Mitsumi Electronics Corp.

Jim McCaffrey, VP Marketing (972) 550-7300 j_mccaffrey@mitsumi.com

MITSUMI EXPANDS CD-RECORDABLE PRODUCT OFFERINGS WITH NEW 4x8 SPEED CD-R DRIVE AND LOWER PRICES

IRVING, TX - June 29, 1998 - Mitsumi Electronics Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer of personal computer peripherals, today announced availability of the CR-4801TE Compact Disc Recordable (CD-R) drive. The new internal drive combines the high performance of 4X-speed recording with the reliability of 8X-speed playback. In addition to introducing the new high speed drive, Mitsumi also lowered the price of its earlier generation 2x8 CR-2801TE CD-R drive from $349.00 to $299.00.

Aimed at both mainstream and high-performance personal computer users, the CR-4801TE supports the Microsoft Windows NT operating system as well as Windows 95 and Windows 98. The new drive conforms to the Enhanced IDE interface architecture (ATAPI specifications), making it easy for everyone from major OEMs to consumers at home to integrate the drive into standard personal computer systems quickly and cost-effectively. For most users, the new Mitsumi CD-R drive will provide true plug-and-play compatibility.

"CD recording is rapidly becoming a mainstream application due to the ease of use, performance, and affordability that Mitsumi¹s complete CD-R kits provide," said Jim McCaffrey, vice president of sales and marketing for Mitsumi. "The new 4x8-speed drive makes it easier and less expensive than ever before for home users to author compact discs for personal entertainment, including recording video and music, and creating graphical presentations and photo album disks."

Mitsumi 4x8-Speed CD-R Drive

The new Mitsumi CD-R drive is ideal for writing and storing massive amounts of data, up to 650MB per 74-minute disc. Because CD-R is a non-erasable format, users can simultaneously backup and secure their most important files in one easy step. The Mitsumi CD-R kit includes everything end users need to begin recording data, including Adaptec's Easy CD Creator 3.01 and DirectCD software, a Disk Inspector Utility Disk, an audio cable, and one Kodak recordable CD.

The new drive delivers a data transfer speed of 600 Kbytes per second (4X) for fast recording and 1200 Kbytes per second (8X) for playback, with an average access time of less than 200 milliseconds. This speed allows for full motion video playback. A two-megabyte memory buffer ensures fast performance for both recording and playback. The drive reads and writes in a wide range of formats, including Photo-CD and CD-DA for storing graphics like original photos and Internet images. Recording methods include track-at-once and multi-session.

The CR-4801TE offers state-of-the-art performance in an affordable, reliable, caddyless drive aimed at the widest possible range of PC applications. The internal drive comes in a standard half-height 5.25-inch form factor that is mounted horizontally. A unique, patented power tray design gently holds discs for convenient end-user operation. The CR-4801TE is the newest addition to Mitsumi's award-winning compact disc drive family for personal computers, which includes 24X and 32X CD-ROM as well as CD-R and DVD-ROM models.

System Requirements and Availability

The Mitsumi CR-4801TE CD-Recordable (CD-R) drive requires an Intel Pentium 486DX/66MHz or higher personal computer with 16 MB RAM (32 MB recommended), Windows 95 or Windows NT, and VGA or Super VGA. The drive is currently being sampled to major OEM customers, and will be available to retail customers September 1998. The Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is US$349.00, which includes a 1-year manufacturers limited warranty.

About Mitsumi

Mitsumi is the world¹s largest manufacturer of computer peripherals, with sales exceeding $2.7 billion. Mitsumi focuses on providing high-quality, affordable peripherals and devices, including keyboards, CD-ROM, CD-R, and DVD drives, mice, and floppy disk drives. Mitsumi products are sold worldwide both to computer OEMs and through general distribution. U.S. headquarters are located at 5808 W. Campus Circle Drive, Irving, Texas 75063. To learn more about Mitsumi visit Mitsumi.Com

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(c)1998 Mitsumi Electronics Corp. All products or service names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective owners.