Epson introduces new DYO™ drive; combines PCMCIA and floppy disk drive

Business Wire, Nov 21, 1994

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 21, 1994--Building on its leadership in both the floppy disk drive and PCMCIA markets, Epson Monday introduced the availability of its new DYO drive that combines a full-function PCMCIA Type III socket and a 1.44MB, 3.5-inch floppy disk drive in a single half-height package.

Bridging the gap between portable and desktop computing, the Epson DYO allows computer users not only to share data between platforms, but also to add the wide variety of PCMCIA capabilities to their desktop systems.

"The introduction of the Epson DYO underscores our position as a major supplier of both PCMCIA and storage technology," said Bud Weist, Epson director, marketing OEM division.

"DYO allows users to free a bay to add additional peripherals such as an optical drive, CD-ROM or tape back-up system while adding the additional power of PCMCIA capabilities. In essence, DYO represents the ultimate, cost-effective, ease-of-use link between portable and desktop computing."

The user-friendly DYO comes with SystemSoft software that automatically configures the desktop computer to recognize the type of card in the socket, whether it's a storage, I/O or other card. These card and socket services enable true "plug and play" PC card operation within the Windows, DOS and Windows 95 environments.

DYO includes high-performance mass-storage drivers that assign a drive designator based on the type of PC card inserted. DYO is also compatible with Flash Filing System Software (FFS) that enables full FDD/HD emulation of Series I, II and III Flash cards.

The DYO's full-function PCMCIA peripheral socket allows users to use RAM, flash memory and ATA cards, and also virtually any type of I/O card. DYO provides access to the full range of PCMCIA technology and capability.

It is compatible with Epson's full line of cards such as fax/modem, cellular fax/modem, Ethernet and hard disk drive cards, and PCMCIA Type I, II and III cards from a variety of manufacturers.

Front panel access to the PCMCIA socket makes it easy to switch between cards providing maximum flexibility with access to a wide variety of multi-function PC card solutions. For those that require the additional power and capability, DYO is also available in a dual-slot configuration that provides a second, rear-panel access PCMCIA slot (DYO-212) in addition to the front-panel slot.

In addition to its PCMCIA capability, the DYO includes Epson's SMD-1340, 1.44MB, 3.5-inch floppy disk drive. The drive incorporates a unique seek mechanism that results in very low power consumption (1.2 watts in read mode) and weighs only 400 grams. The SMD-1340 features a transfer rate of 500KB/second with an average seek time of 95 milliseconds and an average latency of 83.3ms.

The DYO will be sold both through OEMs and commercial distribution. Product availability is slated for first-quarter 1995, and manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the DYO-211 is $199.99, while suggested MSRP for the DYO-212 is $259.99.

About Epson

Epson offers an extensive array of technology products including ink jet, laser and dot matrix printers, color flatbed scanners, portable and desktop computers and, for the OEM market, a variety of component and electronic devices, including terminal printers and mechanisms for the point-of-sale market.

Founded in 1975, Epson America Inc. is an affiliate of Seiko Epson Corp., a global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality technology products that meet customer demands for increased functionality, compactness, systems integration and energy efficiency.

Epson America's OEM division is located at corporate headquarters: 20770 Madrona Ave., Torrance, Calif. 90503. -0-

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CONTACT: Epson America Inc., Torrance

              Bud Weist, 310/787-6300 (media only)
                   or
              Base One Marketing
              Bette Dragoun, 310/792-1877