Epson Digital Cameras Demonstrate Windows CE Compatibility at PC Expo

Business Wire, June 16, 1998

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 16, 1998--

Epson Digital Cameras will Debut Windows CE Cross-Platform Functionality Using Sierra Imaging's New Image Expert(TM) CE Software and NEC's MobilePro(TM) 750C

Epson America Inc., the creator of high-quality, award-winning imaging products, along with Sierra Imaging and NEC Computer Systems Division will debut the first digital camera with Windows CE compatibility at PC Expo, June 16 through 18.

Utilizing Sierra Imaging's Image Expert CE and the handheld MobilePro(TM) 750C from NEC, Epson will demonstrate image access, transfer, management and viewing interoperability with its recently introduced PhotoPC 700 digital camera.

"This is an exciting breakthrough for Epson digital camera users," said Anna Jen, director of image capture product management at Epson. "Image Expert CE enables users to expand applications for digital cameras beyond traditional desktop and notebook computers to new handheld devices such as NEC's MobilePro. As business becomes more mobile, the demand for equal or superior functionality on portable platforms will also increase."

Sierra Imaging's Image Expert image editing software has been an integral part of Epson's digital camera product offering, currently consisting of three products, the PhotoPC 700, PhotoPC 600, and PhotoPC 550.

Initially providing sophisticated desktop imaging functions, Sierra Imaging will now deliver the following features with its new Image Expert CE for use with digital cameras and a variety of Windows CE devices: -0-

--   Acquire images from Epson cameras via serial connection or PC
     Card
--   Create albums and move images among albums
--   Create and display slide shows
--   Rotate images
--   Delete or rename images and albums
--   Display, zoom and crop images
--   Annotate images with voice image or text
--   Dock with Image Expert and automated synchronization with a
     desktop computer to transfer imag to our palmtop users
that we have consistentlyy appealing and requires little education to
gralatform," said Michael DeNeffe,
director of marketing for NEC's Handheld Products Group.
     "We designed the MobilePro(TM) 750C to be a sophisticated tool
for users who do not want to compromise portability for quality or
flexibility. Now these users can also utilize leading-edge digital
imaging techniques with their favorite handheld devices."
     Under the terms of a memo of understanding, Sierra Imaging will
provide its CE version of Image Expert camera software to both Epson
and NEC on an exclusive basis through late August 1998. Additionally,
co-marketing options are under discussion. Epson and NEC will be
demonstrating the PhotoPC 700's compatibility with the NEC MobilePro
in their booths at PC Expo.

About Epson's Digital Cameras

     Epson currently offers three digital cameras ranging in price and
functionality to address a wide variety of digital imaging needs.
     The recently introduced PhotoPC 700 offers 1280 x 960 pixel
resolution and a full feature set for an estimated street price of
$699. Perfect for business applications, the PhotoPC 700 captures
crisp, colorful detail for use in presentations, proposals, reports,
e-mail messages and Web pages.
     Epson's second camera, the PhotoPC 600, offers 1024 x 768 pixel
resolution and a comprehensive set of features and is available for an
estimated street price of $499.
     Lastly, the PhotoPC 550 is the "easy-to-use, pocket-sized digital
camera you can talk to." Slightly bigger than a deck of cards, users
can take the PhotoPC 550 anywhere to capture true 640 x 480 pixel
resolution images and record up to a six second message with each one.
The PhotoPC 550 is available for an estimated street price of $299.

About Sierra Imaging

     Founded in 1994, Sierra's products and system design expertise in
partnership with world-class digital camera OEMs provides
cost-effective, best-of-breed technology and obviously superior image
quality. Sierra's camera technology is being used in several leading
digital cameras today. Reach Sierra Imaging at www.sierraimaging.com.

About NEC Computer Systems Division

     NEC Computer Systems Division is a leading manufacturer of
computer products and solutions for the commercial and consumer
markets. NEC branded products include Versa notebook computers,
Direction personal computers PowerMate desktop computers, Express5800
servers and MobilePro handheld personal computers.
     Each system is backed by NEC CSD's worldwide customer service and
support program. NEC Computer Systems Division is a division of
Sacramento, California-based Packard Bell NEC Inc., the third largest
PC vendor in the United States, according to International Data
Corporation, an independent industry research firm based in
Framingham, Mass.

About Epson

     EPSON offers an extensive array of award winning image capture
and image output products under its brand name. For the OEM market, a
variety of cutting-edge component and electronic devices are
available.
     Founded in 1975, Epson America Inc. is an affiliate of Seiko
Epson Corp., 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. is headquartered in Torrance, Calif. For more
information about Epson and its products, call 800/GO-EPSON or visit
the company's Web site at www.epson.com.

     Note to Editors: Brand or product names are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective holders.



    CONTACT: Epson America Inc.
              Rebekah Salgado, 310/782-4026
              rebekah_salgado@ea.epson.com
               or
              Walt & Company
              Jill Zabkar, 408/496-0900
              jzabkar@walt.com