New PC: The Ultimate Refinement in PC Design Arrives in Homes Nationwide With the Introduction of the Z1 by NEC - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, June 21, 1999

Thursday, Packard Bell NEC Inc.'s Consumer Division unveiled a striking new, all-in-one home computer -- the Z1 by NEC (www.nec-z1.com). The Z1's sleek, all-in-one system design marries a distinctive 15-inch flat-panel display with the latest technology and numerous unmatched ease-of-use and upgradability features, all housed in a chassis that presents the smallest space requirement, or "footprint," of any home computer on the market today.

Slated to arrive on retail-store shelves in North America in early August with a suggested retail price of $2,499, the Z1 blends technological and design innovation with personality and style, perfectly suited for the home-computer market. "In designing the Z1, we set out to challenge the traditional `beige computer box' and encourage consumers to look beyond specifications, and seek a computing experience that incorporates innovation and inspiration," said Gordon Chapple, executive vice president, Packard Bell NEC's Consumer Division. "The Z1 truly embodies the heritage of the NEC consumer brand -- sophisticated computing with a concentration on performance, new technologies and innovation in design." Design Refinement, Both Inside and Out With its two-toned metallic color and gently sculpted lines, the Z1 is as much a work of art as it is a high-performance computer. The Z1's graceful, arched base spans only 10 inches square, about the size of a standard sheet of paper. This small footprint, which is five times smaller than the space required for a conventional desktop PC and monitor, and the Z1's integrated, all-in-one chassis design are the result of the creative fusion of desktop and notebook technology. At first glance, users are greeted with the stunning 15-inch Active Matrix TFT XGA flat-panel display, as well as the system's DVD-ROM and floppy drives. The Z1's "engine," including the processor, motherboard, memory and other key hardware, is housed in a slim, integrated chassis, located directly behind the flat-panel display. Supporting the integrated chassis and display is a curved base that houses the system's hard drive. Weighing approximately 20 pounds, less than half the weight of a traditional desktop and monitor combined, the Z1 blends technology and aesthetics into a system that charms even the most discerning, sophisticated users. "Our vision for the Z1 was to develop a sophisticated home- computing solution that truly meets the user's needs and desires, both through pure aesthetics and premier technology," Chapple commented. "The Z1 signifies a revolutionary move in the refinement of PC design, one that invokes style, substance and even passion." The Z1 continues to dazzle through its specifications, including a powerful 450 MHz Intel Pentium III processor, spacious 8.4GB hard drive and generous 96MB of SDRAM. In addition, with its flat-panel display, multimedia keyboard, DVD-ROM drive, S3 Savage 4 AGP graphics controller with 8MB of video RAM and built-in speakers, the Z1 offers strong performance and supports vibrantly powerful multimedia experiences. Upgradability to Suit Current and Future Computing Needs The Z1 empowers consumers with easy expansion and unmatched flexibility. Consumers can quickly and easily upgrade their hard drive, memory and even the integrated 15-inch flat-panel display by tapping into unique features designed exclusively for the Z1. Rather than having to venture inside the chassis, users can upgrade their hard drive using the Z1's unique integrated upgrade module. Available as an accessory in late 1999, this hard-drive module externally "docks" to the existing hard drive in the system's base and allows users to begin the replication process in a matter of minutes. Once the module is docked, users simply run the hard-disk-copy software to create a mirror image of the original drive. Swap out the hard disk in just 10 minutes and the system's storage capacity is expanded. Upgrading the memory module is also a breeze through the easy access panel on the rear of the system. By simply depressing one small latch to open the rear panel, users can snap out the existing memory and replace it with a new memory module in less than a minute. Of greatest note is the upgradability of the 15-inch flat-panel display. Sliding the small latch on the back of the display, the 15-inch screen glides up and off the chassis. In seconds, consumers can then enhance their viewing pleasure with the installation of an optional 18-inch flat-panel display, available in late 1999. An accessory LCD digital stand, also available later this year, allows for Z1 owners to use their included 15-inch display as a second 15-inch flat-panel monitor, helping to avoid product obsolescence. The Z1 also features two PC Card Type-II or one Type-III PCMCIA slots; four USB ports; and VGA, serial and parallel ports to accommodate current and future technology. A 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port with high-bandwidth and home-networking capabilities is also included to address the user's growing computing requirements. A Simple Computing Experience From Start to Finish From the moment the box is opened, the ingenuity of the Z1's design is apparent. Out of the box, the Z1 requires only two connections -- the power cord and the telephone line -- to be completely operational. While traditional desktop PC owners are still detangling their cables, Z1 owners are already exploring the Internet, organizing their finances or creating a spreadsheet. Z1 owners also benefit from the freedom of cordless operation, due to the Z1's wireless-keyboard design that incorporates a Windows-keyboard layout, mouse controls, and a variety of instantly accessible multimedia functions. The combination of this distinctive keyboard, plus a standard 56Kbps-capable V.90 modem and a USB wheel-mouse, supports immediate Internet access and simple multimedia functionality. A solid software package also heightens computing simplicity. The Z1 comes standard with a Microsoft Windows 98 software bundle that offers a variety of productivity, finance, graphics and entertainment titles. The Z1 also offers a full suite of PC- and Internet-based software tools that enhance ease-of-use and functionality. In addition, Z1 users have access to Packard Bell NEC's recently enhanced, Internet-based technical support Web site that allows customers to more quickly and accurately define and resolve any computing problems. Key specifications of the Z1 include: * Crisp, high-quality 15-inch Active Matrix TFT XGA flat-panel display, removable and upgradable to an optional 18-inch flat-panel display (display and optional LCD digital stand available in late 1999) * Small chassis footprint -- 15.5" W x 17.75" H x 9.4" D (at bottom; 6.7" at top) * 450MHz Intel Pentium III processor * 96MB SDRAM, easily upgradable to a maximum of 256MB through a rear access panel * 8.4GB hard drive, upgradable through exclusive integrated upgrade module (option available in late 1999) * DVD-ROM drive and 1.44MB, 3.5-inch floppy disk drive * 56Kbps-capable ITU V.90 modem * 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port with high-bandwidth and home- networking capabilities; RJ-45 LAN jack * Two PC Card Type-II or one Type-III PCMCIA slots * Four USB ports * IrDA, VGA, serial and parallel ports * High-performance S3 Savage 4 LT 3-D AGP 2X graphics controller with 8MB of SDRAM * Creative 3-D PCI AC'97 Audio with integrated stereo speakers * Wireless keyboard with built-in point-and-click mouse controls (plus USB wheel-mouse) "This bold, innovative introduction represents one of the first consumer-product milestones we will reach as we travel down the turnaround path we've set for ourselves and the company as a whole," said Alain Couder, president, chief executive officer and chairman of Packard Bell NEC. "The Z1 represents a signature product for our Consumer Division, and it will undoubtedly enable us to further build consumer mindshare and recognition as a leader in the home-PC marketplace." Packard Bell NEC 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 commercial division, NEC Computer Systems Division (NEC CSD), serves the commercial, government and education markets with NEC-branded Versa notebook computers, PowerMate desktop computers, Express5800 servers and MobilePro handheld personal computers. With headquarters in Sacramento, the company is privately held by NEC Corp. and Groupe Bull. Through these shareholders and its alliance with Packard Bell Europe and NEC Computers in Japan, the company offers global reach and capabilities as well as leading-edge technology. Packard Bell NEC and its affiliates comprise the fifth largest PC vendor in the world (IDC, April 1999). FMI: www.nec-computers.com.