AST RESEARCH ANNOUNCES FIRST 386SL NOTEBOOK COMPUTER WITH BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY FOR COMPLETE SYSTEM UPGRADEABILITY Upgradeability and PCMCIA Slots Equip Next Generation Notebook for Limitless Computing Irvine, Calif., September 21, 1992 -- AST Research Inc., the pioneer in upgradeable personal computers and manufacturer of the award-winning Premium Exec notebook, today announced the PowerExec, a fully upgradeable 386SL notebook computer that provides up to six and one-half hours of battery life through integrated "intelligent" power management. Prominent innovative features of the AST PowerExec include: * Upgradeable processor to 32-bit/3 volt 486 processor * First upgradeable display to ultra STN color and/or TFT active matrix color * Two Type II industry-standard PCMCIA slots provide increased flexibility and expansion capability * Optional AST SmartPoint cableless trackball pointing device connects to built-in hot shoe which is ergonomically-designed into the front of the keyboard * Monochrome model 123W (120-MB hard drive) and passive color model 163W (160-MB hard drive) come standard with Windows 3.1 and SmartPoint cableless trackball * Battery life of up to 6.5 hours with 90 minute recharge * Supports optional Alkaline batteries which can provide an additional 1.5 hours of battery life * Heuristic Algorithms provide breakthrough intelligent power management features that adapt to the user's work habits * Removable hard drive provides data security, flexibility of multiple hard drives and easy hard drive upgrades The PowerExec 3/25SL runs at 25-MHz and combines next-generation technology, complete system upgradeability, intelligent power management, and absolute value that provide maximum usability to the end user. The PowerExec notebook is available with a monochrome or color display. "What the PowerExec offers is a complete notebook solution with upgradeability and intelligence built in to protect the end user's investment," said Dan Sheppard, director of portable systems marketing. First Notebook to Offer Upgradeability to 3 Volt 32-Bit 486 Processors and Active Matrix Color Displays PowerExec represents a new generation of notebook computers. The system's processor board is easily upgradeable to higher-performance 486 32-bit processors with 3-volt technology for longer battery life. "The ability to upgrade provides increased performance when needed and insurance for users concerned about quickly changing technology," said Sheppard. Another upgradeable feature is the PowerExec's LCD display. The 9.5-inch monochrome display is easily upgradeable to either 9.5-inch F-STN passive matrix color or available in Q4, 9.5-inch TFT Active Matrix color. The end user who initially selects the passive color display may also upgrade to the new 9.5-inch Active Matrix when available. PowerExec's passive color display offers improved contrast over first generation color notebooks as well as enhanced viewing angle and increased brightness to provide an affordable alternative to TFT Active Matrix color. AST's new Flash BIOS provides a fast and convenient way to upgrade the notebook's firmware. End users can now be up and running quickly with new BIOS enhancements. The First Notebook to Feature Two Industry-Standard Slots The PowerExec features two, Type II PCMCIA Expansion Slots. PCMCIA is the new industry standard for portable computer expansion and connectivity solutions which opens up the architecture of the notebook computer and offers innovative options not offered with proprietary expansion slots. Similar to desktop ISA boards, PCMCIA credit card-sized cards offer a variety of options to allow end users to customize their PowerExec. For instance, the increased flexibility provided by the two slots allows end users to configure their notebooks with a modem and SCSI adapter while on the road or a modem and networking card while in the office. AST offers PCMCIA compatible networking options including Token Ring and Ethernet, as well as a SCSI adapter and three modem options. The First Notebook to Provide Up To Six and One-Half Hours of Battery Life Longer battery life is a result of improved battery design, system design and power management. The PowerExec's Nickel Metal Hydride battery pack, more efficient backlight and power supply designs, the use of lower-power components and a host of intelligent power management features, allow the PowerExec to offer exceptionally long battery life from a notebook computer weighing less than six pounds. At up to six and one-half hours, the PowerExec provides substantial battery life which exceeds that of many competing notebook computers. AST SmartSleep, an enhanced suspend state, functions