Targeting Mobile Corporate Users, Unit Upgradability Features Include Hot Docking, Internal AC Adapter, Full-duplex Sound Card, and Two "Smart" Bays to Support CD ROM, or MO Drive or Battery, or Second Hard Drive

Newark, CA -- July 1, 1997 -- Chem USA Corp. today announced its new ChemBook?2600 Series notebook computer, available now with a basic configuration price of $1,680 SRP which includes an Intel?Pentium?processor at 120MHz, dual scan 12.1-inch SVGA display, 8 megabytes (MB) of EDO RAM, a 1.4 gigabyte (GB) drive, a 1.44 MB 3.5-inch floppy drive, Microsoft Windows 95, and NiHM battery. EDO Video RAM (2 MB) and 256 KB synchronous pipelined-burst L2 cache memory are standard.

Designed for mobile corporate users, the system has a full range of upgrades and options, which allow users to configure the system as a top-of-the-line unit. Upgrades, listed below in full, include removable 10x CD ROM, Intel?Pentium?processor with MMX?technology up to 200MHz, RAM up to 128 MB, and hard drive up to 3.0 GB. Features include internal AC adapter, full-duplex sound card, and support for second and third hard disk drive. Internal 33.6 kbps fax/modem, port replicator, hot docking station, carrying case and Li-Ion battery are optional.

"The sweet spot of notebook pricing now for mobile professional users is in the under-$2000 range," says Richard Liu, Chem USA's vice president of sales and marketing. "At the same time, these users also need a smart and cost-efficient upgrade path. Our new 2600 Series has an entry-level price that fits this spot perfectly, along with a full range of upgradable speeds, capabilities and options."

Mr. Liu said that the 2600 is the first ChemBook? designed for corporate users needing a cost-effective entry notebook. "Then companies don't have to buy new notebooks in order to obtain the latest features," said Liu. "They can upgrade to the capability level needed at that particular time."

Mr. Liu noted that equipped with an array of high-performance features, the ChemBook?2600 provides a higher price/performance ratio than most competing notebook computers, especially the advanced audio, video and communications capabilities needed for today's mobile corporate users in the office or on the road. Another plus for corporate users is a unique service policy which includes providing replacement units to the owner while any repairs are undertaken.

Major features of the 2600 Series include full-motion video on models equipped with Intel?Pentium?processor with MMX? technology 200MHz. The unit is also Microsoft-certified "Windows 95 compatible." Exclusive LED keyboard indicators show nine operating conditions, including five different status readouts for the "smart" battery. A docking station allows hot insertion/de-insertion, and comes with two "smart" bays. The bays -- left and right-hand sides of the unit -- accommodates mix n' matched drives (CD-ROM in a dedicated slot, magneto-optic drive, second hard drive, or floppy). An auto-switching AC/DC adapter (42.5W, 100-240V/50Hz-60Hz) can also be fully inserted into a smart bay, unlike conventional adapters.

Using MMX?technology enabled graphics, the ChemBook?2600 features about a three-to-five times performance boost over conventional notebooks with Intel?Pentium?processors, and a 10- to 20 percent increase in non-MMX?technology enhanced applications. The notebook runs large multimedia applications more quickly due to the increased instruction set in the enhanced .

• Processor. The ChemBook?2600 Series entry-level unit features an Intel?Pentium? processor at 100-200 MHz. The CPU is upgradable to an Intel?Pentium? processor with MMX?technology at 166 or 200 MHz.
• RAM memory. System DRAM is expandable from 8- to 64MB, with EDO and fast page support, expandable to 128 MB with the optional memory expansion board. The 2600 also includes 256KB of L2 cache memory.
• Hard disk drive. An internal 1.4 GB disk drive is standard.
• Smart storage bays. Two "smart" storage bays can accommodate two of several storage and power peripherals, capable of being inserted or removed by the user. These include a 2.5-inch hard drive (with optional drive cartridge), 10x CD-ROM drive, floppy disk drive, battery pack, AC adapter, and optional magneto-optical or Zip drives.
• PCMCIA slots. The unit accommodates two Type II or one Type III PC cards, and supports CardBus and Zoomed Video.
• Video. The 64-bit PCI controller includes Windows acceleration, 2MB video memory, and TV-out flicker reduction.
• Display. The 2600 displays on a 12.1 -inch SVGA TFT/DSTN screen with 800x600 resolution. For presentations in a larger venue, the unit can support external resolution up to 1280x1024 with 256 colors. SimulScan is also present for LCD and CRT displays.
• Sound system. A built-in 16-bit stereo sound card provides a wide sample rate range (4-44.1Khz) and support full-duplex capability for simultaneous play/record. The system is both Windows and SoundBlaster Pro-compatible, with 3D surround sound and two stereo speakers, complemented by built-in microphone, external speaker and line-in ports.
• Seven I/O ports. Included are serial, parallel, external CRT, composite RCA TV-out, PS/2 keyboard/mouse, replicator/docking station (204 pin connector), and fast infrared ports.
• Indicator LEDs. An exclusive ChemBook?2600 feature, LEDs provide indication of nine different operating modes, including standby power, battery indicators (steady or blinking show charge status, fault, recharge or low), CD-ROM/MO drive in use, hard disk drive in use, floppy disk drive in use, caps lock indicator, scroll lock indicator, and num lock indicator.
• Power and management. The 2600 comes standard with a NiMH battery, or optional Li-ION battery. The smart battery features touch-on battery "gas gauge" indicators. Power management includes SMM support (APM 1.2 compliant); a stand-by power mode also allows suspension to DRAM/HDD mode. An auto-switching AC adapter can be inserted into the battery bay.
• Weight and dimensions. The unit weighs only 6.1 pounds (3.1 Kg) with battery and FDD, and measures 2.0- by 9.1- by 11.7-inches (including full-size Windows 95 keyboard and touchpad).
• Price and availability. The ChemBook?2600 Notebook is available now starting at $1,680 suggested retail price. Many options are available; prices depend on configuration.

ChemBook?computers are sold nationwide through distributors and retailers, while 5d?brand models are available direct from 5d Technology, a mail order division of Chem USA. ChemBook? computers can be shipped pre-loaded with software (optional) and are backed by a one year warranty, service and technical support. 5d Notebook computers can be shipped pre-loaded with the Windows 95 operating system (optional), and feature a 30-day money-back guarantee and one-year warranty. Express repair service and technical support for all products is available from Chem USA Corp.'s Newark facilities.

Chem USA Corp. was established in 1990 to take advantage of the market opportunities for technically advanced, high-quality notebook computers created by the rapid shift in U.S. usage from desktop to mobile PCs. Chem USA Corp.'s administration, marketing and sales, plus service and shipping originate from operations located at 8445 Central Avenue, Newark, CA 94560, telephone 510/608-8818,Fax 510/608-8828.

ChemBook?and 5d?are trademarks of Chem USA Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.