AST blends power, price and performance with new Advantage! mutlimedia computers; AST continues to deliver leading-edge technology with new Intel 200MHz Pentium processor- based consumer PCs

Business Wire, June 27, 1996

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 10, 1996 -- Racing forward with the latest in processor technology, AST Computer Monday adds the Advantage! 829 multimedia system to its award-winning line of consumer PCs.

Featuring Intel's new 200MHz Pentium processor, a 2.0GB hard drive, 16MB RAM, hardware wavetable, 3D sound and 8-speed CD-ROM drive, the new Advantage! 829 minitower blends power, price and performance in the most robust multimedia system from AST Computer to date.

"Today's consumer is hungry for a PC that has it all -- power, utility and performance. We believe that the home PC no longer functions solely as a productivity tool, but has also become the family entertainment system," said Terry Baker, director of consumer desktops for AST.

"Priced well below our competitors offerings, our new Advantage! systems meet these needs head-on with systems that are powerful and loaded with useful software for every member of the family."

"By incorporating the 200MHz Pentium processor into the Advantage! family of consumer PCs, the new AST systems deliver the preeminent processor performance solution for the home market," said Frank Spindler, product marketing manager of Intel's desktop products group.

Designed to Stand the Test of Time

To complement the fastest Intel processors on the market, AST has bundled the industry s highest quality educational, entertainment and productivity titles designed to provide years of usefulness and enjoyment to students and working professionals alike.

Recognizing the increasing popularity of the Internet and the broad presence of Windows(r) 95, the Advantage! 829 is designed to meet high-performance needs in the home market. Combining this with the fact that consumers purchase as much processor power as they can afford, the Advantage! 829 is priced well below leading competitors.

"Last year, we were the first PC manufacturer to provide home users with remote diagnostic capabilities utilizing Radish Communications technology with AST LifeLine(tm).

"With this technology, customers can transform an ordinary phone line into a voice and data pipeline for quick fixes to system problems with a single phone call. And, we were the first vendor to offer SPOT(tm), a 32-bit navigational tool designed to help users easily maneuver through Windows 95.

"This year, we are once again at the forefront with leading-edge technology that makes it easier for every family member to access the information he or she needs," said Baker.

Shipping this month, the Advantage! 829 features a 200MHz Intel Pentium processor and 16-bit SoundBlaster(r)-compatible sound along with plenty of room for expandability and a software bundle that has won rave reviews from top publications. The Advantage! 829 is packed with enough power and performance to alleviate any concerns consumers may have regarding obsolescence.

Attachment I provides product specifications and pricing information.

Service and Support

AST backs all of its products with a host of multi-source support programs including a toll-free hot line for users in the United States. Advantage! PCs come equipped with AST-LifeLine, an interactive technical support system that incorporates Radish Communications System's VoiceView(r) integrated voice and data protocol with custom AST technical support software.

All product warranty and technical information is also available through AST InfoLINE, an automated voice response unit 800/727-1278. Users can tap the electronic bulletin board service for a myriad of information 817/230-6850. AST Info-FAX, a 24-hour local and international voice-automated fax-response product information source, lets users download product information 800/926-1278.

Extensive on-line support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through AST On-Line!, AST s own bulletin board service. CompuServe(r) (GO:ASTFORUM), America Online(r)(KEYWORD:AST) and Prodigy(r) (JUMP:AST SUPPORT) on-line forums also allow users to talk, meet, share ideas and answer questions with other AST users. Information about AST and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.ast.com.

Corporate Background

AST Research, a member of the Fortune 500 list of America's largest industrial and service companies, is one of the world's leading personal computer manufacturers.

The $2.468 billion company develops a broad spectrum of desktop, mobile and server PC products that are sold in more than 100 countries worldwide. AST systems meet a wide range of customer needs, from corporate business applications to advanced home and home office use. Corporate headquarters is located at 16215 Alton Parkway, P.O. Box 57005, Irvine, Calif. 92619-7005. Telephone: 714/727-4141 or 800/876-4278. Fax: 714/727-9355.

Note to Editors: AST and Advantage! are registered trademarks of AST Research Inc. Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corp. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

SoundBlaster is a registered trademark of Creative Technology, Ltd. VoiceView is a registered trademark and TALK SHOP is a trademark of Radish Communications Systems Inc. Prodigy is a registered trademark of Prodigy Service Corp.