New Notebooks: NEC Computer Systems Division Announces Second Generation Versa Note Notebook Computer - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Feb 1, 1999

NEC Computer Systems Division (NEC CSD) Monday announced the second generation of its Versa Note notebook computer. Designed for the corporate value, small office/home office (SOHO), education, government and first-time notebook buyers markets, the Versa Note features exceptional price performance and a comprehensive, all-in-one design for a range of value-conscious notebook buyers.

The new Versa Note notebook computers, available now, also feature Intel's newly-announced 300PE MHz Mobile Pentium II and 266MHz Celeron processors, offering cost-conscious consumers the latest Intel mobile processor technology at a competitive price. "The Versa Note notebook computer is designed to provide value-minded customers with a notebook solution that offers features normally found in top end systems, such as NEC's thin and light screen technology and the latest Intel mobile processors," said Mike DeNeffe, product line director, mobile PCs, NEC CSD. "In addition to a rich feature set, the Versa Note includes the convenience of an all-in-one design, so that the CD-ROM, floppy drive and modem are integrated and available simultaneously." The Versa Note notebook computer is designed to meet the needs of a variety of value-conscious consumers and includes the following: o All-in-one design that combines 12X-24X variable speed CD-ROM, 56K modem(a), floppy drive and removable battery in one convenient package o Choice of powerful Intel processors: 300PE MHz Pentium II or 266MHz Celeron o 13.3" XGA or 12.1" SVGA active-matrix 65K color displays o Available with 4.0 or 6.0GB hard drives o Expandable memory: 32MB RAM expandable to 128MB SDRAM SODIMM (with two 64MB cards) o Software install CD-ROM with Netscape(TM) Navigator 4.0, Microsoft(R) Internet Explorer 4.0, Online Help Center and additional software for custom software installation o Versa Note ES systems for the education market come with Microsoft Office 97 Professional Edition with Bookshelf(R) for Windows Academic Edition pre-installed o Single step peripheral connections with the Versa Note PortBar o One year of worldwide UltraCare Preferred service at no extra charge with product registration The Latest Intel Mobile Processor Technology The Versa Note line of notebook computers features the latest mobile processor technology from Intel and is available with either the 266MHz Celeron (128KB integrated L2 cache) or 300PE MHz Pentium II (256KB integrated L2 cache) processor for enhanced portable computing and exceptional value in the value notebook computer category. Pricing and Availability The Versa Note is available now built- and configured-to-order direct from NEC CSD at 888-863-2669 or www.nec-computers.com, or through selected resellers. The following are sample configurations: o 266MHz Celeron, 12.1" TFT screen, 32MB, 4.0GB, approximately $1,699 o 300PE MHz Pentium II, 13.3" TFT screen, 32MB, 4.0GB, approximately $2,199(b) NEC Versa UltraCare Service NEC CSD was one of the first personal computer manufacturers in the industry to offer an innovative, comprehensive service and support program. NEC CSD's highly acclaimed UltraCare Service offers a standard, return-to-factory, one year limited warranty on all parts, labor and technical support. In addition, upon registration, the customer receives one year of UltraCare Service, NEC CSD's enhanced limited warranty service program, at no additional charge. Upgrades are available for up to five years on a limited basis. In the United States and Canada, UltraCare Service includes a toll-free hot line to request on-site service 24 hours a day, seven days a week as well as overnight pickup, repair and return of the NEC Versa notebook computer, typically within one business day after arrival at the service depot. NEC Computer Systems Division is a leading manufacturer of computer products and solutions for the commercial market. NEC-branded products include Versa notebook computers, Direction personal computers, PowerMate desktop computers, Express5800 servers and MobilePro handheld personal computers. NEC Computer Systems Division is a division of Sacramento, Calif.-based Packard Bell NEC, Inc., the fifth largest PC vendor worldwide according to International Data Corporation, an independent industry research firm based in Framingham, Mass.(c) (a) Download speeds are limited to 53Kbps. Actual speeds may vary depending on line conditions. Uploads travel at speeds up to 33.6Kbps. The K56flex protocol is designed only to allow faster downloads from K56flex-compliant digital sources. See www.Lucent.com/micro/K56flex/. Fax modems send at 9600Kbps to standard fax machines and at up to 14.4Kbps to other computer systems with fax capabilities. (b) Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. Resellers determine their own pricing. (c) (Q4, 1998 quoted with permission from IDC)