EPSON enhances value-line notebook series; new ActionNote 660 features faster 486DX2 performance, choice of active matrix or dual scan color screen and PCMCIA

Business Wire, April 24, 1995

TORRANCE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 24, 1995--Responding to the needs of notebook PC consumers looking for exceptional value, EPSON Monday announced enhanced versions of its ActionNote 600 Series of full-featured notebook computers, the ActionNote 660C and ActionNote 660CX.

The new systems are powered by a 66 megahertz (MHz) 486DX2 processor and packed with high-demand features, including a choice of active matrix or dual-scan color screen, PCMCIA support and an array of popular software packages. THe new ActionNote 660 Series' street price starts at under $2,000.

``With the earlier ActionNote 650, EPSON firmly established this line of notebook computers as affordable, highly integrated products with no compromises in functionality. Today, EPSON extends that reputation with the introduction of the new, more powerful ActionNote 660 Series,'' said Michael DeNeffe, director, PC product management, EPSON.

The two new members of the new ActionNote 660 Series are the ActionNote 660C and ActionNote 660CX. The ActionNote 660C has a large, 10.3-inch dual scan passive color screen, 4 megabytes (MB) of random access memory (RAM) and a 340MB hard disk drive; the ActionNote 660CX comes with a 9.5-inch active matrix color LCD, 8MB of RAM and a 340MB hard disk drive.

The new ActionNote 660 notebooks also include one Type III/two Type I/Type II PCMCIA slot with preloaded services and utilities from SystemSoft Inc.

Preloaded software includes MS-DOS, MS Windows, ClarisWorks for Windows and Sidekick for Windows, as well as Prodigy, Compuserve America Online and Official Airline Guide Flight Disk.

The notebooks' integrated power management features include a rechargeable, hot-swappable NiMH power supply capable of three to five hours of continuous operation and a user-friendly interface with instant access to battery charge status. EPSON ActionNote 660 Series accessories include memory modules, external battery charger and auto adapter.

Standard features on the ActionNote 660C and 660CX include:

-- 66 MHz 486DX2 processor

-- 8KB internal cache

-- 340MB hard drive

-- 4MB or 8MB of RAM expandable to 20MB

-- 32-bit local bus video graphics support

-- PCMCIA support for one Type III/two Type I/Type II devices

-- Support for external monitor

-- Enhanced parallel, serial, VGA and mouse/keyboard ports

-- Built-in floppy disk drive

-- Integrated front-and-center trackball with palmrest

One-Year Warranty

The ActionNote 660 Series is covered by EPSON's one-year Road Service Warranty, which features a rapid-response program designed to provide customers with overnight replacement of their notebook PC should a problem occur that cannot be resolved over the telephone.

The ActionNote 660 Series notebook computers and all EPSON products are supported by the EPSON Connection. For more information about EPSON products, call 800/289-3776, ext. 3000.

Pricing and Availability

The ActionNote 660 Series notebook computers are available through the company's network of authorized dealers and EPSON Direct. To purchase products through EPSON Direct, call 800/874-7800. Estimated street pricing is $1,999 for the ActionNote 660C and $3,199 for the ActionNote 660CX.

About EPSON

EPSON offers an extensive array of technology products including ink jet, laser and dot matrix printers; scanners; portable and desktop computers; and, for the OEM market, a variety of component and electronic devices.

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. -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

CONTACT: EPSON

Jan Marciano, 310/782-5161

or

Walt & Sommerhauser Communications Inc.

Cynthia Lempert/Kellie DiNaro, 408/496-0900