's local bus implementation
includes a Windows graphics accelerator, 1MB of video RAM, and support for
16.8 million colors. NEC has also implemented its exclusive OptiBus
technology into the Ready Multimedia PCs, dramatically improving
throughput--up to 30%--by optimizing the data transfer rate of the I/O
bus.

"The introduction of the Ready Series of multimedia PCs is a prime example
of how NEC leverages the strengths of its various product business units.
The combination of NEC's state-of-the-art technologies such as MultiSpin
CD-ROM readers, local bus video, and OptiBus technology, position these
systems as the most feature-rich multimedia systems available today," said
Brian Mullins, marketing manager of NEC's Ready products.

The Ready 425CD2 and Ready 433CD3 also feature 4MB RAM, high capacity hard
drives, a full 1MB of video RAM, 24-bit True Color Support, and a data/fax
modem. As an added benefit for novice SoHo computer users, there is
virtually no set-up time involved with these systems--users simply connect
the cables, turn on the PC, and start working.

Ready Series Includes Full Suite of Leading Multimedia Software

In addition to Microsoft Windows 3.1 and MS-DOS 6.0, the Ready Series of
PCs feature a full complement of pre-installed multimedia software.
Pre-installed software includes: 

o Spinnaker Software's Multimedia PFS:WindowWorks offers word-processing,
spreadsheet, and database functionality, and also includes a multimedia
tutorial, 250 business letter templates, and 100 pieces of color clip
art.

o Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia combines video and sound clips to make
learning experiences more exciting.

o Knowledge Adventure's Dinosaur Adventure and Space Adventure promote
learning through a series of games, movies, and more.

o America On-Line and CompuServe for access to a world of online
information services, including news, weather, travel reservations,
shopping, and electronic mail.

Service and Support: NEC's ReadyRemote

All Ready Multimedia PCs come with a one-year, on-site limited warranty and
unlimited use of a toll-free Ready telephone support line. In addition,
the Ready 425CD2 and Ready 433CD3 include NEC's ReadyRemote service, a
unique remote assistance program in which NEC support technicians can
resolve user software problems directly through the system's pre-installed
modem.

With ReadyRemote, if a user's question can't be answered quickly via a
phone call, the user simply inserts the "Remote Support" disk and
re-starts the system. An NEC Customer Support technician can then dial
into the user's system, view the user's screen, take control of the system
and solve the problem directly.

Ballard Computer, Fly's, and Nobody Beats The Wiz Join Ranks of Ready
Multimedia Mass Merchants

In a related announcement, NEC also announced it has signed agreements with
three new major mass merchandisers who will carry the line of Ready
Multimedia PCs. They are: Ballard Computer in the Pacific Northwest; Fry's
in California; and, Nobody Beats The Wiz in the New York/New
Jersey/Connecticut Tri-State Area.

"We are committed to offering small office and home office computer users
state-of-the-art technology," said Ed Hart, senior vice president at
Nobody Beats the Wiz. "NEC has done an excellent job of combining the
latest innovations in high-end CD-ROM and graphics technology in an
easy-to-use multimedia PC. Nobody Beats the Wiz is pleased to provide our
customers with the Ready Multimedia PC at competitively low prices."

NEC PC Products: Designed and Manufactured in the USA

All NEC PC products, including the new Ready Multimedia PCs, are designed
and developed at the company's extensive Boxborough, Massachusetts
Research and Development facilities, and manufactured at a
state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in nearby Northborough.

Pricing and Distribution Information

The Ready Series of multimedia PCs are available immediately from mass
merchandisers, which include BrandsMart, Lechmere, and J&R Computerworld,
as well as NEC's extensive North American network of authorized resellers.
Although actual prices may vary, NEC's Ready Multimedia PCs are expected
to sell at the following prices:

Ready 425CD      $1,599
Ready 433CD3     $2,099

NEC Technologies, Inc.

Headquartered in Boxborough, Massachusetts, NEC Technologies, Inc. is a
leading manufacturer of computers and peripherals for the North American
market. Product lines include award-winning UltraLite Versa Notebook
computers, MultiSync FG monitors, Silentwriter and Superscript printers,
Image, PowerMate, Express/II, and Ready 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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