NEC Technologies Unveils Its Top-Of-The-Line Multimedia Computer For The Home And Home Office; The New Ready 9552 Features Intel's 150-MHz Pentium Processor, Quad-Speed CD-ROM, MPEG, 28.8 Kbps Modem, Remote Control and a $1,400 Software Bundle

Business Wire, Jan 5, 1996

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 5, 1996--NEC Technologies Inc. today announced the Ready 9552, a 150-MHz Pentium processor-based multimedia computer for the family, home entertainment and the home office.

As the latest addition to the Ready family of powerful yet easy-to-use computers, the Ready 9552 is designed for people who want a full-featured multimedia system that is "ready" to run right out of the box. Ready systems are available now from leading national retailers such as Circuit City and CompUSA.

"Today's consumers have high expectations for their computers," said NEC Technologies' vice president of marketing, consumer PCs, Murali Dharan.

"They demand high quality graphics, realistic video playback, 3D stereo surround sound, easy setup and more, capabilities that require exceptional performance and high usability. The Ready 9552 is our fastest multimedia computer available for the home. Like the rest of the Ready line, it is easy to use and meets these rigorous demands. We offer systems with the features our customers want."

"With the Ready 9552, NEC Technologies is one of the first to introduce a desktop system with the new 150-MHz Pentium processor," said G. Carl Everett, senior vice president, Desktop Products Group, Intel Corp.

"Offering a richly configured system the day after we announce a new processor underscores NECT's commitment and ability to deliver state-of-the-art products. They are making it possible for consumers to be among the first to benefit from the newest levels of Pentium processor performance."

For maximum multimedia enjoyment, convenience and value, the Ready 9552 offers full-screen, full-motion video playback (MPEG) and 3D stereo surround sound. It includes a hand-held remote control and a telephone answering machine with speakerphone, voicemail and additional sophisticated telecommunications features.

The new system is pre-loaded with Windows 95 and more than 20 popular software titles valued at more than $1,400. Designed for easy setup, the system includes color-coded cables, an illustrated step-by-step set up poster and online manuals and documentation for convenient reference.

The Ready 9552 uses a high performance 150-MHz Pentium processor and features 16 MB RAM, 1.6 GB hard disk drive, 3D stereo system with 10-watt speakers, 4X speed CD-ROM drive, 28.8 Kbps data/fax/voice modem with Digital Simultaneous Voice and Data (DSVD), wavetable sound, 64-bit PCI graphics, 2MB video RAM and MPEG playback.

The Ready 9552 is optimized for Windows 95 and includes a large variety of software packages for managing household finances and operating a home office, surfing the Internet, education and entertainment right out of the box. Bundled software includes: -0-

- Productivity: Microsoft Works; Microsoft Publisher, and Intuit Quicken SE; MidiSoft MediaWorks with telephony services; Puma Tranxit IrDA for infra-red data transmission and Radish Talkshop for integrated voice/data protocol;

- Internet and Online Access: Netscape Navigator; America Online; CompuServe; ImagiNation Network and Prodigy

- Edutainment: Microsoft Encarta 95 (MPEG version), Microsoft Explorapedia; Hello Kitty Big Fun Deluxe; Keroppi Day Hopper and Cartoon Toolbox starring Felix the Cat

- Games: Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure; Descent, Shanghai: Great Moments and Silent Steel -0-

The Ready 9552 has an estimated street price of $3,099 and is available now. For sales information or the nearest authorized retailer, interested customers should call 800/NEC-INFO.

NEC Technologies Inc.

Headquartered in Boxborough, Mass., NEC Technologies Inc. is a leading manufacturer of computers and peripherals for the North American market. Award-winning product lines include Image, PowerMate, Express/II and Ready systems products, RISC-based workstations and servers, Versa notebook computers, the MultiSync X Series desktop monitors and professional presentation products, Silentwriter and SuperScript printers, and MultiSpin CD-ROM Readers.

NEC Technologies Inc. is a subsidiary of NEC Corp. -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Detailed product information, specifications and photographs are available.

Ready is a registered trademark of NEC Technologies Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective trademark owners.

CONTACT: NEC Technologies Inc., Mountain View

Micael Wong, 415/528-5875

mwong@nectech.com

http://www.nec.com/