Ultra-Slim, Jewel-Case-Sized USB PortaCD Provides Expandability for Subnotebooks

NEW YORK, PC EXPO, June 29 /PRNewswire/ -- TEAC, a world leader in the manufacture of CD-ROM, DVD-ROM and CD-R/RW storage technology, today begins shipping the industry's lightest portable CD-ROM drive, the USB PortaCD, with convenient USB connection for laptop and subnotebook computers. Designed to fit easily into a laptop PC carrying case, the USB PortaCD compliments the mobile convenience of the thinnest laptop or subnotebook computer with a sleek, metallic clamshell design, weighing less than nine ounces and just a half inch thick. The drive's USB interface is designed for absolute accessibility and expandability and can be plugged into any laptop or desktop PC's USB port.

Not much larger than a CD jewel case, the compact, top-loading USB PortaCD is an alternative version of the popular TEAC PCMCIA 24X PortaCD, which began shipping earlier this year. The USB version, unlike the PCMCIA PortaCD can be easily swapped from the laptop or subnotebook to the desktop via its USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. It is powered directly through the connection so there is no need for an AC adapter or power cable. The drive is plug and play compatible with Windows 98 and Windows 2000 so the computer automatically recognizes the device immediately after connection. The USB port allows several peripherals to be attached to the computer at once, freeing the PCMCIA port for use by accessory devices more commonly associated with the PCMCIA port, such as a modem or additional memory. The USB PortaCD has front controls and a headphone jack making it convenient to listen to and playback audio CDs and the drive is optimized to perform at the maximum data transfer rate supplied by a USB connection.

"In order to maintain an ultra-thin and lightweight product, many new versions of the subnotebook computer do not include necessary storage devices such as CD-ROM drives,'' stated Les Luzar, division manager, TEAC's Data Storage Products Division. "Our USB version of the popular PortaCD gives mobile computer users the ability to expand their laptops and subnotebooks with several high-performance peripherals at once, while still maintaining the lightest load possible in transit.

"The USB PortaCD (model# CD-210PU) is available as a full retail kit and is shipping at an MSRP of $199.00. It can be found at participating retailers throughout the country and is available to resellers and VARs through the Company's network of authorized distributors.

About TEAC

Since 1953, TEAC Corporation has been an innovator and worldwide leader in the development and manufacturing of audio, video and data recording technologies. Its products are utilized in the computer data storage, consumer and professional audio, industrial video and instrumentation markets.

TEAC's Data Storage Products Division, a pioneer in both magnetic and optical recording technologies is well respected for manufacturing the most innovative, high performance CD-R/RW, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM and floppy drives used in desktop and notebook computers, as well as premium CD-R media for use in CD-R/RW drives.

TEAC data storage products are sold throughout the world and can be found in more personal computers than any other brand. The company sells its products to leading PC system manufacturers, commercial and industrial distributors, and computer retail and mail order companies.

TEAC America, Inc. is active in the development, sales and marketing of these removable storage products throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America.

TEAC America, Inc. will be exhibiting its full line of data storage products June 27-29, 2000 at PC Expo Booth #4762 in the New York Jacob Javits Convention Center.

SOURCE: TEAC America, Inc.