EPSON incorporates trackpad device in sleek new multimedia-ready color notebooks

Business Wire, Jan 6, 1995

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 1995--EPSON Friday announced that it is broadening its family of high-quality notebook computers with the introduction of the multimedia-ready ActionNote 800 Series, which features new, contemporary styling and ergonomic design.

This line of robust and powerful color notebook PCs integrates a unique, palmrest-embedded trackpad pointing device along with the capabilities of current-generation desk-bound systems.

Boasting an advanced, ergonomic approach to notebook PC design, the ActionNote 800 Series includes an easy-to-use trackpad device that allows the user to control all mouse or trackball functions with the simple movement of a finger.

In addition, the ActionNote 800 series features a smart, slimline design for easy portability and large, 10.3-inch dual-scan passive or 10.4-inch active matrix color LCD screens for viewing ease.

"The ActionNote 800 Series is designed to be as flexible and unique as each individual user," said Michael DeNeffe, director, PC product marketing, EPSON.

"Today, portable computing goes far beyond the seats of airplanes so consumers are placing more emphasis on style, function and human engineering when shopping for a notebook PC. We believe this new Series delivers a single solution to help portable users select the look and functionality for their own computing environments."

Recognizing there are different system requirements for home, portable and business applications, EPSON has designed the ActionNote 800s to deliver the processing power to run them. Three configurations are offered: the ActionNote 866C system has a 486DX2-66MHz, while the ActionNote 880C and ActionNote 880CX come with a DX2-80MHz microprocessor.

All systems feature low power consumption, as well as integrated write-back cache to deliver quicker CPU throughput and achieve optimum performance.

A built-in audio card (optional for the 866C) and microphone jacks bring the 800s to life by making sound applications possible for today's multimedia applications. The ActionNote 880C and 880CX are configured with an internal 14.4 kbps fax/data/voice modem.

An optional, enhanced port replicator for the ActionNote 800 Series allows an easy and affordable transition from mobile to desktop computing environments.

In addition to housing one Type II and Type III PCMCIA slot, it also features ports for all peripherals allowing instant hookup and eliminating the road-to-desk connectivity hassles of plugging and unplugging cables each time a user switches from one environment to another.

The ActionNote 800 models have two built-in, stacked PCMCIA slots that support one Type III or two Type I or Type II industry-standard devices offering rugged, portable access to data/fax modems, additional data storage and networks.

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

The EPSON ActionNote 800 Series notebook computers will be available through the company's network of authorized dealers and EPSON Direct. To purchase product through EPSON Direct, call 800/374-7300. Estimated street pricing for the ActionNote 800 Series begins at $2,499.

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.

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-