AST SHOWCASES WORLD'S FIRST WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORK FOR MASS MARKET PC
SHOPPERS 

Low-Cost PC Connections From More Than 1/8-Mile Distances

CES, LAS VEGAS, Nev., Jan. 7, 1993 -- Further adding to a growing list of
industry firsts in the consumer channel, AST Research Inc. today responded
to increased demand from small-business customers who require simple and
powerful solutions to maximize the value of their computing budget while
increasing the collective productivity of their workforce.

At the Winter Consumer Electronics Show, AST demonstrated its Advantage!
Net line of pre-configured personal computers, the first complete
small-business package featuring a wireless peer-to-peer local area
network (LAN) system that will be sold through the mass market channel.

Advantage! Net systems are complete solutions because they are
ready-to-operate, with built-in wireless communication features and
pre-installed application software. Using common radio signals to share
data files, printers and electronic mail, they form an ideal configuration
for small-business users who want a low-cost, yet extremely powerful and
flexible, alternative to traditional hard-wired networks. Wireless
communication is achieved through a combination of Microsoft's Windows for
Workgroups software linked to a wireless LAN adapter from Proxim Inc.

"Advantage! Net is our latest first for the mass market customer, adding to
an impressive list that includes color notebooks and a line of mini-tower
PCs featuring upgradeability, expandability and high-performance video,"
said Dennis Cox, director and general manager, Consumer Products Group.
"Mass market customers are an ideal target for Advantage! Net, especially
with the high percentage of small-business customers who shop at computer
superstore, office club and warehouse locations."

With Advantage! Net, small business users can work more effectively and
efficiently by sharing resources and interacting with one another. The
systems are easy-to-use, provide a trouble-free way to communicate and
share resources, while eliminating the need to add expensive network cards
and coaxial cabling between each system.

"Microsoft Windows for Workgroups provides an inexpensive, easy to learn
and use network solution for small business users," said Brad Silverberg,
Microsoft vice president, Personal Systems Group. "Functions such as file
sharing, print sharing, electronic mail and group scheduling significantly
enhance group productivity."

Advantage! Net Provides Low-Cost Benefits to Small-Business Users

Advantage! Net PCs can be used for business as well as educational
functions. For example, an accounting firm can use the systems for
auditing at their client's location with all auditors simultaneously
linked together to pool information and share peripheral devices without
interrupting the resident computer network. Once the audit is complete,
dismantling the network is as simple as removing the PCs from the site. In
addition, the systems can be moved to multiple locations, while still
remaining on the network. For schools, the systems can be utilized in
student-oriented labs, as well as for administrative use by teachers and
administrators.

"We are pleased to be working with AST and Microsoft to offer Advantage!
Net, the first networking solution for small businesses that works "off
the shelf" without the need for the user to understand LANs, said Paul
Smith, Proxim vice president of strategic marketing. "RangeLAN eliminates
LAN cabling, Microsoft Windows for Workgroups eliminates the complexity of
networking, and AST has tied it all together with an integrated solution."


Two Models Offer Value and Performance

The Advantage! Net line is comprised of two models -- a 25-MHz, 486SX-based
desktop and a 66-MHz, 486DX2 mini-tower. In each system, wireless
communication is achieved using Microsoft Corp.'s Windows for Workgroups
software linked to a RangeLAN wireless LAN adapter from Proxim Inc. The
systems also feature pre-installed application software, including
Microsoft Works for Windows and MS-DOS.

In addition to its wireless technology, the Advantage! Net 486SX/25 is
equipped with 4MB of memory (expandable to 64-MB), a 170-MB hard disk
drive and four expansion slots. Its stylish front bezel accommodates a
vertically-mounted 3.5-inch, 1.44-MB floppy disk drive and two additional
external drive bays, one for a 5.25-inch, 1.2-MB floppy drive and the
other to install a tape back-up or CD-ROM drive. Super VGA with 512K of
video memory (upgradable to 1MB), 101-keyboard and a two-button
PS/2-compatible mouse are also included. An optional 256K cache module is
available as an option to further enhance system performance. The system
can also be cost-effectively upgraded by the user with a faster
microprocessor using Intel OverDrive upgrade processors.

The Advantage! Net 486DX2/66 system is encased in a space-saving mini-tower
enclosure suitable for desktop or floor placement. It features 8MB of
memory, dual floppy disk drives (1.44-MB, 3.5-inch and 1.2-MB, 5.25-inch),
a 345-MB hard disk, a 120-MB tape back-up, a high-resolution VGA Windows
accelerator board with 1MB of video memory, seven expansion slots and six
drive bays. A 101-keyboard and a two-button PS/2-compatible mouse are also
included. The mini-tower also features a high-capacity 200-watt power
supply to support additional data storage and add-in devices.

The Advantage! Net systems are expected to become available during the
first quarter. Although AST does not set suggested retail prices, retailer
pricing is expected to be under $2,000 for the Advantage! Net 486SX/25 and
under $3,500 for the Advantage! Net 486DX2/66. 

Comprehensive End-User Support Programs

Each Advantage! Net system is covered by one-year, on-site service and
one-year parts and labor warranties. In addition, users can also access
AST's wide variety of support programs. Toll-free technical consultants
are a phone call away Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. (PST)
and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. AST also offers two 24-hour services --
AST On-Line! bulletin board and AST Info-FAX -- which allow access via
modem or facsimile machine to a broad selection of technical support
documentation.

Corporate Background

Advantage! PC systems are sold nationwide at more than 900 retail
locations, including Circuit City, Computer City, Fretters, Costco, Sam's
Wholesale Club. Product offerings include the Advantage! Pro desktop and
Advantage! Plus mini-tower systems, effectively allowing consumers a broad
selection of microprocessor platforms, ranging from entry-level 25-MHz
386SX PCs, to powerful 66-MHz 486DX2 models.

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

AST's product lines include the Power Premium, Bravo, Advantage!, Power
Exec, Premium SE and Manhattan SMP which allow 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 $286.4 million for the first quarter
of fiscal year 1993, ended Oct. 3, 1992, representing a 70 percent
increase in unit 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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