NEC DEBUTS BUSINESS-CLASS LAPTOPS WITH XR WLAN TECHNOLOGY.

NEC Corp. has debuted 12 new laptop models that use Atheros' dual-band 802.11a/g WLAN solution with eXtended Range (XR) capability. Atheros XR enables mobile users to maintain wireless connections outdoors at twice the distance of products without this feature.

The new NEC VersaPro Mobile Note or All in One Note business laptops offer WLAN performance based on a built-in 802.11a/g miniPCI adapter using Atheros technology. In addition to Atheros XR support, these wireless-enabled laptops include support for Atheros' popular Super AG high performance feature set. Super AG employs multiple techniques, including packet bursting, fast frames, and data compression -- that dramatically increase the throughput and range of wireless networking products.

Using dual-band 802.11a/g WLAN technology, the laptops enable mobile users to wirelessly connect to any 802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11a/g access point. Additionally, the NEC VersaPro Mobile Note series of laptops integrates high security features and functionality with a finger print authentication sensor and software that helps prevent information leaks.

"Just as Atheros' Super features have been widely deployed by the leading wireless equipment companies because of their performance-boosting effect, we believe XR will become equally as popular because of its ability to extend the usable range of wireless LAN products," said Dr. Tomoki Ohsawa, general manager of Atheros Communications K.K. "NEC's advanced wireless feature set combined with its experience in the mobile computing market will enable them to continue to bring to market compelling solutions that meet their customers' growing wireless needs."

The new NEC VersaPro series of notebook PCs are currently available in Japan. The 12 models with Atheros XR and Super AG support include the VersaPro Mobile Note (Large screen type): VY17F/LV-U, VY17F/LX-U, VY13M/LX-U, VJ17F/LV-U, VJ17F/LX-U and VJ13M/LX-U; and All in One Note (Standard type): VY18F/RF-U, VY17F/RF-U, VY13M/RF-U, VJ18F/RF-U, VJ17F/RF-U and VJ13M/RF-U.

Atheros eXtended Range Technology

XR technology provides single access point coverage in home networking environments, eliminates the dead spots in corporate wireless LANs, and provides outdoor coverage of up to two times the distance of competing WLAN solutions.

About Atheros Communications, Inc.

Atheros Communications is a developer of semiconductor system solutions for wireless communications products. Atheros combines its wireless systems expertise with high-performance radio frequency (RF), mixed signal and digital semiconductor design skills to provide highly integrated chipsets that are manufacturable on low-cost, standard complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) processes. Atheros technology is being used by a broad base of leading customers, including personal computer and networking equipment manufacturers.

Atheros Communications can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.atheros.com/.

For more information, call 408/773-5344.