AST hits the mark with powerful new line of Advantage! consumer PCs; new Advantage! computers featuring Intel MMX technology maximize user's multimedia experience

Business Wire, Feb 10, 1997

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 10, 1997--AST Computer (NASDAQ:ASTA) is right on target with the introduction of its most impressive and ground-breaking consumer PC line to date.

The Advantage! 9400 series blends super-charged technology breakthroughs, such as Intel's new Pentium Processor with MMX technology, with affordable prices and advanced technical support, satisfying the demands of today's consumer. With expected street prices starting at $1,899, most models will be available at select retail outlets this month.

"Today's consumer is searching for a PC that has it all -- power, performance and value," said Terry Baker, director of consumer desktops for AST. "AST is responding to those needs by delivering to consumers our new Advantage! line-up that combines the most powerful processor available today with exciting new technologies. These new Advantage! systems are designed to deliver a richer and more satisfying multimedia experience to the user."

Leading the variety of new technology features in AST's Advantage! 9400 series is Intel's Pentium Processor with MMX technology. Designed to significantly boost the performance of multimedia and communications features, MMX technology allows for richer 3-D animation and higher video frame rates while, according to Intel, significantly improving software performance.

"Intel's Pentium Processor with MMX media enhancement technology, incorporated in AST's new line of Advantage! consumer PCs, brings home users yet another choice for higher quality graphics, communications and a more satisfying, media-rich experience on the PC," said Mike Aymar, vice president and general manager, Intel Desktop Products Group.

A Winning Line-Up of All-Star Systems

Recognizing the increasing popularity of graphic-intensive applications, the Advantage! 9400 series is aimed at meeting the high-performance needs in the home market.

Powerful 166- and 200-MHz Pentium processors with MMX technology lead the Advantage! mix which also includes new 16 max-speed CD-ROMs, hard drives of up to 4.0GB, 32-64MB EDO RAM, Microsoft Sidewinder Game Pads, and 3-D accelerated graphics that provide life-like action for an unforgettable multimedia experience.

Intel Pentium Processor with MMX Technology: All new Advantage! models feature the Intel Pentium processor with MMX technology, which delivers a notable performance boost in traditional computing applications.

Microsoft Sidewinder Game Pads: Selected models of the new Advantage! line-up will include Microsoft's new Sidewinder Game Pad, an ergonomically designed game pad, which allows the user to easily grip the pad in a more natural position. With an eight-way cross keypad and eight action/trigger buttons, this pad also allows daisy chaining of game pads for multiplayer capabilities.

Universal Serial Bus (USB) Ports: Recognizing that consumers are concerned about PC obsolescence, AST has incorporated Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports in its new Advantage! PCs. The ports are made to interface USB peripherals and are designed to allow for high speed connections of devices such as modems and scanners.

Video Phone: Selected models of the new Advantage! line will feature Intel Video Phone technology and a bundled video camera, allowing users to see family and friends up close and personal using a standard phone line.

All models in the line-up feature MMX technology, and also feature software titles optimized for the new processor, including Davidson Dimension and 7th Level Helicops. In addition, AST has bundled many of the industry's leading educational, entertainment and productivity titles, designed to provide hours of usefulness and enjoyment to students and working professionals alike.

Later this spring, AST plans to ship an additional Advantage! model which includes a DVD solution that is designed to deliver a true home theater experience on the PC. For additional sight and sound enhancement, powerful Altec Lansing speakers and a subwoofer, along with remote control capabilities will be bundled in the new system.

AST Is First to Cross the Finish Line

Purchasing a system is only the beginning of a consumer's relationship with any PC manufacturer. Service and support are critical areas that may truly determine an owner's satisfaction with their system.

Recognizing this important factor, AST has signed an agreement with SystemSoft to bundle SystemWizard software on all new systems in the Advantage! 9400 series of consumer PCs. AST is the only PC manufacturer to include this revolutionary new service software as an added benefit to its users.

SystemWizard is automated problem resolution software that is pre-installed on new Advantage! PC's and can detect, diagnose and resolve problems that may arise. By clicking on the SystemWizard icon, users will be presented with a consumer-friendly interface that guides them through the resolution process with a series of simple "yes/no/don't know" questions. Once a solution is located, the user can use the SystemWizard AutoCorrect button to solve the problem instantly.