Mitsumi Electronics Corp.

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

MITSUMI EXTENDS CD-ROM PRODUCT LINE WITH 32X DRIVE

Santa Clara, Calif. - November 17, 1997 - Mitsumi Electronics Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer of personal computer peripherals, today announced the availability of the FX320S 32X Max CD-ROM Drive. The FX320S drive offers state-of-the-art CD-ROM performance in an affordable, reliable internal drive aimed at the widest possible range of PC applications. According to leading market research firms, Mitsumi was the leading CD-ROM drive manufacturer in 1996, shipping more than eight million CD-ROM drives.

The FX320S provides true 32X spin-rate performance and super high-speed data throughput, supporting data transfer rates of 4800 Kbytes per second (KB/s). This allows even the most demanding files to run smooth and fast. A fast 85 ms average access time and a 256 KB built-in memory buffer provide high-speed data throughput. The drive is fully plug-and-play compatible with advanced operating systems such as Windows 95.

For optimal performance and reliability, the internal Mitsumi drive uses a full-CAV mode to vary the spin rate between 13.8X and 32X, making it ideal for quickly installing software, running a CD-ROM-based database, or driving demanding multimedia applications.

The 32X drive offers state-of-the-art CD-ROM performance in an affordable, reliable, caddyless drive aimed at the widest possible range of PC applications. To provide all of the benefits of 32X speed, the Mitsumi drive has an advanced "Auto-Balance" design mechanism to minimize media-induced vibration. It supports new compact disc standards like CD-RW, Photo CD, CD extra, CD Plus, and CD-I, and features MPC-3 compliance and Direct Memory Access (DMA) transfer.

"Mitsumi intends to focus on the 32X model in 1998, seeking further means to improve both its technical performance and cost," said Jim McCaffrey, vice president of sales and marketing for Mitsumi.

The internal Mitsumi 32X drive comes in a standard half-height 5.25-inch form factor, which OEMs can mount either vertically or horizontally with right or left orientation. A unique, patented power tray design gently holds the CD while allowing the drive to work vertically or horizontally for convenient end-user operation.

System Requirements and Availability

The Mitsumi 32X CD-ROM drive requires a 486SX/25 MHz or higher PC with 4 MB RAM (8 MB recommended), DOS 3.3 or Windows 3.1 or higher, and VGA or Super VGA. The 32X drive is now available to OEMs and through general distribution. The Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is US $199.00, 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.