AST INTRODUCES NEW MID-RANGE AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE ASCENTIA NOTEBOOK
COMPUTERS SUPPORTING INTEL'S 100-MHZ PENTIUM PROCESSOR

THE ASCENTIA P SERIES AND ASCENTIA J SERIES DEMONSTRATE AST'S COMMITMENT TO
SUPPORT THE INDIRECT CHANNEL WITH QUICK-TO-MARKET LEADING-EDGE PRODUCTS

IRVINE, Calif. -- Feb. 5, 1996 -- Underscoring its commitment to the
indirect channel, AST today introduced two new notebook families, the
Ascentia P Series and the Ascentia J Series, both of which include models
supporting Intel's new 100-MHz Pentium processor. The new Pentium chip
provides notebook vendors with a cost-effective way to bring
high-performance multimedia capabilities, such as full- screen video, and
desktop equivalent performance to a wider range of notebooks. The
notebooks are part of an aggressive strategy designed to support AST's
reseller partners by bringing the right product to market at the right
time.

The Ascentia P Series includes high-performance models equipped with
desktop equivalent features and a modular peripheral bay which can support
a CD-ROM drive, floppy drive, or second battery. The Ascentia J Series is
comprised of feature-rich mid-range notebooks incorporating Intel's 75-MHz
or 100-MHz Pentium processors, and caters to the individual user or
corporate buyer looking to maximize their investment.

Both Series incorporate leading-edge technologies including Intel's mobile
82430MX chipset, PCI bus, high-resolution SVGA displays, 256KB of level 2
cache, integrated audio support and infrared communications. In addition,
AST has secured adequate supplies of lithium ion batteries despite a
worldwide shortage, and will ship the new Ascentia notebooks equipped with
the long-lasting batteries.

"AST's strategic alliance with Samsung and our strong relationships with
Intel and other vendors have allowed us to position ourselves in the
forefront of the pack, executing quickly to deliver compelling mobile
solutions to our reseller partners in the indirect channel," said Ian
Diery, AST president and chief executive officer.

The notebooks have estimated selling prices beginning at $2,499, and will
be available through AST authorized resellers in mid-March.

THE ASCENTIA P SERIES - CRAFTED WITH A GO-ANYWHERE, DO-ANYTHING DESIGN

The Ascentia P30 is a &#34;day-extender,&#34; giving mobile professionals
the ability to increase their productivity outside of the office, so they
can meet life's other commitments. It's a powerful performer with up to 7
hours of battery life, thanks to AST's advanced power management and
support for dual lithium ion batteries.

The notebook's modular design provides built-in flexibility, offering a
three-way combination to triple users' choices and options. The P30's
modular peripheral bay can hold either the quad-speed CD-ROM or floppy
drive, or, for extra-long battery life, a second optional battery.

A workhorse of a notebook that rivals many desktops in performance and
features, the P30 incorporates Intel's 100-MHz Pentium processor, 256KB of
L2 cache, 800MB or 1.2GB hard drives, 8MBs of EDO RAM, 32- bit PCI bus,
and 1MB VRAM for one of the most powerful notebooks on the market.

Large bright 11.3-inch high-resolution Dual-Scan STN displays, a game port,
MPEG software support, SoundBlasterR-compatible 16- bit audio and
integrated speakers make it ideally suited for performing
graphics-intensive work, multimedia presentations, or for playing the
latest video game.

The P30 is the first AST notebook to use the SmartPad&#153; touchpad
pointing device. Centered in the center of the palmrest, it enables cursor
movement to be done with the left or right thumb, allowing the fingers to
remain in the typing position. The SmartPad allows the user to utilize the
buttons on either side of the touch surface like a standard mouse, or
users can simply tap on the pad to enable single- or double-click mouse
functions, such as launching or closing applications.

An integrated 28.8 fax/data modem and single RJ11 jack makes connecting to
the outside world a breeze, and keeps the two PC card slots open for other
uses. Dual-direction IrDA and pre-installed Puma TranXit make printing or
file transfer and synchronization without wires easier than ever.

A port replicator, available in March, allows for easy connection to an
office network, printer, or to an external monitor and keyboard.

