NEC LEADS MARKET WITH THE RELEASE OF MULTISPIN 4X SERIES OF CD-ROM READERS

... Aggressive pricing of NEC's MultiSpin 4X CD-ROM readers to solidify 4X
as the new CD-ROM market standard...

Wood Dale, Ill., October 4, 1994--In a move that is expected to establish
quad-speed CD-ROM readers as the new industry-wide standard for CD-ROM
computing, NEC Technologies, Inc., the company that pioneered double-speed
CD-ROM technology, today announced the launch of its new line of
aggressively-priced quad-speed CD-ROM readers, the MultiSpin 4X Series.

The new MultiSpin 4X Series CD-ROM readers are the first to match ergonomic
design with quadruple-speed performance for unparalleled ease-of-use and
the smoothest-motion video and animation playback available. With prices
starting at $415, NEC MultiSpin 4X CD-ROM readers offer the most
competitive high-performance CD-ROM package available.

The MultiSpin 4X Series offers three new CD-ROM readers: the MultiSpin 4Xe
(external), MultiSpin 4Xi (internal) and the MultiSpin 3Xp Plus
(external/portable), in addition to the MultiSpin 4X Pro (external), which
has been available since January 1994.

"NEC paved the way in the industry for 4X with the MultiSpin 4X Pro, and
now with the MultiSpin 4X Series we've provided the final, validating step
for 4X to become the new CDROM standard," said Marc Miller, vice president
of NEC Technologies' Advanced Media Group.

"Combining the MultiSpin 4Xe, 4Xi and 3Xp Plus with the MultiSpin 4X Pro
completes the circle by offering a full line of high-performance CD-ROM
readers -- one for each type of user and application -- at a price that
makes high-performance technology extremely accessible."

All MultiSpin 4X Series CD-ROM readers are equipped with a 256 KB
continuous flow cache for fast access to frequently used information. The
MultiSpin 4Xe and MultiSpin 4Xi feature 600 KB/sec. data transfer rates
and average access times of 220ms. The MultiSpin 4X Pro, an industry
leader in quad-speed performance, features a 600 KB/sec. data transfer
rate and a 180ms average access time.

The portable MultiSpin 3Xp Plus completes the line by offering a
high-performance portable solution. The MultiSpin 3Xp Plus runs at 3.3X
with a data transfer rate of 500 KB/sec. and an average access time of
240ms, making it the fastest portable CD-ROM reader on the market. Because
of its high-end performance, the MultiSpin 3Xp Plus is offered in the
MultiSpin 4X line.

"The new CD-ROM readers of the MultiSpin 4X Series build on the innovations
of the MultiSpin 4X Pro by adding even more flexibility and value through
cutting-edge performance, user-friendly design and superior NEC quality,"
Miller said.

The MultiSpin 4Xe, 4Xi and 4X Pro are targeted toward both corporate and
home users with high-performance multimedia, database and network
applications, while the MultiSpin 3Xp Plus offers a strong
price-for-performance solution for corporate and home users with portable
and/or external CD-ROM needs.

MultiSpin Kits Offer All-in-One Solution

MultiSpin CD-ROM readers are available in both kit and stand-alone form. By
offering a kit and stand-alone option, NEC adds flexibility by giving
users the ability to customize their new MultiSpin CD-ROM purchase to
their existing systems. It also makes the whole purchasing process easier
because NEC MultiSpin kits include all the CD-ROM components necessary for
users to get started right away.

MultiSpin 4X Series Kits

Kit versions of the MultiSpin 4Xe, MultiSpin 4Xi and MultiSpin 3Xp Plus
include all the accessories needed to quickly and easily install the
CD-ROM reader. Kits include NEC's 16-Bit SCSI Interface Kit complete with
interface card and Simple Start auto-installing CD-ROM drivers. Simple
Start edits computer files automatically with a few clicks of a mouse,
making installation hassle-free.

To further assist users during installation, a special User's Guide Poster
is also included in kit versions to clearly and easily guide users through
the installation process. The poster is specifically designed to be
easy-to-read and user-friendly.

Finally, Microsoft's Encarta Multimedia Encyclopedia is included with the
kit. This provides a high-quality CD-ROM title that users will begin
enjoying immediately. Kit versions also include an NEC Tutorial CD-ROM,
User's Manual, all the necessary cables and a CD-ROM caddy.

MultiSpin 4X Series Stand-Alone Option

Stand-alone MultiSpin 4Xe, MultiSpin 4Xi and MultiSpin 3Xp Plus units come
complete with the MultiSpin CD-ROM reader, NEC Tutorial CD-ROM, Casa
Blanca Works' DriveCD caching Macintosh driver, User's Manual, all the
necessary cables and a CD-ROM caddy. The MultiSpin 4X Pro includes a
User's Manual, all necessary cables and a CD-ROM caddy for immediate
setup. Stand-alone MultiSpin CD-ROM readers offer users the option to
tailor their systems to their own specific needs by either using a
pre-installed interface or by adding an NEC interface to their systems.

Unmatched MultiSpin Functionality

The MultiSpin 4X Series was designed to follow NEC's ErgoDesign philosophy,
incorporating an array of ergonomic advancements including: 

* Music Sensor: Eliminating music playback software, the MultiSpin 4X
Series features up-front music playback controls for increased
functionality. It also detects music CD or CD-ROM playback, adjusting
CD-ROM motor speed accordingly.

* Rotating Double-Dust Doors and Automatic Lens Cleaning: This innovation
allows a user to single-handedly load or eject a CD-ROM, while providing
maximum dust protection. A self-cleaning lens also helps the readers stay
dust-free.

* Front-mounted LCD Panel: New to the MultiSpin 4Xe, 4Xi and 3Xp Plus is a
backlit LCD panel for improved user visibility. This provides feedback on
the functions of the MultiSpin CD-ROM readers, including music playback
information, play speed and self-diagnostic codes.

Designed for multiple-platform compatibility, the MultiSpin 4X Series works
with PC, Macintosh and PS/2 systems. All MultiSpin CD-ROM readers are
compliant with current industry standards, including CD-I, VideoCD
playback, Kodak Multisession PhotoCD and QuickTime formats.

Shipping, Warranty and Pricing

The MultiSpin 4X CD-ROM readers will be available on October 4, 1994, and
can be purchased through NEC's nationwide network of authorized resellers
and at select superstores. All MultiSpin CD-ROM readers come with an
aggressive two-year limited warranty and toll-free technical support.

Estimated selling prices (ESP) for the MultiSpin 4X Series are as follows:
                                   U.S. Pricing

MultiSpin 4Xe (external)               $515
MultiSpin 4Xi (internal)               $415
MultiSpin 4X Pro (external)            $699
MultiSpin 3Xp Plus (personal)          $415
MultiSpin 4Xe Kit                      $595
MultiSpin 4Xi Kit                      $495
MultiSpin 3Xp Plus Kit                 $495

NEC Technologies. Inc.

Headquartered in Boxborough, Mass., NEC Technologies, Inc. is a leading
manufacturer of computers and peripherals for the North American market.
Product lines include Image, PowerMate, Express and Ready multimedia
systems products, RISC-based servers and workstations and servers,
award-winning Versa notebook computers which are all marketed out of the
San Jose office, as well as the MultiSync FG monitors and presentation
products, Silentwriter and SuperScript printers and MultiSpin CD-ROM
readers. NEC Technologies, Inc. is a subsidiary of NEC Corporation.

NEC Technologies
1414 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA 01719-2298
508-264-8000

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