as a bookmark by saving a mirror image of memory to the hard disk drive and automatically shutting off the system. When the user resumes working, he will return via a quick-boot to the exact point of activity when the system was shut off. Most importantly, SmartSleep functions within all operating environments such as DOS, Windows, and OS/2, for instance. With four to six and one-half hours of battery life, there is less need for the end user to carry a spare battery, reducing the total travel weight of the system to 7.3 pounds, compared to 8.6 pounds for the Compaq LTE Lite/25 with an extra battery. Total travel weight includes an AC adapter and power cord. The notebook also provides PowerCharge, a "quick charge" of the battery in merely 90 minutes. The real breakthrough is the intelligent "power-on" charging or SmartCharge which allows the notebook to divert power that isn't being used by the system's components to the charging circuitry, providing an extremely rapid charging time of two to three hours with the system on. This compares to older technology notebooks which required a charge of up to 16 hours. For emergency use, the notebook can be operated using 12 AA alkaline batteries providing up to one and one-half hours of battery life. A convenient on-screen fuel gauge, built into the BIOS, gives the user an accurate display of battery usage. HotSwap feature allows the user to exchange the system battery with the system turned on in the suspend mode, without losing any data. The First Notebook to Conserve Battery Life by Learning and Adapting to User's Work Habits The PowerExec uses heuristic algorithms to monitor the user's work habits to learn when to power-off idle peripherals, conserving battery life. Whenever there is keyboard inactivity, hard disk drive and display "time outs" are activated. The system goes back to full-power mode once work resumes. In this sense, the PowerExec is the only notebook computer capable of adjusting its performance based upon what it has learned. Multiple Levels of Anti-Theft Security Render the PowerExec Useless if Stolen The PowerExec is the only notebook computer which becomes unuseable if stolen. AST provides the ability to establish two unbreakable passwords, one for the end user and another for an MIS administrator. For ultimate protection, AST has eliminated any "hidden" overrides to password protection. There are no hardware jumpers in the system to disable password protection. AST supplies a specially designed ROM security key, SmartKey, with each PowerExec which functions as a third password. The PowerExec is designed to support the Kensington Microware cable lock for added physical security. For added security, the PowerExec also locks into the PowerStation docking station with a key lock. Removable Hard Drive Provides Increased Functionality for the End User Another innovative feature that the PowerExec offers is the removable hard drive. This feature allows the end user to easily upgrade the system to a larger hard drive whenever necessary. The benefit of added security by removing and storing the hard drive, as well as the flexibility of unlimited space by using multiply hard drives to store software programs and data are provided to enhance the PowerExec's usability. The end user has the convenience of removing and retaining the hard drive during service. Fast and Convenient Data Exchange with Desktop Computers An innovative drive bay adapter designed by AST, allows any desktop computer to accept the PowerExec's removable hard drive making data transfer easy and convenient. The receptacle fits into one 5.25-inch half-height drive bay. The PowerExec provides an expansion bus connector that supports AST's PowerStation and EasyPort. Innovative Quick-Connect and Docking Station Options Enhance the PowerExec's Usability The PowerStation docking unit offers a complete connectivity solution for mobile professionals who require the ease-of-use of one computer. Affordably priced at $449, the PowerStation combines the flexibility of notebook computing with the familiarity of traditional desktop computing. The PowerStation features two ISA 16-bit slots and provides access to one 5.25-inch drive bay and one slimline 5.25-inch drive bay for extra storage, as well as a drive bay with a tape backup device. The PowerStation features a monitor stand that can accommodate high-resolution monitors weighing up to 70 pounds. The EasyPort provides an ideal solution for the end user who requires the convenience of a notebook at home and in the office. With an affordable suggested list price of $99, the EasyPort replicates the ports of the PowerExec enabling quickconnect funtionality without the need to hook-up power and port