AST RESEARCH ANNOUNCES 486SL NOTEBOOK COMPUTER WITH TRUE 486 POWER AND
ACTIVE MATRIX DISPLAY

486SL 3.3-Volt Processor, 200 MB Hard Drive, Upgradeability and PCMCIA
Slots Equip Next Generation Notebook for High-Performance Color Computing

IRVINE, Calif., November 9, 1992 -- AST Research Inc., the pioneer in
upgradeable personal computers and manufacturer of the award-winning
PowerExec 3/25SL notebook, today announced its premier 486 notebook, the
PowerExec 4/25SL ColorPlus, a thin-film-transistor liquid crystal display
(TFT-LCD) 486SL-based notebook computer that provides up to six and
one-half hours of battery life through 3.3 volt technology and integrated
"intelligent" power management.

Prominent innovative features of the AST PowerExec 4/25SL Color and
ColorPlus:

* Fast, high performance 32-bit/3.3-volt Intel 486-SL processor
* Bright, fast color TFT-LCD Active Matrix display measuring 
  9.5 inches diagonally
* Two Type II industry-standard PCMCIA slots provide increased
  flexibility and expansion
* Optional AST SmartPoint cableless trackball pointing device
  connects to built-in hot shoe which is ergonomically-designed
  into the front of the keyboard
* Monochrome model 4/25SL 203/W (ruggedized 200-MB hard drive),
  passive color model 4/25SL Color 203/W and active matrix 
  4/25SL ColorPlus model 203/W come standard with Windows 3.1
  and SmartPoint cableless trackball
* Battery life of up to 6.5 hours with 60-minute recharge
* Supports optional ALkaline battery pack which CAN provide 
  an additional 1.5 hours of battery life
* Heuristic Algorithms provide breakthrough intelligent power
  management features that adapt to the user's work habits
* Removable hard drive provides data security, flexibility of
  multiple hard drives and easy hard drive upgrades

The PowerExec 4/25SL ColorPlus combines the most advanced low-power
9.5-inch color TFT-LCD Active Matrix display technology, exceptional
25-MHz 486SL performance, hard drive upgradeability, intelligent power
management and absolute value that provide maximum usability in a
portable, lightweight design. Also introduced today, the PowerExec 4/25SL
Color features a superior passive (F-STN) color display and the PowerExec
4/25SL has a monochrome LCD display.

"The PowerExec 4/25SL Color and 4/25SL ColorPlus represent the next
generation in portable computing. No other notebook offers this level of
performance, color capability and expandability," said Dan Sheppard,
director of portable systems marketing. "With a fully static 3.3 volt
processor and our intelligent power management, the 4/25SL delivers twice
the processing speed of 386SL-based notebooks without consuming additional
battery life."

The AST PowerExec 4/25SL features a high capacity 200-MB, 160-MB, 120MB,
80-MB or 60-MB removeable hard disk drive, a choice of fast high-contrast
monochrome, ultra F-STN passive matrix color or TFT-LCD active matrix
color display and maximum expendability using two PCMCIA slots.

First Notebook to Offer 3.3 Volt 32-Bit 486 Processor and Active Matrix
Color Display Upgrade

The PowerExec 4/25SL represents a new generation of notebook computers. The
system's processor board features Intel's high-performance 486SL 32-bit
microprocessor with 3.3-volt technology for longer battery life.

"We've refined the technologic innovations that were so successful for us
in the PowerExec 3/25SL and feel that this, our first 486 notebook,
provides the end user with a limitless color notebook solution -- one that
offers the essentials for a desktop replacement at an affordable price,"
Sheppard said.

The PowerExec 4/25SL ColorPlus features a brilliant TFT-LCD active matrix
VGA-compatible color display providing an easy-to-read screen with
superior color saturation and a wider viewing angle with over five times
the speed and contrast of standard LCD displays. In conjunction with its
VGA-compatible color display with 640 x 480 pixel resolution, the 4/25SL
ColorPlus supports SVGA color (256 colors at 640 x 480 from a palette of
185,193 colors) simultaneously on both the internal and external monitor
displays, which is ideal for sales and training presentations.

Graphics and color-intensive applications require maximum performance and
SVGA color to realistically display scanned color images. With a TFT-LCD
active matrix display, SVGA color and a high-performance 25-MHz 486SL
microprocessor delivering twice the performance of 386-based systems, the
PowerExec 4/25SL ColorPlus is the only notebook computer that truly meets
the key requirements for graphics applications.

PowerExec's passive color display offers improved contrast over
first-generation color notebooks, as well as an enhanced viewing angle and
increased brightness to provide an affordable alternative to TFT-LCD
Active Matrix color.

