Cyrix MediaGX Processor Enables Sub-$1,000 Notebook; New NEC Ready 120LT Notebook From Packard Bell NEC Utilizes Cyrix's Successful, Integrated Solution

Business Wire, Dec 10, 1998

RICHARDSON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 9, 1998--Cyrix(R) Corporation, a National Semiconductor(R) company (NYSE:NSM), today announced that Packard Bell NEC has selected the Cyrix MediaGX(TM) processor for its newest consumer notebook PC.

The new NEC Ready 120LT is the first full-featured, multimedia small-sized Windows(R) 98 notebook to break the sub-$1,000 price point. By integrating multiple functions into a single processor, Cyrix has delivered a powerful, cost-effective solution for Packard Bell NEC's latest groundbreaking sub-$1,000 PC.

"Cyrix's unique, integrated solutions allow us to offer our customers high quality notebook PCs at affordable prices," said Mal Ransom, senior vice president of marketing, Packard Bell NEC's Consumer Division. "The MediaGX(TM) processor helped us break the critical $1,000 mark, which enables the availability of high-quality portable PCs to a virtually untapped segment of the consumer market."

System Features

The NEC Ready 120LT, priced at $999, includes a 200MHz MMX(TM)-enhanced MediaGX(TM) processor, 2.1GB hard drive, 32MB memory, 56K-capable modem, 24X CD-ROM drive, 3.5" floppy disk drive, 128-bit accelerated graphics and 16-bit stereo sound. Weighing in at just 3.6 pounds, the hand-held PC features a full-sized keyboard and 8" color VGA display.

Cyrix's MMX(TM)-enhanced MediaGX(TM) processor represents true system-design innovation and intelligent integration. By merging graphics, audio, memory control and the PCI interface onto the microprocessor, this revolutionary PC architecture delivers powerful, easy-to-use multimedia technology at an affordable price while optimizing battery life with its low-power design. The MediaGX(TM) processor is currently being manufactured on National's state-of-the-art .25-micron process.

Cyrix Corporation

Cyrix, a wholly owned subsidiary of National Semiconductor, is a leading supplier of innovative processor-based solutions that set new standards for the personal computer market.

Cyrix delivers compelling value and quality to its customers, the manufacturers of personal computer products, by combining industry-leading design with world-class manufacturing. Cyrix's MediaGX(TM) processor pioneered the sub-$1,000 PC market in 1997 and continues to lead the market to higher performance at lower prices. For more information, visit Cyrix's Web site at www.cyrix.com.

Packard Bell NEC, Inc.

Based in Sacramento, Calif., privately held Packard Bell NEC, Inc. is a top six supplier of personal computers in the United States and worldwide. The company designs, manufactures and markets a broad range of desktop, notebook and mobile computers and network servers under the Packard Bell, NEC and Zenith Data Systems brands.

Packard Bell NEC's major manufacturing operations are in Sacramento; Angers, France; Livingston, Scotland; Sao Paolo, Brazil; and Penang, Malaysia. For more information on NEC Ready, visit www.nec-computers.com.

Note to Editors: Cyrix is a registered trademark and MediaGX is a trademark of Cyrix Corporation, a subsidiary of National Semiconductor Corporation. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.