EPSON smokes competition with Cyrix 6x86-based multimedia PC for home computer afficionados

Business Wire, Nov 13, 1995

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 13, 1995--Meeting the growing demand for higher-Powered multimedia PCs, EPSON Monday introduced the fastest multimedia PC on the street, the ActionTower 9200.

Based on the Cyrix 100 megahertz (MHz) 6x86 microprocessor, the ActionTower 9200 drives Windows 95 faster than most 133 MHz-based 586-class systems at a price below many current 120 MHz 586 systems.

"Building on the momentum created by the success of earlier ActionTower models, the ActionTower 9200 rockets past the competition with decisive Windows 95-enabled desktop computing power at a price below many currently available systems," said Michael DeNeffe, director, PC product management, EPSON. "Computer afficionados will thrill at the system's ability to churn out the mixed 16- and 32-bit code in the Windows 95 environment that trips up every other microprocessor."

Consumers won't have to worry about obsolescence because, in addition to cutting-edge Windows 95 performance, the ActionTower 9200 includes a variety of high-performance multimedia features such as 3-D sound and MPEG video. This system is ideal for home and small offices because it delivers next-generation performance enabling faster applications, greater functionality and more powerful interaction with multimedia hardware and software.

The ActionTower 9200 is based on the 6x86 Cyrix 100 MHz microprocessor which, according to Cyrix benchmark tests, has received a Winstone 95 score of 217, rivaling published test results from the fastest Pentium 133 systems. Industry reports show the 150MHz Pentium Pro processor, formerly known as the P6, runs up to 20 percent slower than the Pentium 133 running 16-bit code in the Windows 3.11 and Windows 95 environments.

ACTIONTOWER 9200 FEATURES

In addition to the 6x86 microprocessor, the new EPSON ActionTower 9200 includes 16 megabytes (MB) of 32-bit, Extended Data Out (EDO) random access memory (RAM), expandable to 128MB; 256 kilobytes (KB) of synchronous pipelined burst cache; 1MB of video RAM expandable to 2MB; and a 1.6 gigabyte (GB) enhanced IDE hard disk drive supporting PIO transfer modes 3 and 4. The ActionTower 9200 also has full PCI local bus capabilities including a Triton PCI chipset with advanced memory and cache, an accelerated video controller and support for MPEG motion video playback.

In compliance with Microsoft Corp.'s specifications for Windows 95, including Plug and Play support for autoconfiguration of peripherals, the ActionTower 9200 also features seven drive bays; three ISA and two PCI expansion slots and a VGA interface for fixed or multi-frequency, Energy Star-compliant monitors.

MULTIMEDIA FEATURES

Following a tradition of bundling industry-leading software with its multimedia systems, the ActionTower 9200 is pre-loaded with 30 of the PC industry's richest application, entertainment, education and information-access software titles, including Windows 95.

State-of-the-art multimedia capabilities include PCI local bus architecture, 28.8 Kbaud fax/modem with voice, speakerphone and voicemail system, microphone, quad-speed CD-ROM, enhanced 16-bit 3-D stereo sound and AC-powered amplified stereo speakers.

PRICING, AVAILABILITY AND SUPPORT

The ActionTower 9200 multimedia computer with Windows 95 preinstalled will have an estimated street price of $2,899. All ActionPC and ActionTower systems include one year of free on-site service and support from the EPSON Connection, the company's toll- free customer support and technical assistance line. For more information on EPSON and its products, call 1-800-289-3776 ext. 3000 or stop by our corporate website on the Internet at http://www.epson.com.

ABOUT EPSON

EPSON offers an extensive array of technology products including inkjet, 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 Corporation, 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, Inc. has headquarters in Torrance, Calif. -0-

Note: Brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Product specifications, pricing and availability are subject to change.

CONTACT: Jan Marciano

EPSON

310/782-5161

310/782-5179 (FAX)

or

Kellie DiNaro

Cynthia Lempert

Walt & Sommerhauser

Communications

408/496-0900