AST RESEARCH INTRODUCES INNOVATIVE QUICK-CONNECT AND DOCKING STATION OPTIONS FOR NEW POWEREXEC NOTEBOOK COMPUTER IRVINE, Calif., September 21, 1992--AST Research Inc. today announced the PowerStation docking station and EasyPort, quick-connect port replicator options for AST's new PowerExec notebook computer, also announced today. Ergonomically designed and affordably priced, both options provide convenience when connecting desktop peripherals. The PowerStation retails for $449 and the EasyPort list price is $99 with estimated street prices as low as $339 and $75. "We asked our customers what they wanted from a desktop replacement and developed the PowerStation based on their needs for convenience, flexibility and security," said Dan Sheppard, AST director of portable systems. "Leveraging on our engineering design expertise, AST's new unique design meets their needs at an affordable price." The PowerStation is based on a multi functional design adapted to fit the way a user works. It allows use of the PowerExec computer's display or a full-size monitor. The PowerStation's platform is designed to hold a desktop monitor in comfortable viewing position. It also provides the flexibility of using the notebook's keyboard or a standard 101-key keyboard. The PowerStation's slim design allows the notebook's keyboard to rest at wrist level for more comfortable use. The PowerStation adds usability to the PowerExec. The PowerStation accepts industry standard third-party peripherals and adapters that allow access to a company's network, database or CD-ROM. The mobile professional can quickly connect to the network, download and to take the information to clients or various field offices. The PowerStation is one of the most compact docking stations available. Its ergonomic design provides an expansion solution that fits easily on the desk top, leaving more available desk space. The PowerStation features a charge port which allows direct connection of the external battery cradle to allow charging of a secondary battery pack without the need of another AC adapter. Another innovative feature is the key lock. The end user can feel secure leaving the PowerExec unattended when using it with the PowerStation. Once the PowerExec notebook is connected, it is locked in. The portable system remains secure until it is unlocked by the owner. The PowerStation increases productivity by providing two drive bays for maximum usability: one half-height 5.25-inch drive bay, one slimline 5.25-inch drive bay for extra storage, CD-ROM, floppy drives or tape back-ups. The half-height drive bay also accommodates AST's optional drive bay adapter, so an end user can have easy access to two PowerExec hard drives at the same time. The PowerStation is able to provide the end user optimum storage when using a portable system. To further expand productivity, the PowerStation is designed with two Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) slots. These slots, one full-size and one half-size, accommodate standard 16-bit ISA boards, as well as option boards such as modems, networking cards and SCSI host adapters. In one connection, the PowerStation provides access to all external ports, extra storage and ISA slots. The station replicates all the PowerExec notebook ports: serial, parallel, mouse and external VGA monitor. It also provides three additional ports: a second serial port, AT-style keyboard port and a charger port for added convenience. The EasyPort port replicator is the ideal option for those who need quick access to desktop peripherals, but don't need additional slots or drive bays. The EasyPort is a lightweight box with all of the same ports found on the notebook plus an additional serial port. It provides instant connection to all ports: serial, parallel, mouse/keyboard, external VGA monitor and AC adapter. The EasyPort allows the end user to use a full-size monitor, keyboard and printer. The EasyPort eliminates the need to plug cables into each port one by-one. AST offers the convenience of a quick connect for less than $100 list price. Service and Support The PowerStation and EasyPort include a one-year parts and labor limited warranty. AST has 11,000 trained service technicians in more than 1,200 Authorized Service Centers nationwide. AST Research Inc. offers a wide variety of support programs. Toll-free service is 90-seconds away (average telephone pickup time) Monday through Friday 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. (PST) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. AST also offers two 24-hour services, AST OnLine! bulletin board and AST Info-FAX, which allows access via facsimile machine to a broad selection of technical support documentation. Company 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. AST product lines include the Premium, Bravo, Advantage! and PowerExec families which allow users to choose from a full range of price and performance options. The company is represented in 100 countries and operates 44 subsidiaries and sales offices worldwide. 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 1990. 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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