FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
- common peripherals across the entire series to reduce the cost of ownership;
- modularity and a standard state-of-the-art feature set in a sleek, new ergonomic design;
- full multimedia capabilities including high-speed, six-speed CD-ROM, MPEG-1 and Zoom Video support with crisp internal stereo speakers.
MILPITAS, Calif. - November 4, 1996 - Fujitsu PC Corporation, a wholly-owned company of Fujitsu, Ltd., today unveiled the company's enhanced U.S.-based design and product strategy for its new LifeBook family of notebook computers. This product strategy re-emphasizes the company*s unequaled commitment to deliver high-level performance and feature-rich solutions to meet the needs of users in medium- to large-sized businesses and small office and home office (SOHO) markets. While redefining mainstream standards, Fujitsu PC Corporation's LifeBook 500 series offers users more computing options within each of the four models, including full multimedia features as well as storage and peripheral flexibility.
On its promise of meeting customer expectations, Fujitsu PC Corporation has designed a sleek, ergonomic machine with solid performance, unique "human touch" design elements, and reasonable pricing. With its state-of-the-art technologies, the company*s innovative comfort engineering approach makes computing more comfortable and convenient for the mobile professional. The introduction of the LifeBook family and name illustrates Fujitsu's commitment to provide notebook computers that seamlessly integrate into an individual's life, and aren't simply extensions of business.
"Because of the rapidly changing workforce, mobility is emphasized and technology no longer confines us to our desktop. Fujitsu PC Corporation recognizes these trends and is dedicated to creating mobile solutions that are both comfortable and empowering for the user," said George Everhart, president, Fujitsu PC Corporation. "Our LifeBook family delivers on the company's commitment to provide a unified family of high-tech, high-touch notebooks."
Technology Built For Humans
Keeping in touch with its customers and today's mobile challenges, Fujitsu PC Corporation brings a new level of computing standards to the industry. The LifeBook 500 series offers the following key features with unique benefits:
Key Features . . . Key Benefits . . .
Contemporary Design * new look - comfortable, rounded
corners, and "midnight blue" color
Notebook Status Indicator * for access to important
operating information
Second 1.3GB Hard Drive Option * for additional storage
capacity and backup
New Power Center by Fujitsu * for customizing power management
settings on-the-fly to match user's
different activity levels
Internal 28.8 Fax/Modem * for convenient communications and
eliminating the need to configure extra
hardware (active-matrix models only)
Memory Upgrade Options * for added performance to support
today's demanding applications (8MB, 16MB,
and 32MB DIMM modules available)
Multi-Function Bay * allows custom configuration to meet
individual user's needs (supports 3.5 inch FDD
FDD, 6x CD-ROM, optional 1.3GB HDD, and
optional second Lithium-ion battery)
PCMCIA Card Lock Slot * for added retention and security of PC cards
Port Replicator and * for desktop expandability
Mini-Docking Station Options
Multiple Battery Options * both the removable main battery and second
battery option provide flexible battery
configurations
Preloaded Software * useful Internet, diagnostic, and
communications applications for instant
productivity (select configurations)
Palm Rest and Improved Keyboard * to ensure typing comfort
To fit the changing needs of a broad range of users, the
LifeBook 500 series offers a full line of feature-rich
multimedia products with flexible, modular options, and a
new contemporary industrial design, engineered for mobile
comfort. A distinguishing feature of this series is the
ability to share common peripherals, such as batteries, hard
drives, CD-ROMs, floppy disk drives, and memory and docking
options across the line. For corporate customers, this
translates into a standard set of connectivity, storage and
power devices that function with a full spectrum of product
offerings for optimum flexibility among users. For the
company*s multi-tiered distribution channels, this equates
to a broad range of product selection which reduces
inventory costs. "Fujitsu PC Corporation has created a high-performance multimedia notebook family that is ideally built for people who want to experience technology without sacrificing precious time to work, learn and play," said Greg Chambers, vice president of marketing, Fujitsu PC Corporation. "By offering no-compromise quality and common peripherals across the entire series, Fujitsu has decreased the cost of ownership."
The LifeBook 500 Series: Up Close
As the new notebook family evolves from its initial product launch in June of this year, so do the industry standards for excellence in computing. The LifeBook 500 series comes standard with Intel Pentium(R) 120-, 133- or 150MHz processors; 32-bit PCI Bus architecture; 8MB to 16MB of EDO RAM (expandable up to 48MB); 256KB level 2 cache; 810MB or 1.3GB hard drives; and high-resolution 11.3" DSTN, 11.3" or 12.1" active-matrix color screens, all powered by Lithium-ion batteries. All four models have 2MB of VRAM, modular six-speed CD-ROM; 16-bit SoundBlaster(TM)-compatible stereo sound; MPEG-1 video playback support; and Zoom Video port for full-motion video acceleration. All TFT models have internal 28.8 fax/modems.
The LifeBook 500 series also provides a complete set of I/O connections for enhanced flexibility with communication and connectivity devices. All products include serial, parallel, IrDA-compatible infrared, external monitor, keyboard/mouse, external FDD, and docking ports. With a mini-docking station, complete with additional two Type II or one Type III PCMCIA card slots and integrated 10/100 Ethernet port, Fujitsu offers the essential features of a desktop replacement solution.
As a leader in the PC notebook market, Fujitsu PC Corporation is emphasizing flexibility at competitive global prices. The LifeBook 500 series includes lighter models, from 6.8 pounds with the floppy disk drive installed to slightly over 7 pounds with the CD-ROM installed, as well as a versatile multi-function bay that accommodate a variety of system options.
