AST INTRODUCES BRAVO NB NOTEBOOKS 

Local bus enhanced Graphics, Dual-Scan STN display and Type III PCMCIA
expansion options combine to give users third-generation functionality in
a low-price notebook

IRVINE, Calif., Aug, 23, 1993 -- AST Research Inc. today expanded its
portable systems offering by introducing the Bravo NB family of value
notebook computers. The systems pack standard features such as local bus
enhanced graphics for fast video performance, Type m PCMCIA support for
increased system expandability and functionality and an integrated
trackball for convenient operation.

Available immediately, AST's new 486-based Bravo NB notebook computers come
in monochrome, Dual-Scan STN color and TFT color versions, with estimated
selling prices starting at $1,699 for the monochrome systems; $2,499 for
Dual-Scan STN color; and $3,549 for TFT color.

"The combination of features in the Bravo NB exceed other notebooks in its
class," said Dan Sheppard, director of product marketing. "Users don't
have to make price/performance trade-offs with the Bravo NB. The
combination of features and third-generation functionality gives users the
computing power they need without any sacrifices."

The Bravo NB line joins the award-winning PowerExec family of upgradeable
notebook computers to offer users a range of notebook solutions to meet a
variety of computing requirements. The Bravo NB and PowerExec families
combine to offer mobile professionals, business travelers, corporate users
and home-based business operators portable systems that meet their
individual needs. The Bravo NB offers users finite computing capabilities
at aggressive prices, while the PowerExec gives users maximum levels of
computing flexibility and enhanceability.

Dual-Scan STN-display technology and local bus enhanced graphics offer
low-cost, high performance color

Third-generation Dual-Scan STN Color LCD display technology and local bus
enhanced graphics bring new levels of color and graphics performance to
notebook computing. The Dual-Scan STN display available on the Bravo NB
4/25s Color offers increased color depth and brightness over traditional
STN color displays due to its advanced 1/240 duty cycle, which eliminates
ghosting while increasing contrast, brightness and response time. With its
9.5-inch Dual-Scan STN display, the Bravo NB 4/25s Color delivers clear,
crisp advanced color computing to users at aggressive prices.

"For the first time users can get a top quality 486-based color notebook
for less than $2,500," commented Sheppard. "The Dual-Scan STN display
technology makes excellent color computing a reality for a wide range of
mobile computer users."

Both the Bravo NB 4/25s Color and the Bravo NB 4/25s ColorPlus with an
8.5-inch TFT display, provide up to 256 simultaneous colors with 640 x 480
pixel resolution. A 9.5-inch monochrome VGA display on the Bravo NB 4.25s
displays 64 shades of gray simultaneously at 640 x 480 resolution. The
Bravo NB systems support external VGA monitors at resolutions up to 1,024
x 768. Both the monochrome and TFT color versions also support
simultaneous external video.

Adding to its graphics performance, the Bravo NB series is one of the first
notebook computers to offer local bus enhanced graphics. The local bus
enhanced graphics implementation accelerates graphics performance in all
applications, especially those running under Windows. Users can expect to
see immediate performance improvements up to three times faster than other
notebooks.

Type III PCMCIA slot equips users for computing today and tomorrow

The Bravo NB is the only notebook in its class to incorporate a Type III
PCMCIA enhancement slot. PCMCIA Type m compatibility adds to the
functionality of the Bravo NB by giving users convenient access to both
Type m and Type II cards for local area network and modem connections, as
well as PCMCIA mass storage options. Additionally, the Type m slot equips
users for future PCMCIA offerings, such as two-way radio communications.

Third-generation features provide computing functionality required by
today's users

Powered by an Intel 25MHz 486SX microprocessor, the Bravo NB series
combines a number of third-generation computing features for optimum
performance. The systems come standard with 4MB RAM, expandable to 20MB;
one Type III (or Type II) PCMCIA enhancement slot for modem, LAN and
storage options; a 3.5-inch 1.44MB internal floppy disk drive; and fast
hard drives ranging from 80MB up to 170MB.

A Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery gives users up to three and one-half
hours of computing time on the Bravo NB monochrome system and up to three
hours on the Bravo NB Color and ColorPlus models. A unique external NiMH
battery option can double the battery life, providing up to six hours of
uninterrupted computing.

All models include Microsoft's DOS 6.0 and Windows 3.1 and Star Software's
BTools Windows Utilities to make the Bravo NB an immediately usable
portable solution. The B-Tools business utilities include a financial
calculator, business plan generator, phone book, envelope and label print
templates, as well as word processing and spreadsheet business templates.

Integrated trackball offers users added convenience

The Bravo NB notebooks come in a sleek, low-profile 8.8" x 11.7" x 1.5"
design and feature an 11mm trackball imbedded into the 82-key keyboard. At
5.5 pounds for the Bravo NB 4/25s and 6 pounds each for the Bravo NB 4/25s
Color and Bravo NB 4/25s ColorPlus, these lightweight systems are ideal
full-featured traveling notebooks.

ExeCare Plus Provides Free 48-hour repair service

AST Bravo NB notebook computers are covered by a one-year warranty. The
standard ExeCare Plus program includes free 48-hour repair upon receipt at
AST. AST will pay the freight both ways. On-site maintenance is available
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.

Corporate Background

AST Research Inc., ranked No. 367 on the 1992 Fortune 500 list of America's
largest industrial companies, develops personal computer products with
technologies ranging from hand-held portable computers to superservers.

In July 1993, AST acquired Tandy Corp.'s PC manufacturing business. The
acquisition makes AST the No. 4 U.S. and No. 6 worldwide personal computer
company, according to the calendar year 1992 unit volume shipment data
from International Data Corp. These figures include AST, Tandy and GRiD
brands manufactured by AST.

AST's award-winning product lines include desktop, file server, notebook
and pen-enabled computers, marketed under the Advantage!, Bravo, Premmia,
Manhattan SMP, PowerExec, GRiD and Victor brand names.

The company is represented in 100 countries and operates 41 international
subsidiaries and sales offices. AST 's corporate headquarters is located
at 16215 Alton Parkway, P.O. Box 57005, Irvine, Calif. 92619-7005.
Telephone (714) 727-4141, (800) 8764278. Fax: (714) 727-9355.

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