Apple's New Macintosh Duo System Combines the Benefits of Notebook and
Desktop Computing

Features New Docking Technology and Powerful Four-Pound PowerBook Computer

CUPERTINO, California--October 19, 1992--Apple Computer, Inc. today
introduced a Macintosh personal computer system that combines the power
and versatility of desktop computing with the convenience and flexibility
of notebook systems. The new Macintosh Duo System lets users insert--or
dock--a Macintosh PowerBook Duo computer into a desktop station that
connects to a variety of peripherals and network resources. As a result,
Macintosh Duo System users can have a complete desktop system at their
office, including a large color display, full-size keyboard, and expansion
capabilities; and, at the same time, have a powerful notebook computer to
take with them for working away from the office.

"With the Duo System, customers get the best of both worlds," said Randy
Battat, vice president of Apple's portable computing division. "Users get
a Macintosh desktop computer and a Macintosh PowerBook computer--in a
single system. They can keep all their files with them all the time and
eliminate the file management problems that come from working on two
separate computers. And unlike other docking stations, the Duo System
allows users to go from desktop computer to notebook computer in one
simple step that protects the user from accidentally losing data or having
to reconfigure start-up files and cables."

The Macintosh Duo System comprises three main components: a PowerBook Duo
notebook computer, the Macintosh Duo Dock, and PowerLatch docking
technology, which delivers a smooth transition between the worlds of
desktop computing and notebook computing.

High Performance Four-Pound PowerBook Computers At the heart of the
Macintosh Duo System is a high-performance Macintosh PowerBook Duo
computer. There are two models--the PowerBook Duo 210 and the PowerBook
Duo 230. Both models weigh just 4.2 pounds (with battery) and measure just
1.4 inches thick.

Though small and light, PowerBook Duo computers match the speed of powerful
desktop computers. They feature the high-performance Motorola 68030
processor, so they can make quick work of complicated computing tasks,
such as financial analysis and desktop publishing. The PowerBook Duo 230
runs at 33 megahertz (MHz) and can be configured with either an 80
megabyte (MB) or a 120MB hard disk. The 210 runs at 25MHz and has an 80MB
hard disk. Both come with 4MB of memory (expandable to 24MB) and a bright,
backlit supertwist LCD display that supports 16 levels of gray.

Like all Macintosh computers, PowerBook Duo computers come with System 7
and AppleTalk networking software. This makes them easy to connect to a
network and share files with other Macintosh computers. With optional
AppleTalk Remote Access software, users can connect their PowerBook Duo to
a network of other Macintosh computers even when they're away from the
office.

Macintosh Duo Dock 

When users return to their desk, they can insert the PowerBook Duo into the
Macintosh Duo Dock, which can be connected to a large color display (up to
the Macintosh 16-inch Color Display), a full-size keyboard, a mouse, and
available printers and servers. The Duo Dock offers two NuBus expansion
slots for adding features and capabilities such as multiple or larger
displays, high-speed networking, video capturing, or CPU acceleration. It
also features an internal floppy disk drive, and a bay for an internal
3.5-inch hard disk.

Together, the PowerBook Duo 230 and the Macintosh Duo Dock deliver
performance that is second only to the Macintosh Quadra line of computers.
This makes the Macintosh Duo System a perfect mid-range solution for any
customer who desires strong performance and the freedom to take their work
anywhere. For example, customers such as desktop publishers who need a
powerful portable computer to use away from the office, yet back at their
desk need access to a fully equipped desktop system that can be customized
with a large color display, a second hard disk for extra storage or file
back up, or specialized networking capabilities.

Advanced Docking Technology 

The key to enabling Macintosh Duo System users to go from notebook
computing to desktop computing easily is Apple's new PowerLatch docking
technology.

Other docking systems require users to reconnect cumbersome cables and
reconfigure start-up files every time they want to use their notebook in
the docking station. These systems also feature mechanical docking, which
requires the user to determine whether the notebook computer is properly
connected to the docking station. If the connection is broken--or if a
user accidentally ejects their notebook while they're working--they'll
lose their data.