The PowerExec's LCD display is upgradeable. The 9.5-inch monochrome display
is easily upgradeable to either 9.5-inch F-STN passive matrix color or
9.5-inch TFT Active Matrix color. The end user who initially selects the
passive color display may also upgrade to the new 9.5-inch Active Matrix.

AST's new Flash BIOS provides a fast and convenient way to upgrade the
notebook's firmware. End users can now be up and running quickly with new
BIOS enhancements.

The First 486SL Notebook to Feature Two Industry-Standard PCMCIA Slots

The PowerExec 4/25SL features two, Type II PCMCIA Expansion Slots. PCMCIA
is the new industry standard for portable computer expansion and
connectivity solutions which opens up the architecture of the notebook
computer and offers innovative options not offered with proprietary
expansion slots. Similar to desktop ISA boards, PCMCIA credit card-sized
cards offer a variety of options to allow end users to customize their
PowerExec 4/25SL. For instance, the increased flexibility provided by the
two slots allows end users to configure their notebooks with a modem and
SCSI adapter while on the road or a modem and networking card while in the
office. AST offers PCMCIA compatible networking options including Token
Ring and Ethernet, as well as a SCSI adapter and three modem options.

486SL Processor Provides Significant Increase in Battery Life

The new Inetl-486 SL microprocessor, the first i486-class CPU designed
specifically for mobile computing, delivers twice the processing speed of
the 386SL microprocessor. With fully static 3.3 volt-CPU and memory and
AST's intelligent power management, the Inetl-486 SL microprocessor cuts
processor power consumption in half. Longer battery life is a result of
improved battery design, system design and power management in the
PowerExec 4/25SL. The PowerExec's Nickel Metal Hydride(NiMH) battery pack,
more efficient backlight and lightweight power supply designs, the use of
lower-power components and a host of intelligent power management
features, allow the PowerExec 4/25SL to offer exceptionally long battery
life of up to six and one-half hours.

The 3.3 volt 486SL processor consumes 10 to 15 percent less power than a
386SL thereby extending battery life.

AST SmartSleep, an enhanced suspend state, functions as a bookmark by
saving a mirror image of memory to the hard disk drive and automatically
shutting off the system. When the user resumes working, he will return via
a quick-boot to the exact point of activity when the system was shut off.
Most importantly, SmartSleep functions within ail operating environments
such as DOS, Windows, and OS/2, for instance.

The notebook also provides PowerCharge, a "quick charge" of the battery in
merely 60 minutes. The real breakthrough is the intelligent "power-on"
charging or SmartCharge which allows the notebook to divert power that
isn't being used by the system's components to the charging circuitry,
providing an extremely rapid charging time of one to three hours with the
system on. This compares to older technology notebooks which required a
charge of up to 16 hours.

For emergency use, the notebook can be operated using 12 AA alkaline
batteries providing up to one and one-half hours of battery life. A
convenient on-screen fuel gauge, built into the BIOS, gives the user an
accurate display of battery usage.

HotSwap feature allows the user to exchange the system battery with the
system turned on in the suspend mode, without losing any data.

Innovative Power Management Conserves Battery Life by Learning and Adapting
to User's Work Habits 

The PowerExec uses heuristic algorithms to monitor the user's work habits
to learn when to power-off idle peripherals, conserving battery life.
Whenever there is keyboard inactivity, hard disk drive and display "time
outs" are activated. The system goes back to full-power mode once work
resumes. In this sense, the PowerExec is the only notebook computer
capable of adjusting its performance based upon what it has learned.

Removable Hard Drive Provides Increased Functionality for the End User

Another innovative feature that the PowerExec offers is the removable hard
drive. This feature allows the end user to easily upgrade the system to a
larger hard drive whenever necessary. The benefit of added security by
removing and storing the hard drive, as well as the flexibility of
unlimited space by using multiple hard drives to store software programs
and data are provided to enhance the PowerExec's usability. The end user
has the convenience of removing and retaining the hard drive during
service.

Fast and Convenient Data Exchange with Desktop Computers

An innovative drive bay adapter designed by AST, allows any desktop
computer to accept the PowerExec's removable hard drive making data
transfer easy and convenient. The receptacle fits into one 5.25-inch
half-height drive bay. This $99 (suggested retail price) option provides
an affordable solution for Fortune 1000 companies that have automated
their salesforce who can just slip their removeable hard drive into the
headquarter's desktop system to access the network with the data on their
assigned hard drive.

