AST Research enters Pen Computing Market; Announces its First “PenTop” Pen Notebook Computer

April 5, 1993 — AST Research Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTA), the pioneer in upgradeable personal computers, Monday entered the pen computing market with its launch of the new PenExec “PenTop” pen notebook computer.

The launch is a direct result of AST’s strategic alliance with TE Electronics of Tandy Corp. Built into a sleek 11.6″ by 9.4″ x 1.6″, 5.5-pound black magnesium box, the PenExec is a hybrid between a traditional keyboard-driven notebook and a pen computer, affordably priced under $3,000.

“AST’s proven knowledge of the portable industry was the foundation for our success with the award-winning PremiumExec and PowerExec notebook computers. We bring this industry savvy to the market with the new PenExec,” explained Bret Berg, product marketing manager. “We believe the PenExec will bridge the gap between traditionally non-computer users and technology,” Berg added.

The result of a strategic alliance with TE Electronics, AST’s PenExec is based on advanced pen technology from GRiD Systems Corp. “AST brings numerous benefits to the table, including an extended life battery that provides up to three hours of continuous computing time; support for PCMCIA; hard drives up to 200MB; and RAM system expansion up to 20MB.

A major benefit to the PenExec buyer is AST’s renown support and service,” Berg explained. In addition, AST’s expansive reseller channel makes it easy to purchase the PenExec, options and accessories.

“AST has found the way to bring pen computing to the masses. By providing an immediately usable solution, with pre-installed Microsoft software, AST’s PenExec delivers the promise of pen computing to a whole new generation of computer users, letting them do their work in new ways, in new places,” said Richard Tong, director of Windows marketing at Microsoft Corp.

Because the PenExec comes standard with pre-installed programs for both pen and keyboard computing, it is an immediately usable solution. Pre-installed software includes: DOS 6.0, Windows 3.1 and Windows for pen computing, all from Microsoft. The PenExec is compatible with all Windows 3.1 applications and takes advantage of new and emerging pen applications.

In a separate announcement, Slate Corp. has announced AST pen essentials, a package of pen software applications and accessories that deliver the benefits of the pen to AST PenExec users. The package includes four pencentric applications: LooseLeaf Notetaker, Delrina WinFax Pen, Day-Timer Pen Scheduler and PenBook Business Reference Pages.

These software solutions are bundled together with a custom carrying case, spare electronic pen, screen cleaner and spare pen batteries. A demo version is pre-installed.

The PenExec also comes with a demo version of PenWare’s PenCell spreadsheet, an application optimized for use with pen-based systems running Windows for pen computing. PenCell permits values, text and formulas to be entered directly into cells with the pen and allows the user to annotate the spreadsheet with “handwritten” notes. PenCell is compatible with Excel (.XLS) and Lotus (.WK1) file formats, enabling it to serve as an ideal companion to common desktop spreadsheet packages.

The PenExec’s screen acts as both display and data input device. beneath the hinged surface is a high-resolution, 400 dpi digitizer which is activated by the unit’s cordless pen. The backlit monochrome VGA screen boasts resolution of 640 x 480 pixels with 64 gray scales and measures 9.5 inches diagonally for viewing or as a writing surface. Backlight-ing makes it equally comfortable for use in either format.

Combining the power of the Intel 386SL 25MHz chip with AST’s legendary reputation for compatibility and expandability, the PenExec solves the needs of many notebook computer users, regardless of their ability to use a keyboard. The PenExec comes standard with a 120MB or 200MB hard disk drive, one Type II PCMCIA slot and one external 3.5-inch 1.44MB floppy disk drive.

The PCMCIA slot lets users take advantage of the many communications and memory expansion solutions available today and into the future. AST offers a variety of PCMCIA solutions, including 2400 and 9600 fax/data modems and LAN adapters for Ethernet and Token Ring connections. The PenExec comes standard with 2MB or 4MB of system RAM (depending on model) and is upgradeable to 20MB and features AST’s Flash ROM BIOS for easy field upgrade-ability via electronic bulletin board or diskette.

Featuring a keyboard with 79 keys, the PenExec has a solid touch comparable to traditional desktop keyboards. Function keys are conveniently laid out across the top of the keyboard, and the layout includes an embedded numeric key-pad. The lightweight, cordless pen lets the user write or draw in pen-based applications or navigate standard windows programs, much like a mouse or trackball. A tether cord is provided for on-the-move users.

“The PenExec features sophisticated handwriting recognition capabilities, virtually unheard-of in this price range. The pentop is especially useful in calendar/scheduling programs or any type of chart or diagram. The user can simply write/draw it in and it automatically converts to text,” Berg said.

The PenExec is powered by an enhanced NiCAD removable battery, which provides up to three hours of uninterrupted computing. The auto-sensing external AC adapter provides fast 1.5 hour charge capability.

Options available for the PenExec include: automotive adapter; extra AC adapter; expansion memory in increments ranging from 2MB to 18MB; 200MB hard drive; specially designed carrying case; and extra batteries, pens and printer cables.

The PenExec joins AST’s PowerExec family of award-winning notebook computers, winners of PC Laptop Magazine’s 1992 Newcomer of the Year award and Portable Computing’s 1993 Product Excellence award. AST has targeted users who require a cost-effective, fully functional notebook that provides unsurpassed ease of use and increased productivity for a variety of business applications, including word processing, communications and personal productivity.

ExeCare Plus Provides 48-Hour Repair Service

The AST PenExec portable computers are covered by a free one-year warranty. The standard ExeCare Plus program includes 48-hour repair upon receipt at AST. AST will pay the freight both ways.

All AST notebook computer systems include a one-year parts and labor warranty. On-site maintenance is available anywhere within a 50-mile radius of more than 250 authorized AST on-site service locations. Toll-free customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Company Background

Recently ranked No. 431 on the Fortune 500 list of America’s largest industrial companies, AST Research had the third-largest market share of Intel-based personal computers sold through the U.S. dealer channel during the calendar year 1992. Revenues for calendar year 1992 totaled more than $1.1 billion.

AST’s product lines include the Premmia, Bravo, Advantage!, PowerExec, Premium SE and Manhattan SMP allowing users to choose from a full range of price and performance options. The company is represented in 100 countries and operates 34 international subsidiaries and sales offices.

The company reported record sales of $944.1 million in fiscal year 1992 ended June 27, 1992, compared with sales of $688.5 million for fiscal year 1991.

AST Research corporate headquarters is located at 16215 Alton Parkway, P.O. Box 57005, Irvine, Calif., 92619-7005. Telephone: 714/727-4141, 800/876-4278. Fax: 714/727-9355.

CONTACT:
AST Research Inc., Irvine
Donna Kather, 714/727-7943