AST EXPANDS PREMMIA LINE WITH PENTIUM-BASED, PCI-LOCAL BUS DESKTOP SYSTEM

Company also enhances Premmmia 486 models, doubling video performance

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 25, 1993--AST Research today announced the Premmia LX
P/60 personal computer, combining the high-performance of Intel's Pentium
processor and PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) local-bus technology
in a low-profile desktop system. Designed from the board up to optimize
the 64-bit data path of the Pentium and equipped with the fastest video
accelerator chip from ATI on the PCI local bus, the Premmia LX commands
instant graphics response and superior numeric computation.

The company also today announced an enhancement to its Premmia 486 models,
doubling the video performance of previous Premmia 486 systems.

The Premmia LX P/60 is the newest member of AST's Premmia desktop family
which fulfills the high-performance requirements of the corporate
computing community. The Premmia family is equipped with the latest in
Intel microprocessors, advanced caching subsystems, local-bus video and
I/O, features that excel in today's world of Windows, Windows NT, OS/2 and
CAD programs.

"AST is embracing the newest industry standards and incorporating the
fastest technology available in the Premmia LX at a price that is
desirable for businesses today," said Larry Fortmuller, AST's director of
high-performance systems. "AST is one of the first in the industry to have
a Pentium, PCI-based desktop system available to take its customers to
this higher level of computing. Like all AST systems, it is backed by
AST's high quality standards and strong service and support programs."

In the Premmia LX, AST takes advantage of the capabilities of the PCI local
bus that moves 32 bits of data at 33MHz clock speed, a wider, faster
pathway for data than previously realized. This accelerates software
performance of such programs as Microsoft Video for Windows. Two PCI slots
provide the room to expand with high-performance PCI cards, including
multimedia, graphics, disk drives and LAN cards.

The Premmia LX P/60 features a base system targeting AST's VAR community.
It is called Model 3, with 8MB of RAM, expandable to 128MB, and 256KB
second-level cache standard. Premmia LX Model 543W is equipped with 16MB
of RAM, 256KB cache and a 540MB hard drive, a Windows solution for
resellers looking for a high-end Windows platform preconfigured by the
manufacturer. Factory-installed Windows, DOS, Runtime Video for Windows,
mouse and a mousepad are included in the Windows solutions. Estimated
sales prices range from to $3,325 to $4,475, maintaining the
price/performance hallmark of the Premmia family.

All Premmia 486 models are designed with AST's local bus video subsystem
and now feature 45 nanosecond DRAM, the fastest video DRAM available
today, yielding a 100 percent increase in performance over earlier Premmia
systems. AST also is now offering higher capacity hard drive models.

"We have held the line on Premmia 486 prices, offering faster video and
higher capacity hard drive for the same price as previously offered
models," said Fortmuller. "We are virtually providing twice the video
performance and 40MB of hard disk storage at no additional cost."

Base Model 3 of the Premmia 4/33s and 4/33 versions are equipped with 4MB
of memory expandable to 128MB. Base Model 3 of the 4/50d and 4/66d
versions feature 8MB of RAM, 128MB maximum. Premmia Models 213W, 343W and
423W in all 486 processing speeds offered, come with 210MB, 340MB and
420MB IDE hard drives, respectively, 8MB memory and factory-installed
Windows, DOS, Runtime Video for Windows, mouse and a mouse pad.. Estimated
sales prices range from $1,525 for a base model 4/33s, through $2,650 for
the Windows bundle 4/66d. 

Premmia LX Pentium, PCI-based desktop

The Premmia IX, AST's highest performing desktop system, has the following
features standard on all models: 256KB second-level cache, required to
optimize the capabilities of the Pentium microprocessor; two PCI expansion
slots for high-performance PCI compatible peripherals; three ISA slots for
cards such as modems or sound; FlashBIOS, an easy way to upgrade BIOS
through software; and four drive bays for high-capacity storage.

The integrated PCI local bus graphics subsystem features 1MB of VRAM
standard, expandable to 2MB for 1280 x 1024 resolution, 256 colors. The
Premmia LX utilizes the ATI mach32 AX chip designed for integration on the
PCI bus.

The system is designed with two buffered serial ports and one enhanced
bidirectional parallel port that yields faster output than standard
parallel ports. Password security and a chassis lock complete the system.

Premmia 486

With a 100 percent increase video performance than previously attained, the
Premmia 486 models complement the Premmia IX PCI-based system with AST's
local-bus implementation. The direct path between the CPU and graphics
chip puts full 32-bit 486 power to bear on Windows applications. Standard
1MB video memory can be upgraded to 2MB for additional speed and visual
clarity.

Optional 128KB, 256KB or 512KB cache modules provide flexibility in memory
architecture. Additionally, the Premmia 486 models are built to
accommodate the Intel Pentium processor through the dedicated cache module
slot or faster 486 chip upgrades through the Intel OverDrive Ready
Socket.

Five 32-bit EISA bus-master slots, five drive bays and a Token Ring module
for networking provide high speed I/O expansion. Enhanced security
features include Walk-n-Lock and password protection to prevent unwanted
access to systems, floppy drive and I/O port locking. Asset management,
which allows system administrators to tag computers with serial numbers or
other pertinent information is an additional feature.

"Our Premmia systems are loaded with the high-level security features
desired by both individuals and network administrators," said Fortmuller.

Comprehensive Service and Support

AST provides a three-year warranty on its Premmia systems which includes
one-year on-site and two years depot service. More than 1,400 Authorized
Service Providers are available to service the products. A 24-hour,
7-days-per-week toll-free technical hotline, Info-FAX and AST On-Line!
worldwide 24-hour bulletin board service are resources for additional
technical and product information. 

Corporate Background

AST Research Inc., ranked No. 367 on the 1992 Fortune 500 list of America's
largest industrial companies, develops award-winning personal computer
products ranging from hand-held portable computers to superservers under
the Advantage!, Bravo, Premmia, Manhattan SMP, PowerExec, GRiD, Victor and
PenRight! brand names.
In July 1993, AST acquired Tandy Corp.'s PC manufacturing business. The
acquisition makes AST the No. 4 U.S. and No. 6 worldwide personal computer
company, according to the calendar year 1992 unit volume shipment data
from International Data Corp. These figures include AST, Tandy and GRiD
brands manufactured by AST.

The company reported record sales of $1.412 billion and record volume
shipment increases of 69 percent for fiscal year ended July 3, 1993. AST
is represented in 100 countries and operates 41 subsidiaries and sales
offices worldwide. AST's corporate headquarters is located a 16215 Alton
Parkway, Irvine, Calif. 92718. Telephone (714) 727-4141, (800) 876-4278.
Fax: (714) 727-9355

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