But with PowerLatch docking technology, Duo system users simply insert the
PowerBook Duo into the Duo Dock and press the start button--no other
set-up is necessary to resume access to networks, large displays or other
peripherals. PowerLatch also enables the Macintosh Duo System to take
advantage of a single-point docking connection between the PowerBook Duo
and the Macintosh Duo Dock, so users don't need to connect any cables when
switching from desktop computing to notebook computing, even when using a
modem. They simply insert the PowerBook Duo into the Macintosh Duo Dock.
The PowerBook Duo is then automatically pulled into the correct position
and securely connected to the Duo Dock, which prevents data loss. Users
are also reminded with an onscreen message not to remove the PowerBook Duo
from the Duo Dock until all the documents they've been working on are
saved, which further protects them from losing information.

The Macintosh Duo System offers a particularly attractive computing
solution for professionals who divide their time between two or more
offices and always want their most current files with them. And because
the Duo System lets multiple PowerBook Duo owners share the same Duo Dock,
it's a cost effective solution for field sales representatives and other
individuals who spend a small portion of their time at the office. The
Macintosh Duo System is also a practical solution for colleges and
universities where the Duo Dock stations can be installed in campus
computing labs. This allows students to share stations with large
displays, printers, and access to the campus mainframe computer--yet
individually own their own personal PowerBook Duo computer to use in the
dorm, library or other locations.

Optional Peripherals 

The Macintosh Duo System also offers a number of peripherals and
accessories that lets users customize their system. Most significant is
the Macintosh Duo MiniDock--a mini-version of the Macintosh Duo Dock. The
Macintosh Duo MiniDock enables users to connect the PowerBook Duo to a
large display, full-size keyboard, mouse, and printer, yet at 1.25 pounds,
it's small and light enough to carry in a briefcase along with the
PowerBook Duo. With the Duo MiniDock, users can view the PowerBook Duo
display and an external large display simultaneously. And, by using the
SCSI port on the Duo MiniDock, the PowerBook Duo can be recognized by
another Macintosh computer as an external hard disk, allowing users to
exchange, copy, and rename files with ease.

The PowerBook Duo 210 and 230 each feature Apple's new EverWatch battery
saver technology, which extends the life of the nickel-hydride batteries
for up to 4.5 hours by automatically turning off energy-hungry components,
such as the microprocessor, hard disk, modem, and display
backlighting--when they're not in active use.

An important option, also announced today, is the affordable Macintosh
PowerBook Express Modem. At $319 U.S. SRP, it offers high-speed, low-power
data transfer at 14,400 bits per second (up to 57,600bps with built-in
data compression). And with the modem's Express Fax software, users can
easily send and receive faxes at 9600bps. The modem supports the standard
Hayes AT command set and industry-standard error control and data
compression protocols, ensuring the highest performance and reliability.

Other optional accessories for the Macintosh Duo System include: 4MB and
8MB memory expansion kits, PowerBook Duo Floppy Adapter, external floppy
disk drive, AC adapter, battery recharger, and additional nickel-hydride
rechargeable batteries for the PowerBook Duo 210 and 230; math
coprocessor, VRAM expansion kit, and Apple Ethernet NuBus Card for the
Macintosh Duo Dock.

Pricing and Distribution

All Macintosh Duo System components will be offered worldwide through
authorized Apple resellers. In the U.S., suggested retail prices,
configurations, and ship dates are as follows: (Prices will vary outside
the U.S.)

Product/Configuration               U.S. SRP     Ship Date
----------------------------------  --------    -------------
PowerBook Duo 210 4MB Hard Disk 80    2,249     Oct 19, 1992
PowerBook Duo 230 4MB Hard Disk 80    2,609     Oct 19, 1992
PowerBook Duo 230 4MB Hard Disk 120   2,969     Oct 19, 1992
Macintosh Duo Dock                    1,079     November 1992
Macintosh Duo MiniDock                  589     December 1992
Macintosh HDI-20 External 1.4MB FDD     199     Oct 19, 1992
PowerBook Duo Floppy Adapter            135     Oct 19, 1992
PowerBook Duo AC Adapter                 65     Oct 19, 1992
PowerBook Duo Battery Recharger         119     November 1992
PowerBook Duo Rechargeable Battery       69     Oct 19, 1992
PowerBook Duo 4MB RAM Exp. Kit          235     Oct 19, 1992
PowerBook Duo 8MB RAM Exp. Kit          459     Oct 19, 1992
Macintosh PowerBook Express Modem Kit   319     December 1992
Macintosh VRAM Expansion Kit             99     Oct 19, 1992
Macintosh Math Co-Processor              79     Oct 19, 1992

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

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