Zenith Data Systems brings high-end modularity and user-upgradability to
entry-level notebook PCs with new "Z-STAR EX"

"Z-PLAYER" accessory adds mobile multimedia capabilities to most notebook
PCs with PCMCIA

NEW YORK CITY 28, 1994--Zenith Data Systems today announced a new notebook
computer that brings high-end modularity and user-upgradability to
entry-level notebook PCs. The new Z-STAR EX features five modular
components, including the CPU, LCD and hard drive, but with affordable
prices starting at $1,799. The system also sports a uniquely-designed,
removable, internal AC power cube.

In addition, ZDS introduced the Z-PLAYER, a completely integrated CD-ROM
presentation unit that can be used with most notebook computers with a
PCMCIA Type II slot and 512K VRAM. This two-pound accessory makes
multimedia computing truly mobile.

Modular Design

"Our new Z-STAR EX notebook computer is the industry's first entry-level,
user-upgradable, modular notebook computer designed for cost-conscious
users who won't compromise on performance," said Cliff Jenks, ZDS
executive vice president of sales and marketing. "The Z-STAR EX features
all the performance a user could want -- with upgrade paths for future
needs -- at very aggressive prices."

The Z-STAR EX's modular design means the key components, including the
microprocessor, can be upgraded.

"We've engineered the Z-STAR EX so that users can specify the exact system
they need to meet their needs and budgets today, and then upgrade key
components when they need to later on," said David O'Connor, executive
vice president of ZDS' worldwide product group.

Microprocessor:

The Z-STAR EX comes standard with Cyrix's 3.3 volt 50MHz 486 DX2 processor.
With its upgradable CPU design, users will be able to upgrade their
processing power to most compatible 486 processor chips.

LCD Video:

The new portable offers a wide range of high-quality, 9.5-inch upgradable
VGA video displays with 32-bit VESA local-bus video. Users may select from
a 64-grey shade monochrome, a 256-color - more  DSTN, or a 256-color TFT
active-matrix LCD to meet individual requirements and budgets.
Simultaneous VGA video support is available on all systems, including the
DSTN color models.

Memory:

The system comes with either 4MB or 8MB of 32-bit system memory. Users can
easily add more memory in a moment -- up to a maximum of 20MB -- using 4MB
or 16MB memory modules.

Hard Disk Drive:

Ample hard drive storage is a must for today's graphically-intensive
applications. Users may configure their Z-STAR EXs with either a 200MB or
340MB IDE hard drive. The system is compatible with most MCC-compliant
12mm and 19mm platter sizes and supports 120MB to 540MB hard drives.

Floppy Disk Drive:

The Z-STAR EX's removable floppy disk drive can be quickly swapped for an
optional second battery pack, thereby instantly doubling battery life.

Removable, Internal AC Cube

The Z-STAR EX is the only notebook computer on the market to incorporate a
removable, built-in AC adapter cube in a full-function notebook. This
uniquely-designed power adapter slides into the system's primary or
secondary battery slot eliminating the need for a cumbersome external AC
adapter or charging cradle. With its slim, lightweight "shaver - cord,"
the AC cube charges the battery and powers the notebook computer. It can
also be used externally to charge two batteries in the unit successively.

Standard Features

The Z-STAR EX comes standard with a 3.5-inch 1.44MB floppy disk drive,
upgradable FLASH BIOS, two Type II PCMCIA slots forming a single Type m
slot, a modem/audio module socket, one serial port, one EPP/ECP enhanced
parallel port, an external video port, and a PS/2-compatible
mouse/keyboard/keypad port.

MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows, PCMCIA Card and Socket Services, and CoSession
Host remote communications software come preinstalled.

An LCD System Status Panel uses 15 internationally recognized icons to
provide the user with the notebook computer's valuable operating status
information at a glance.

To protect valuable information, Z-STAR EX comes with two-level password
protection and a hard disk drive security screw to more permanently secure
the upgradable hard drive.

Keyboard with Enhanced J-Mouse

The Z-STAR EX's 85/86-key, full-travel (3mm) keyboard emulates the tactile
response and functionality of a 101-key desktop keyboard and is set back
to provide a full palm rest.

