New Noteboooks: NEC Computer Systems Division Introduces Fourth Generation of Its Award Winning Versa LX and SX Notebook Computers - Product Announcement

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

NEC Computer Systems Division (NEC CSD) Tuesday introduced the fourth generation of its award winning Versa LX and SX series of notebook computers, which feature Intel's 400MHz Mobile Pentium II processors. The next generation Versa LX and SX series are designed to meet a wide range of corporate computing requirements and feature modular designs with renowned VersaBay technology in a durable two-tone silver chassis.

The Versa LX series is NEC CSD's power/performance series for corporate markets that demand a powerful desktop replacement platform for big screen multimedia performance, remote manageability and versatility in a networked environment. The Versa SX, part of NEC CSD's mobility series, is geared toward mobile professionals who require a lightweight notebook with full functionality. The Versa SX shares components with the Versa LX, NEC CSD's corporate standard notebook computer. For additional power, NEC CSD's Versa LX is one of the few notebooks that incorporates the ATI Rage LT Pro video chipset with 8MB of video RAM and AGP (advanced graphics port) for spectacular graphics performance. Versa LX and SX systems featuring the Pentium II 400MHz processor are available now built-to-order (BTO) or through NEC CSD resellers starting at about $2,899.(1) "Mobile computer customers are, more than ever, pushing the performance limits. NEC CSD is excited to offer Intel's highest-performing mobile processor into the products our customers depend upon," said Michael DeNeffe, product line director for Mobile PCs at NEC CSD. "The new processor's great power and performance matches perfectly with NEC CSD's Versa product line and enables us to satisfy the demands of our customers." * Fastest Intel Mobile Module Pentium II processor available * ATI Rage LT Pro with 8MB 100MHz video RAM (Versa LX only) * Advanced graphics port (AGP) (Versa LX only) * Easy to remove hard drive: 4.0GB, 6GB, 10GB (10GB on Versa LX only) * 14.1" or 13.3" XGA TFT displays featuring NEC's 1/4-inch thin screen technology (13.3" available on LX only) * Modular ultraslim VersaBay III with warm swap technology accepts 24X CD-ROM, SuperDisk 120MB drive, DVD ROM drive, second battery, second hard drive or weight-saving module * Expandable memory: 64MB of RAM expandable to 256MB SDRAM SODIMM * Choice of Versa Dock or Versa PortBar docking solutions * * Versa SX accessories are compatible with Versa LX accessories, including AC adapter, for current and previous generations of Versa SX and LX notebook computers Compatibility for a Lower Total Cost of Ownership Not only are the Versa LX and SX notebook computers engineered for superior performance and durability, they are also designed to lower the total cost of ownership associated with maintaining the system. NEC CSD has created the Versa LX and SX notebook computers with cross-platform and cross-generation compatibility. By maintaining the same chassis design for four generations, NEC CSD allows IT professionals to forgo add-on purchases when integrating the Intel's fastest mobile processor into their inventory. In addition, all accessories, (except primary hard drive used with the Versa LX) are compatible with the Versa SX notebook computers and are also compatible with previous generations of Versa LX and Versa SX notebook computers. This compatibility can potentially lower maintenance costs and allow IS departments to manage only one set of accessories. Compatible accessories include VersaDock or Versa PortBar docking solutions, VersaBay III devices, memory modules and AC adapters. Sleek Industrial Design The Versa LX Series is designed in an elegant yet durable two-tone chassis to maximize portability, and includes an internal, modular bay, and a built in bay. The unit measures 12.1" (W) by 10" (D) by 1.8" (H) and weighs just 7.0 pounds (13.3" display and weight saving module). The Versa SX Series is designed in a revolutionary thin and light form factor to minimize bulk and maximize portability, and includes an internal, modular bay. The unit measures 12" (W) by 9.9" (D) by 1.3" (H) and weighs just 4.8 pounds. Both the Versa LX and SX notebook computer's durable chassis is made with polycarbonate plastic and the display panel is reinforced to ensure durability. Flexible VersaBay III Options Mobile users can minimize travel weight and maximize versatility with the integrated VersaBay III, which accepts seven different, warm-swappable storage and power computing tools. VersaBay III options include: * 24X CD-ROM drive * SuperDisk 120MB drive * DVD ROM drive * Second hard drive * Second battery * Weight saving module Ready for the Enterprise The Versa LX and SX notebook computers, aimed at the enterprise environment, are designed to minimize IS management issues and include a number of features to ensure easy set-up and maintenance. The Versa notebook computers are ACPI compliant and are bundled with LANDesk Client Manager 3.2. Each notebook computer is shipped with only its operating system and critical software pre-installed. Other software is shipped on a CD-ROM, allowing users or MIS managers to add only the applications required. Manageability software applications included on the CD-ROM are LANDesk Client Manager v3.2 and McAfee VirusScan. The notebook computers will also support Microsoft's Windows 2000 operating system upon its availability. NEC CSD incorporates Intel's 400MHz Intel Mobile Pentium II processors into the Versa LX and SX series. These processors incorporate Intel's latest processor technology and feature on-die level 2 cache for enhanced performance. Pricing and Availability Versa LX and SX notebook computers are available built- and configured-to-order from NEC CSD directly at 1-888-632-8701 or www.nec-computers.com, or through selected resellers. The following are sample configurations: * Versa SX Pentium II 400MHz, 14.1" TFT screen, 64MB, 4.0GB, approximately $3,399(1) * Versa LX Pentium II 400MHz, 14.1" TFT screen, 128MB, 10.0GB, approximately $4,299(1) 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, three-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 warranty service program. Upgrades are available for up to five years. 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 free overnight pickup, repair and return of the NEC Versa notebook computer 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, PowerMate desktop computers, Express5800 servers and MobilePro handheld personal computers. NEC Computer Systems Division is a division of Sacramento, California-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.(a) Note (1): Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. Resellers determine their own pricing. Note (a): (Q4, 1998 quoted with permission from IDC)