Storage: Iomega Zip Drive Included as Standard Feature in New Line of Compaq Presario Computers; Move by Largest PC Manufacturer Signals Acceptance of Zip as the Disk for the Digital Age

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, June 15, 1998

Marking a significant milestone in succeeding the floppy, Iomega Corporation Tuesday announced that Compaq Computer Corporation, the largest global supplier of personal computers, will include the Zip drive as a standard feature in the majority of its new Compaq Presario PCs, also announced Tuesday.

The Zip Built-In drive will give Compaq Presario PC customers the ability to use genuine 100MB Zip disks to create, save, and share more of their important files. Zip Built-In will be included in the new Presario 5030, 5032, 5035, 5140, 5610, 5630 and 5635 models, available in the U.S. this month. Zip Built-In will also be offered as an option for additional Presario models and other Compaq PCs through a new Compaq "Built for You" program announced Tuesday. The custom configured PCs will be available through major retailers.

"The new Presario PCs feature the industry's most powerful Internet experience and most innovative tools for creativity and imaging," said Mike Rubin, director of the Presario desktop division at Compaq Computer Corporation. "Iomega Zip lets users share and save all the exciting content they will download and create."

"Compaq's decision to incorporate Zip as standard in several models of its new Presario PCs is a strong indication of Zip's suitability for the digital age," said Fara Yale, director and principal analyst, Computer Storage Service at Dataquest. "For many years, advancements in floppy drive technology have lagged those of other PC hardware and software components. By including Zip in their new PCs, Compaq is equipping their customers with the capacity to do more with their computers."

With Zip disks, consumers can maximize their computing experience and save valuable hard drive space in a variety of ways:

o Saving time and money on the Internet: view your favorite web sites offline on Zip disks

* Creating a digital photo album: each genuine 100MB Zip disk holds approximately 100 high-quality digital photographs

* Creating an Internet library: save your favorite clip art, sound files and QuickTime movies onto a Zip disk

* Sending multimedia emails: attach a voice recording or digital photo to your e-mails and net postcards

* Safeguarding your stuff: use Zip as a digital safe for your critical files, from tax records to important correspondence

* Creating a digital briefcase: transport your files easily between home and work

"As the global leader in PC sales, Compaq is at the forefront of defining the future of the PC industry," said Edward D. Briscoe, president of Iomega's personal storage division. "With its new line of Presario computers, Compaq has introduced the model for next-generation computing and recognizes that the Zip drive is a critical part of that equation."

More than 14 million Zip drives have been shipped worldwide. Each Iomega genuine Zip 100MB disk provides 70 times the capacity of traditional floppy disks, giving consumers virtually unlimited storage capacity, increased flexibility and a built-in back up system for critical files. Fast enough to run business and multimedia applications, the Zip drive brings a new level of performance to today's powerful personal computers. Iomega's Zip Tools software, also included with the drive, makes it easy for consumers to manage and save their information. Iomega Zip drives and disks are available worldwide through retailers, OEMs, VARs, system integrators and distributors.