NEC announced some new models today, and they sure are impressive.

First is the TZ series which... has a whole lot of stuff. A 23" LCD (with SoundVu nonetheless), 64-bit Athlon, extensive multimedia capabilities, Radeon 9600, etc.

Next is the S series, which I imagine is NEC's answer to Sony's Vaio W series. It features the same sort of screen/case integration form factor, but has some other good stuff.

More information inside, inclunding links to the ultra-cool 3D product images.

NEC will add 2 types (with 5 models) to the desktop PC "VALUESTAR" series, and release them o­n June 3rd. The price is Open Price.

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-Athlon 64 water cooled "VALUESTAR TZ"

The VALUESTAR TZ is a PC that sits in the "Home Server PC" category.

The upper level 2 models featured watching and recording of terrestrial digital/BS/110 CS digital TV broadcasts. The CPU is an Athlon 64, and it uses a water cooling system. Using the "Cool'n'Quiet" energy conservation function of the Athlon 64, the PC has been quieted drastically.

The upper level "VZ980/9E" model has an Athlon 64 3200+ (actual clock 2GHz), 512MB of memory (PC3200), a 200GB HD, an ATI Radeon 9600SE, a 23" 1280x768 (WXGA) widescreen LCD, and Windows XP Professional as the OS, all for an expected retail price of around 500,000 yen.

The mid-level VZ780/9D features an Athlon 64 2800+, 256MB of memory, a 160GB HD, a Radeon 9600 SE, a 17" 1024x768 (XGA) LCD, Windows XP Home Edition as the OS, for an expected retail price of around 335,000 yen.

The lower level VZ500/9D features an Athlon 64 2800+, 256MB of memory, a 160GB HD, integrated video, a 17" 1024x768 (XGA) LCD, Windows XP Home Edition as the OS, for an expected retail price of around 240,000 yen.

Other specifications are basically the same o­n all the models, such as a SiS760+SiS964 chipset, DVD super multi drive, and fax modem. The VZ780/9D features IEEE 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN capabilities.

The interfaces are USB 2.0 x 8 (VZ500/9D 9x), IEEE 1394 x 2, Gigabit Ethernet, Type 2 PC Card Slot x 2, and a Memory Stick (+Pro)/SD card slot.

The main body size is 173 x 450 x 380mm (W x D x H), and the weight is 15kg.



3D model:
http://121ware.com/product/pc/3d/valuestar/405/v405_z1/vz1h1.html

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-Front Access, keyboard storable LCD integrated "VALUESTAR S"

The VALUESTAR S series has the power button, drives, and expansion slots all o­n the front of the case that is integrated with the LCD.

Using the included remote controller, DVD and music functions can be operated without starting Windows. The keyboard can be put away (stored below the unit), and when the keyboard is taken out/put away, the PC can automatically be powered o­n/off.

The upper level VS700/9D uses a Celeron M 1.20GHz CPU, has 256MB of memory, a 160GB HD, a Radeon IGP 9000 (integrated video), a DVD super multi drive, a 17" widescreen LCD capable of WXGA, and Windows XP Home Edition as the OS. The estimated retail price is about 210,000 yen.

The lower level VS500/9D includes a 17" XGA LCD. Its estimated retail price is around 190,000 yen.

Interfaces for both machines are USB 2.0 x 3, Type2 PC Card slot, Ethernet, Memory Stick/SD card/xD-Picture Card slot.

The external dimensions are 507 x 225 x 383mm (W x D x H). The weight of the VS700/9D is 15kg, and the VS500/9D is 13kg.



3D model:
http://121ware.com/product/pc/3d/valuestar/405/v405_s1/vs1h1.html

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Inspired by:
http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2004/0506/nec2.htm

Press Release:
http://www.nec.co.jp/press/ja/0405/0601.html