cables. The PowerExec features a choice of hard drives to suit the end users particular computing needs. Standard monochrome models are the PowerExec 3/25SL Model 63 (60-MB hard drive) list priced at $2,395 and 3/25SL Model 123/W (120-MB hard drive and bundled with Windows 3.1 and AST SmartPoint trackball) with a suggested retail price of $2,795. Standard color models are the PowerExec 3/25SL-Color Model 83 (80-MB hard drive) with a list price $3,495 and 3/25SL-Color Model 163/W (160MB hard drive and bundled with Windows 3.1 and AST SmartPoint trackball) retail priced at $3,895. All models come standard with DOS 5.1. "We expect street prices for the PowerExec to be competitive with those of direct marketers who are still offering first-generation technology," Sheppard said. The anticipated street price may range from under $2,100 for the PowerExec 3/25SL Model 63 to slightly above $2,400 for the 3/25SL Model 123/W. The expected street price on the color models may range from under $3,100 for the PowerExec 3/25SL-Color Model 83 to under $3,400 for the 3/25SL-Color Model 163/W. Both monochrome and FSTN color PowerExecs are available in Model 3 (no hard drive) configurations and can be purchased by resellers with a choice of 60MB, 80-MB, 120-MB or 160-MB hard drives to customize the units. Targeted primarily at mobile professionals who need a feature-rich system to perform such tasks as spreadsheet recalculations and database analysis, AST's new PowerExec notebook system contains standard features including: * Lightweight 5.9 pounds * Compact design 8.5"(D) x 11.5" (W) x 1.83" (H) * Fast 386SL processor 25MHz, with 64KB cache * Maximum RAM expansion 4MB standard, expandable to 20MB * Large, clear display 9.5 inch diagonal, active viewing area * Desktop-like keyboard 82/83 keys with 12 dedicated functions keys, 3mm key travel, quiet keys & built-in tiltstand * Advanced battery technology Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Battery, supports Alkaline (AA) Batteries * Full storage capabilities 3.5 inch, 1.44MB floppy and up to 160MB removeable hard drive * Expansion bus interface full-featured PowerStation docking station and EasyPort, a convenient peripheral connection unit/port replicator * Flash BIOS Quick BIOS upgrades may provide future enhancements without a service call * External Monitor Support Simultaneous display (640x480 mode) SVGA (800x600x16 color) * Hot Swap Battery Pack may be exchanged during system suspend The AST PowerExec features exceptional 25-MHz 386SL performance, high capacity 160-MB, 120-MB, 80-MB or 60-MB removeable hard disk drive, a choice of fast high-contrast monochrome or passive matrix color display and maximum portability in a lightweight design. New ExeCare Plus Provides 48-hour Repair Service The AST PowerExec notebook is covered by AST ExeCare Plus which features a free one-year warranty including 48-hour repair upon receipt at AST. AST will pay the freight both ways. Optional 24-hour replacement is available. All AST notebook computer systems include a one-year parts and labor warranty. AST has 11,000 trained service technicians in more that 1,200 Authorized Service Centers nationwide. On-site maintenance is available anywhere within a 50-mile radius of more than 250 of the authorized AST on-site service locations. Toll-free customer service is 90 seconds away (average telephone call response time) Monday thru Friday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. (PDT) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. AST On-Line!, the largest worldwide PC manufacturing electronic bulletin board service in the industry, provides a 24-hour electronic reference library. AST Info-Fax provides up-to-date technical information sent directly to fax machines through an automated 24-hour service. AST's product lines include the Premium, Bravo, Advantage! and Premium Exec families which allow users to choose from a full range of price and performance options. The company is represented in 100 countries and operates 34 subsidiaries and sales offices worldwide.' Corporate Background Recently ranked number 431 on the Fortune 500 list of America's largest industrial companies and 451 on the Forbes Profit List, AST Research Inc. is an information technology company holding a prominent market share position for desktop, file server and notebook computers. The company reported record sales of $944.1 million for the 1992 fiscal year ended June 27, 1992, compared to sales of $688.5 million for fiscal year 1991. AST Research corporate headquarters is located at 16215 Alton Parkway, P.O. Box 19658, Irvine, Calif. 92713-9658. Telephone: (714) 727-4141, (800) 876-4278. 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