THE ASCENTIA J SERIES - NOT A COMPROMISE, BUT A SMART ALTERNATIVE

The Ascentia J Series, weighing a mere 5.8 pounds, is a powerful performer
with graceful curves packed into a lightweight design. Sporting a new
sleek tapered design, the J Series features an integrated track stick, and
a keyboard and palm rest that were designed for comfort.

A range of processors, hard drives, and displays meets a variety of price
points and user needs, while delivering a solid foundation of powerful and
advanced technologies. The Ascentia J10 and J30 feature Intel's 75-MHz and
100-MHz Pentium processors, respectively, and are enhanced with L2 cache
for added performance.

These systems are matched with 500MB or 800MB hard drives, while large
super VGA high-resolution 10.4-inch Dual-Scan STN or active matrix TFT
displays provide bright, crisp, easy-to-read images.

PCI bus architecture, typically reserved for high-end notebooks, is
standard on all Ascentia J Series notebooks, providing fast video
performance and enhanced graphics -- an added bonus for AST's mid- range
notebook customers. The J Series also supports MPEG software, a
cost-effective solution for smooth-running full-motion video.

Long-lasting lithium ion batteries, now considered a &#34;must-have&#34;
feature for many mobile professionals, provide up to four hours of
computing time.

An integrated 14.4 data/fax modem keeps the two PC Card slots open for
other uses such as extra storage or network connections, giving traveling
professionals plenty of flexibility and expandability. The integrated
modem can be upgraded to a 28.8 modem (available at a later date) through
an AST authorized service center, or a 28.8 PC card modem can be used
instead. A port replicator, available in April, provides users with an
easy connection to an office network, printer, or external monitor and
keyboard.

Other standard features include pre-installed Windows" 95, 8MBs of RAM,
infrared communications and 16-bit SoundBlaster compatible audio support
with embedded microphone and speakers. An optional external CD-ROM drive
provides full multimedia capabilities, allowing travelers to carry the
extra weight only when required, or to expand later, as their budget
permits or needs demand. The Ascentia J Series is a great traveling
companion if a subnotebook is too small and a full performance notebook is
too big.

WORLDWIDE SERVICE AND SUPPORT

All Ascentia notebooks are covered by a worldwide three-year limited
warranty, giving users the flexibility and convenience of having their
notebook computer serviced throughout the world. The first year is covered
automatically by ExeCarePlus 48-Hour Repair Service in the U.S., with AST
paying shipping fees. Years two and three are covered by a carry-in
warranty service to more than 1,200 authorized service centers. Users can
extend their ExeCarePlus 48-Hour Repair Service to years two and three for
just $96. International customers are serviced on a carry-in basis by any
of the authorized AST Service Providers located in more than 30 countries
around the world. Upgrade programs are also available outside the United
States, and service may vary according to the warranty terms of each
country.

In addition, AST backs all of its products with a host of multi-source
support programs including:

 AST's technical support hotline includes live 24-hour, 7-day a
 week assistance as well as an interactive voice-response system,
 InfoLine. InfoLine provides pre-recorded responses (which can
 also be faxed) to many commonly-asked technical questions. By
 choosing InfoLine, customers can receive answers to questions
 without waiting for live phone support. Both can be accessed
 toll-free at 800-727-1278.

 Info-FAX is a voice-automated fax-response line which provides
 users with product information. It can be accessed 24-hours a
 day, 7 days a week at 800-926-1278.

 AST OnLine!, AST's bulletin board service can be accessed at
 817-230-6850.

 Prodigy: JUMP:AST
 CompuServe: GO:ASTSUPPORT
 America Online: Keyword: AST
 Internet e-mail: customer.support@ast.com

CORPORATE BACKGROUND

AST Research Inc., a member of the Fortune 500 list of America's largest
industrial and service companies, is one of the world's leading personal
computer manufacturers. The $2.468 billion company develops a broad
spectrum of desktop, mobile and server PC products that are sold in more
than 100 countries worldwide. AST systems meet a wide range of customer
needs, from corporate business applications to advanced home and home
office programs. Corporate headquarters is located at 16215 Alton Parkway,
P.O. Box 57005, Irvine, Calif. 92619-7005. Telephone: (714) 727-4141 or
(800) 876-4278. Fax: (714) 727-9355. Information about AST and its
products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.ast.com.
 
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