LifeBook 500 Series - Model Matrix
Fujitsu Processor Screen EDO- HDD VRAM Modular Internal Zoom Estimated Models Speed Type RAM CD-ROM Modem Video Street Port Price ------- ---- --------- --- ------ --- ------- ------ --- --------- 520D P120 11.3 DSTN 8MB 810MB 2MB 6-speed -- Yes $2,299 520T P120 11.3 TFT 8MB 810MB 2MB 6-speed 28.8 Yes $2,799 530T P133 11.3 TFT 16MB 1.3GB 2MB 6-speed 28.8 Yes $3,499 555T P150 12.1 TFT 16MB 1.3GB 2MB 6-speed 28.8 Yes $4,399
Software Bundle Options
Fujitsu PC Corporation's new LifeBook 500 series will also include pre-configured software bundle options for corporate and retail channels designed to provide users with a convenient and comfortable experience right out of the box. This careful software selection process ensures the right tools are available for the user without confusion or clutter on the hard disk drive.
Because users are highly mobile and require quick and easy access to data files and Internet information, Fujitsu PC Corporation has designed a complete on-the-go Internet tool for mobile professionals (select configurations). As an icon on the user's desktop, "The Internet Starts Here" consists of an Internet service provider, on-line/off-line Web browsers, as well as software that allows electronic banking and file transfer over the Internet. Notebook customers can now gain powerful remote access and convenience to read Internet/Intranet sites, with the click of a button.
The following corporate and retail bundle options are available:
Corporate Bundle * Microsoft(R) DOS 6.0/Windows(R) 3.1 or Windows(R) 95 * LapLink(R) by Traveling Software(R) -- for file transfer using a cable, modem or infrared port * SoftPEG(TM) by CompCore Multimedia-- for MPEG-I full motion video player PC Doctor(TM) by Watergate Software -- for diagnostic testing SOHO/Retail Bundle * Microsoft Windows 95 * "The Internet Starts Here" software suite -- for one-stop on-line connection -AT&T WorldNet(SM) -- for Internet access service with Microsoft Explorer(R) -WebEx(TM) 1.0 by Traveling Software -- for instant off-line Web access -Quicken(R) SE by Intuit(R) -- for electronic banking over the Internet * SmartSuite(R) by Lotus(R) -- including spreadsheet, word processor, database, presentation graphics and scheduling software * LapLink by Traveling Software -- for file transfer using a cable, modem or infrared port * ExpensAble(TM) by Intuit -- for electronic expense reporting * First Aid(TM) 95 Deluxe by CyberMedia(R) -- for software diagnostic testing with crash protector * Smart Games Challenge I(TM) by Smart Games(TM) -- executive mind-teaser games * FaxWorks(TM) by Global Village Communication -- fax software * SoftPEG by CompCore Multimedia-- for MPEG-I full motion video player PC Doctor by Watergate Software -- for diagnostic testing
Service and Support
Continuing the tradition of world class standards for products and services set by Fujitsu Ltd., Fujitsu PC Corporation backs all of its products with superior technical support and services to ensure customer satisfaction. Building on 60 years of innovation, precision engineering and high-quality that has made Fujitsu the world*s second-largest computer manufacturer, Fujitsu PC Corporation products are backed by a standard three-year limited warranty, including toll-free technical support, 24-hours, seven days a week. In addition, with optional extended warranties, domestic next-day replacement and international replacement services are available.
Pricing and Availability
The LifeBook 500 family of products is available now through Fujitsu PC Corporation*s major retailers, distributors and resellers, such as Ingram Micro, MicroAge, Computer City, CompUSA, PCs Compleat, Best Buy, and Incredible Universe. The Mini-docking station will be available early Q1, 1997. The estimated street price, depending on the LifeBook model, is $2,299 to $4,399. LifeBook options are priced as follows: 8MB EDO DIMM, $195.00; 16MB EDO DIMM, $345.00; 32MB EDO DIMM, $695.00; 2nd Lithium-ion battery, $239.00; 2nd 1.3GB hard disk drive, $1,195.00; and Port-replicator, $149.00.
About Fujitsu PC Corporation
Fujitsu Limited expanded its business within North America in February 1996 by forming Fujitsu PC Corporation. Fujitsu PC Corporation is providing U.S.-based design and manufacturing to offer competitive products that meet and exceed the demands of the U.S. and Canadian marketplace. Fujitsu PC Corporation's corporate headquarters is located in Milpitas, California. The company has full design and manufacturing facilities in Silicon Valley and at Fujitsu's production facility in Hillsboro, Oregon. Additional information about the company can be obtained on Fujitsu PC Corporation's Web site at www.fujitsu-pc.com.
Fujitsu Limited of Tokyo is one of the leading suppliers of computers, telecommunications and microelectronics. Fujitsu PC Corporation is located at 598 Gibraltar Drive, Milpitas, CA 95035-6315 and can be reached at 408-935-8800 ext. 1518.
| Media Contacts: A&R Partners Elizabeth Conrady Tel: 415-363-0982 x217 E-mail:elizabeth_conrady@arpartners.com Annie Grace, x223 E-mail:annie_grace@arpartners.com Donna Candelori, x213 E-mail:donna_candelori@arpartners.com |
Fujitsu PC Corporation: Kate Blocker Manager, Public Relations kblocker@fpc.fujitsu.com Tel: 408-935-1518 |