New Packard Bell Consumer PCs Give the Gift of Full-function Computing for a Price That Fits the Family Budget

Business Wire, Oct 14, 1999

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 14, 1999--

Three New Packard Bell Models Ring in the Holiday Season

with Solid Performance and Affordable Prices

Packard Bell NEC's Consumer Division, a leader in offering affordable, easy-to-use, full-featured consumer PCs, introduced today three new Packard Bell models well-equipped for managing the details of the hectic holiday season.

Available in October 1999, the new Packard Bell models combine powerful AMD(R) processors and expansive hard drives with a generous software package to ensure that consumers' holiday computing needs are met. Ranging in retail price from $449 up to $699 (Note 1)($399 up to $649 after $50 Packard Bell NEC company mail-in rebate (Note 2)), these new Packard Bell systems put value-oriented and family-friendly computing solutions within everyone's grasp.

"We take pride in the fact that our PCs are always evolving to incorporate some of the latest technology and provide great value," said Mal Ransom, senior vice president, Packard Bell NEC Consumer Division. "Each new Packard Bell model is designed with family computing needs and the family budget in mind."

Hardware for the New Year

The holiday line-up of Packard Bell brand PCs benefits from teaming with AMD(R). New models boast AMD(R)-K6(R)-2 with 3DNow!(TM) processors ranging in speed from 400 MHz up to 500 MHz. In addition to these high-speed processors, new Packard Bell PCs maximize the user's multimedia experience with PC audio and 3D AGP graphics.

These systems also offer ample memory (32 MB up to 96 MB), a 40X maximum (17X minimum) variable speed CD-ROM drive and up to a 10.2GB (Note 3) hard drive to provide plenty of data storage space for archiving those New Year's resolutions.

One Quick Step to Online Shopping

Online shopping has never been easier than with Packard Bell Direct Internet Access (Note 4), providing instant Internet service to home computer users with the touch of one button on the keyboard. High-speed Internet access is powered by a 56Kbps-capable ITU v.90-compliant modem, standard on all Packard Bell systems.

Essential Software for the Holidays

All three new models are pre-loaded with a variety of leading family-focused software (Note 5) including Microsoft Works(R), Microsoft Money, Intuit(R) Quicken(R) Basic and MGI PhotoSuite(TM).

Home computer users receive direct support as they explore their PCs through a number of support software tools including CyberCoach, CyberWarner(TM) and Support Center with EZ-Tools(TM). Additionally, users have access to the enhanced Internet-based technical support Web site -- an invaluable resource for Packard Bell customers seeking quick and accurate answers to their computing questions.

About Packard Bell NEC, Inc.

Packard Bell NEC, Inc. is a leading producer and marketer of a broad range of desktop and notebook computers and network servers in the Americas. The company's consumer division serves the retail market through the Packard Bell and NEC brands, and claims the highest installed base of home computers of any producer in the industry.

Its NEC Computer Systems Division serves the commercial market with NEC-branded Versa(R) notebook computers, PowerMate(R) desktop computers, Express5800(TM) servers and MobilePro(TM) handheld personal computers.

With headquarters in Sacramento, Calif., the company is privately held by NEC Corporation and Groupe Bull. Through these shareholders and its alliance with affiliates Packard Bell Europe and NEC PC in Japan, the company offers global reach and capabilities as well as advanced technology.

Packard Bell NEC, Inc. and its affiliates comprise the fifth (as consolidated by IDC, April 1999) largest PC vendor in the world. For more information on Packard Bell NEC and Packard Bell products, visit www.packardbell.com. For more information on NEC products, visit www.nec-computers.com.

1.   Prices and specifications are valid in the U.S. only and are
     subject to change or discontinuance without notice. Actual
     specifications may vary depending on features and components.
     Prices shown do not include applicable tax. Resellers determine
     their own pricing.
2    See store for full details.
3    GB = billion bytes. Some utilities may indicate varying hard
     drive capacities. Total user-accessible capacity may vary
     depending on operating environments.
4    Internet service provider required. Internet service sold
     separately.
5    Some software may differ from the retail version, if applicable,
     and may not include all program functionality or user manuals.