AST RESEARCH ENTERS PEN COMPUTING MARKET
ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST "PENTOP" PEN NOTEBOOK COMPUTER

PenExec combines benefits of pen and traditional keyboard notebooks,
Pre-installed software programs provide immediate usability

IRVINE, Calif., April 5, 1993--AST Research Inc., the pioneer in
upgradeable personal computers, today entered the pen computing market
with its launch of the new PenExec "PenTop" pen notebook computer. The
launch is a direct result of AST's strategic alliance with TE Electronics
of Tandy Corp. Built into a sleek 11.6" by 9.4" x 1.6", 5.5-pound black
magnesium box, the PenExec is a hybrid between a traditional
keyboard-driven notebook and a pen computer, affordably priced under
$3,000.

"AST's proven knowledge of the portable industry was the foundation for our
success with the award-winning PremiumExec and PowerExec notebook
computers. We bring this industry savvy to the market with the new
PenExec," explained Bret Berg, product marketing manager. "We believe the
PenExec will bridge the gap between traditionally non-computer users and
technology," Berg added.

The result of a strategic alliance with TE Electronics, ASTs PenExec is
based on advanced pen technology from GRiD Systems Corporation. "AST
brings numerous benefits to the table, including an extended life battery
that provides up to three hours of continuous computing time; support for
PCMCIA; hard drives up to 200MB; and RAM system expansion up to 20MB. A
major benefit to the PenExec buyer is AST's renown support and service,"
Berg explained. In addition, AST's expansive reseller channel makes it
easy to purchase the PenExec, options and accessories.

"AST has found the way to bring pen computing to the masses. By providing
an immediately usable solution, with pre-installed Microsoft software,
AST's PenExec delivers the promise of pen computing to a whole new
generation of computer users, letting them do their work in new ways, in
new places," said Richard Tong, Director of Windows Marketing at Microsoft
Corporation.

Because the PenExec comes standard with pre-installed programs for both pen
and keyboard computing, it is an immediately usable solution.
Pre-installed software includes: DOS 6.0, Windows 3.1 and Windows for Pen
Computing, all from Microsoft Corporation. The PenExec is compatible with
an Windows 3.1 applications and takes advantage of new and emerging pen
applications.

In a separate announcement, Slate Corporation has announced AST Pen
Essentials, a package of pen software applications and accessories that
deliver the benefits of the pen to AST PenExec users. The package includes
four pencentric applications: LooseLeaf Notetaker, Delrina WinFax Pen,
Day-Timer Pen Scheduler and PenBook Business Reference Pages. These
software solutions are bundled together with a custom carrying case, spare
electronic pen, screen cleaner and spare pen batteries. A demo version is
pre-installed.

The PenExec also comes with a demo version of PenWare's PenCell
spreadsheet, an application optimized for use with pen-based systems
running Windows for Pen Computing. PenCell permits values, text and
formulas to be entered directly into cells with the pen and allows the
user to annotate the spreadsheet with "handwritten" notes. PenCell is
compatible with Excel (.XLS) and Lotus (.WK1) file formats, enabling it to
serve as an ideal companion to common desktop spreadsheet packages.

The PenExec's screen acts as both display and data input device. Beneath
the hinged surface is a high-resolution, 400 dpi digitizer which is
activated by the unit's cordless pen. The backlit monochrome VGA screen
boasts resolution of 640 x 480 pixels with 64 gray scales and measures 9.5
inches diagonally for viewing or as a writing surface. Backlighting makes
it equally comfortable for use in either format

Combining the power of the Intel 386SL 25MHz chip with AST's legendary
reputation for compatibility and expandability, the PenExec solves the
needs of many notebook computer users, regardless of their ability to use
a keyboard. The PenExec comes standard with a 120MB or 200MB hard disk
drive, one Type II PCMCIA slot and one external 3.5-inch 1.44MB floppy
disk drive.

The PCMCIA slot lets users take advantage of the many communications and
memory expansion solutions available today and into the future. AST offers
a variety of PCMCIA solutions, including 2400 and 9600 fax/data modems and
LAN adapters for Ethernet and Token Ring connections. The PenExec comes
standard with 2MB or 4MB of system RAM (depending on model) and is
upgradeable to 20MB and features AST's Flash ROM BIOS for easy field
upgradeability via electronic bulletin board or diskette.

Featuring a keyboard with 79 keys, the PenExec has a solid touch comparable
to traditional desktop keyboards. Function keys are conveniently laid out
across the top of the keyboard, and the layout includes an embedded
numeric keypad. The lightweight, cordless pen lets the user write or draw
in pen-based applications or navigate standard Windows programs, much like
a mouse or trackball. A tether cord is provided for on-the-move users.

"The PenExec features sophisticated handwriting recognition capabilities,
virtually unheard-of in this price range. The pentop is especially useful
in calendar/scheduling programs or any type of chart or diagram. The user
can simply write/draw it in and it automatically converts to text," Berg
said.

The PenExec is powered by an enhanced NiCAD removable battery, which
provides up to three hours of uninterrupted computing. The auto-sensing
external AC adapter provides fast 1.5 hour charge capability.

Options available for the PenExec include: automotive adapter; extra AC
adapter; expansion memory in increments ranging from 2MB to 18MB; 200MB
hard drive; specially designed carrying case; and extra batteries, pens
and printer cables.

The PenExec joins AST's PowerExec family of award-winning notebook
computers, winners of PC Laptop Magazine's 1992 Newcomer of the Year award
and Portable Computing's 1993 Product Excellence award AST has targeted
users who require a cost effective, fully-functional notebook that
provides unsurpassed ease of use and increased productivity for a variety
of business applications, including word processing, communications and
personal productivity. 

ExeCare Plus Provides 48-Hour Repair Service

The AST PenExec portable computers are covered by a free one-year warranty.
The standard ExeCare Plus program includes 48-hour repair upon receipt at
AST. AST will pay the freight both ways.

All AST notebook computer systems include a one-year parts and labor
warranty. Onsite maintenance is available anywhere within a 50-mile radius
of more than 250 authorized AST on-site service locations. Toll-free
customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week 

Company Background

Recently ranked number 431 on the Fortune 500 list of America's largest
industrial companies, AST Research Inc. had the third largest market share
of Intel-based personal computers sold through the U.S. dealer channel
during the calendar year 1992. Revenues for calendar year 1992 totaled
more than $1.1 billion.

AST's product lines include the Premmia, Bravo, Advantage!, PowerExec,
Premium SE and Manhattan SMP allowing 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 $944.1 million in fiscal year 1992
ended June 27, 1992, compared to sales of $688.5 million for fiscal year
1991. AST Research corporate headquarters is located at 16215 Alton
Parkway, P.O. Box 57005, Irvine, Calif. 92619-7005. Telephone: (714)
727-4141, (800) 876-4278. Fax: (714) 727-9355.

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