Apple Rolls Out File Assistant Software for PowerBooks

CUPERTINO, California--June 7, 1993--Apple Computer, Inc. today announced
the PowerBook File Assistant, software created specifically to help people
using both a desktop and a notebook computer keep information on both
computers synchronized. In addition, the software package also includes an
attractive array of tools designed to address issues specific to mobile
computing including battery-life management, deferred printing and
automatic server remounting.

With the PowerBook File Assistant, Apple's portable computing group is
fulfilling its aim of bringing notebook users an array of complementary
products that answer needs specific to portable computing. This
'Assistant' line started with the introduction in November 1992 of
PowerBook-DOS Companion, a $219 package that includes, in one box, the
tools to exchange information created in popular software packages,
between PowerBooks and computers running DOS; to print to many DOS/Windows
printers; and to attach PowerBooks to a variety of VGA and SVGA displays.
As it recognizes further opportunities to support PowerBook customers with
the 'Assistant' line the group plans to bring new packages to market.

"Making it easy has always been a hallmark of Apple products," said Randy
Battat, Apple's vice president of Portable Computing. "PowerBook File
Assistant draws on Apple's strength in software and in integration. Apple
is unique in its ability to respond to the needs of portable computer
users as a whole--not having to split the hardware experience from the
software necessary to enhance usage. Being able to address issues such as
battery management, automatic server remounting, exploiting the value of
built-in networking; this all underscores the importance of an integrated
hardware and software solution in mobile computing. It's an important plus
we can offer PowerBook customers."

The PowerBook File Assistant software is a synchronization application that
will automatically ensure files on both a customer's PowerBook and desktop
Macintosh computer are updated when the user connects the machines. This
means they can be confident that they are always looking at the most
current version of their work.

"PowerBook users who also work frequently on another machine either in
their office or at home--have told Apple that having a simple mechanism to
ensure consistency between files would be of tremendous value to them,"
added Battat. "This application reflects the principle of our 'Assistant'
line - using common sense, working the way you do but unobtrusively."

Art Serafine, a partner at KPMG Peat Marwick, explained "Because we're not
deskbound, our people are always looking for ways to keep mobile computing
users' files in sync with office server files and personal files people
keep on their desktop machines. At least 70 percent of our Macintosh users
are out of the office extensively. A product that assists in having
up-to-date information would not only reduce the chance of error, but it
would make us even more productive."

For example: when a user works on a document on their PowerBook and later
connects the PowerBook to their desktop computer (or vice versa) the
PowerBook File Assistant looks for the same file on the desktop and
updates it to include the changes the user made since last working on the
desktop version.

The application can be set to make updates manually or keep prior versions
of documents, depending on customer preferences. With its unique database
design it also avoids common synchronization problems, such as making
extra copies of documents already updated, whose name has been changed or
which have been thrown away intentionally. The PowerBook File Assistant
can be used with all of Apple's notebook line - from the original
PowerBook 100 right up to today's new, top-of-the-line PowerBook 180c.

But the PowerBook File Assistant offers more than file
synchronization--there are four other features that tackle problems
specific to mobile computing.

* Deferred Printing. A PowerBook user on the road has just completed
follow-up letters to clients and needs a reminder to print and mail those
letters immediately on return to the office. The user sends those letters
to the printer as if connected, only here the software sensing no
available printer, will hold the files until the user reconnects and then
prints automatically. Deferred Printing even suggests a change in printer
name if it doesn't find the chosen printer on the network.

* Mouse tracker. This feature enhances visibility of the cursor as it moves
across the screen.

* Server Mounting. Already offered on the PowerBook Duo, this feature will
appeal to notebook users who connect to a network frequently. On
reconnecting all the servers to which they had access when last on the
network will be automatically remounted.

* Latest in EverWatch battery management technology. These additions to
Apple's EverWatch technology brings a new range of features to notebook
users:

- A handy key combination lets users send their PowerBook into sleep mode
at any time;

- Permanent RAM disk ensures the contents of the RAM disk are automatically
saved throughout shut-downs and restarts. Users can dedicate a portion of
the PowerBook memory as RAM disk and optimize battery life by working with
a copy of an application or a file in the RAM disk (which has its own icon
on the screen). Using this copy ensures significantly reduced demands on
the hard disk thereby maximizing battery life.

- Automatic backlight dimming, which is now offered across the current
product range, ensures the screen lighting is turned down when the
trackball or keyboard has not been used for some time. Having this module
included ensures owners of earlier models can now add the latest software
features to their PowerBook when they purchase the package.

Pricing and Availability

File Assistant will be available later this summer in the United States
through software resellers and Apple authorized resellers. The suggested
retail price is U.S. $79. Pricing and availability may vary worldwide.

Apple Computer Inc, 20525 Mariana Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014
408-996-1010

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