Multiple Levels of Anti-Theft Security Render the PowerExec Useless if
Stolen

The PowerExec is the only notebook computer which becomes unusable if
stolen. AST provides the ability to establish two unbreakable passwords,
one for the end user and another for an MIS administrator. For ultimate
protection, AST has eliminated any "hidden" overrides to password
protection. There are no hardware jumpers in the system to disable
password protection. AST supplies a specially designed ROM security key,
SmartKey, with each PowerExec which functions as a third password.

The PowerExec is designed to support the Kensington Microware cable lock
for added physical security.

Innovative Quick-Connect and Docking Station Options Provide a True Desktop
Replacement

The PowerStation docking unit offers a complete connectivity solution for
mobile professionals who require the ease-of-use of one computer.
Affordable priced at $449, the PowerStation combines the flexibility of
notebook computing with the familiarity of traditional desktop computing.

The PowerStation features two ISA 16-bit slots and provides access to one
half-height 5.25-inch drive bay and one slimline 5.25-inch drive bay for
extra storage, as well as a drive bay with a tape backup device. The
PowerStation features a monitor stand that can accommodate high-resolution
monitors weighing up to 70 pounds.

The EasyPort provides an ideal solution for the end user who requires the
convenience of a notebook at home and in the office. With an affordable
suggested list price of $99, the EasyPort replicates the ports of the
PowerExec enabling quick connect functionality without the need to hook-up
individual power and port cables.

The PowerExec features a choice of hard drives to suit the end users'
particular computing needs. Standard TF-l active matrix color models are
the PowerExec 4/25SL ColorPlus Model 83 (80-MB hard drive) with a
suggested retail price of $4,495 and 4/25SL Color Plus Model 203/W (200-MB
hard drive and bundled with Windows 3.1 and AST SmartPoint trackball)
offered at $4,995. Standard passive color configurations are the PowerExec
4/25SL Color Model 83 (80-MB hard drive) with a list price $3,595 and
3/25SL Color Model 203/W (200-MB hard drive and bundled with Windows 3.1
and AST SmartPoint trackball) retail priced at $4,095. The standard
monochrome models include the PowerExec 4/25SL Model 83 (80-MB hard drive)
list priced at $2,795 and 4/25SL Model 203/W (200-MB hard drive and
bundled with Windows 3.1 and AST SmartPoint trackball) with a retail price
of $3,295. All models come standard with DOS 5.1.

All PowerExec 4/25SL notebooks are available in Model 3 (no hard drive)
configurations and can be purchased by resellers with a choice of 60-MB,
80-MB, 120MB, 160-MB or 200-MB hard drives to customize the units.

AST also offers a PowerExec 3/25SL ColorPlus, a value-priced, active matrix
386SL system for the end user who requires quality color presentation at
the affordable price of a 386SL notebook computer.

New ExeCare Plus Provides 48-hour Repair Service

The AST PowerExec 4/25SL notebook is covered by AST ExeCare Plus which
features a free one-year warranty including 48-hour repair upon receipt at
AST. AST will pay the freight both ways. Optional 24-hour replacement is
available.

All AST notebook computer systems include a one-year parts and labor
warranty. AST has 11,000 trained service technicians in more that 1,200
Authorized Service Centers nationwide. On-site maintenance is available
anywhere within a 50-mile radius of more than 250 of the authorized AST
on-site service locations. Toll-free customer service is 90 seconds away
(average telephone call response time) Monday thru Friday from 5 a.m. to 7
p.m. (PDT) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

AST On-Line!, the largest worldwide PC manufacturing electronic bulletin
board service in the industry, provides a 24-hour electronic reference
library. AST Info-Fax provides up-to-date technical information sent
directly to fax machines through an automated 24-hour service.

AST's product lines include the Power Premium, Bravo, Advantage! and
PowerExec families which allow users to choose from a full range of price
and performance options. The company is represented in 100 countries and
operates 34 subsidiaries and sales offices worldwide.

Corporate Background

Recently ranked number 431 on the Fortune 500 list of America's largest
industrial companies and 451 on the Forbes Profit List, AST Research Inc.
is an information technology company holding a prominent market share
position for desktop, file server and notebook computers.

The company reported record sales of $286.4 million for the first quarter
of fiscal year 1993, ended Oct. 3, 1992, representing a 70 percent
increase in shipments over the comparable prior year quarter. Fiscal year
1992 revenues were $944.1 million, compared to sales of $688.5 million for
fiscal year 1991.

AST Research corporate headquarters is located at 16215 Alton Parkway, P.O.
Box 19658, Irvine, Calif. 92713-9658. Telephone: (714) 727-4141, (800)
876-4278. Fax: (714) 727-9355.

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