Panasonic introduces full-featured, upgradable notebook for mobile computing; MKII Classic provides business functionality for "Road Warriors"

Business Wire, Dec 11, 1995

SECAUCUS, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 11, 1995--Panasonic Personal Computer Company today introduced the newest model in its V41 series of multimedia notebook PCs for mobile professionals.

Called the V41 "Classic," the unit includes all the basic features of the V41 design except for an integrated CD-ROM drive, with the option to upgrade in the future as required.

The new MKII Classic (Model: CF-41FT52HBM), offers a DX4/75MHz CPU, 540MB hard disk drive; 8MB RAM expandable to 40MB; a high-contrast, non-glare "DayBrite" 10.4 inch active matrix color LCD enclosed in a magnesium alloy screen case; and 16-bit audio with built-in stereo speakers. The unit weighs in at just over seven pounds.

"In listening to our customers, we found that while the features and rugged design of the V41 are ideal for mobile professionals, not everyone needs CD-ROM immediately," said John Harris, national marketing manager of Panasonic Personal Computer Co. "The V41 Classic is a great addition to our product line because now companies can outfit their field force with the most cost-effective mix of V41 configurations to match their budgets, while assuring an upgrade path for future expansion and applications."

SRP of the MKII Classic is $3,599. An upgrade to integrated CD-ROM, available through Panasonic service centers, costs $399. Many other upgrades, including larger hard disk drives, a second battery and MPEG full-screen, full-motion video playback option are also available for the V41 Classic. All V41's come with a three-year limited warranty, including parts and labor.

Features of the V41 MKII Classic include:

CPU HDD RAM SCREEN AUDIO SRP

DX4/75MHz 540MB 8MB/40MB 10.4" TFT LCD 16-bit stereo, $3,599

w/dual speakers

The MKII Classic joins Panasonic's full line of V41 multimedia notebook PCs with integrated CD-ROM, active matrix color LCD with magnesium alloy screen case, Pentium processing, hard disk storage up to 1.35 GB and the option of MPEG full-screen, full-motion video playback. Panasonic's V41 MK III, a state-of-the-art multimedia notebook PC with 12.1-inch, 800 x 600 LCD and an integrated 4x CD-ROM, was just launched at COMDEX in mid-November.

Panasonic Personal Computer Company markets primarily to Fortune 1000 companies, government and mobile professionals through selected VAR and reseller channels. Panasonic Personal Computer Company is a unit of Matsushita Electric Corp. of America. Call 1-800-662-3537 to receive information about the V41 and local VARs and resellers marketing the unit.

CONTACT: Creamer Dickson Basford

Michael Gold/Dawn Holstein, 212/887-8029/8154

or

Panasonic Personal Computer Co.

John Harris, 201/271-3246