Embedded in the home row of the keyboard is the enhanced J-Mouse, a unique
and convenient integrated pointing device that allows users to leave their
fingers on the home row to control cursor movements. This isometric,
joystick-like device accommodates the needs of both right- and left-handed
users, has greater speed sensitivity, anti-submarining cursor and
universal click keys, and will run simultaneously with any PS/2-style
mouse for enhanced office functionality. A tutorial for the J-Mouse also
comes preinstalled on the system.

Power Management and Battery Life

For power management, the Z-STAR EX implements Premier System Management, a
combination of ZDS-developed firmware and software features that allow the
notebook to be custom-configured for optimum power management and extended
battery life. Modes of power management include Standby, Rest/Resume and
Lid Rest/Resume.

On a single NiMH battery pack, battery life of monochrome models is
estimated at 3-6 hours, and color-based systems is 2-4 hours. (Actual
battery life depends on the application used, the peripherals connected to
the system and the power management features selected.) Dual battery fuel
gauges provide indications of energy remaining in both the main and the
optional secondary battery pack.

A single battery can be fast-charged in approximately two hours when the
system is off and in 12 - 13 hours when the notebook computer is in use.

Dimensions

A monochrome version measures 11 (W) by 8.8 (D) by 1.75 (H) inches and
weighs approximately 5.2 pounds with battery, while color configurations
are 11 (W) by 8.8 (D) by 2.0 (H) inches and weigh approximately 5.7 pounds
with battery.

Options

An optional 16-bit audio sound card fits in the Z-STAR EX's dedicated
module socket and allows for on-board audio applications such as voice
annotation and .WAV files, etc.

Other connectivity and convenience options include a 14.4/14.4 or 9600/2400
module modem, PCMCIA-based Ethernet and Token Ring LAN adapters, a NiMH
battery pack, nylon carrying case, and a double-sided convertible carrying
case or backpack case.

Z-PLAYER Multimedia Unit Provides Portable Multimedia Functionality

Easily enhance mobile presentations or add a new dimension to standard
business applications with the Z-PLAYER portable multimedia unit. With its
PCMCIA interface, this sleek, optional, MPC-compatible CD-ROM presentation
unit converts most portable computers with a Type II PCMCIA slot and 512K
VRAM into affordable, all-in-one multimedia systems. Its double-speed
CD-ROM drive, stereo speakers and integrated 16-bit sound card enhance
users' presentations on the road or in the boardroom.
Weighing just two pounds, the Z-PLAYER runs on six AA batteries, a
rechargeable NiCad cell, or the Z-PLAYER power supply.

"It's amazing that we could pack this much presentation dynamite into such
a little, lightweight, low-cost accessory," commented O'Connor. "But ZDS
has an impressive track record of making leading-edge technology practical
and affordable."

The Z-PLAYER has a ZDS price of $499.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing for standard Z-STAR EX configurations will range from $1,799 to
$3,699. For example, a Z-STAR EX with a monochrome screen, 4MB of RAM and
a 200MB hard drive is $1,799. A system with a DSTN screen, 4MB of RAM and
a 200MB hard drive is $2,499.

A Z-STAR EX configured with an active-matrix screen, 4MB of RAM and a 340MB
hard drive is $3,299. The same system with 8MB of RAM is $3,699 and comes
with two batteries. (These are Z-Direct prices. Reseller prices may vary.
Resellers determine their own pricing which may be higher or lower than
ZDS' advertised prices.)

Z-STAR EX will begin shipping in July 1994 through authorized resellers.

About Zenith Data Systems

Zenith Data Systems, a Bull company, is a leading supplier of notebook,
subnotebook and desktop PCs, servers, monitors and related peripherals.
With headquarters in Buffalo Grove, Ill., the company has engineering
facilities in St. Joseph, Mich., Santa Clara, Calif., Billerica, Mass.,
and Buffalo Grove; manufacturing facilities in St. Joseph, Mich.; and
sales locations in more than 30 countries.

Zenith Data Systems
2150 East Lake Cook Rd
Buffalo Grove, IL, 60089
(708) 808-5000,  FAX (708) 808-4434

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