NEC expands Ready PC lineup

NEC Technologies is preparing to deliver seven new models for its Ready multimedia PC lineup in March.

Most of the Ready Pentium-based PCs will come with 6X CD-ROM drives, 28.8-kbps fax-modems, full-motion video capabilities, and 3D wavetable surround sound. Processor speeds for the new PCs will range from 120MHz to 166MHz, and hard-disk configurations will range from 1.2GB to 2GB.

The computers, which will range in price from $1,799 to $2,999, will also include handheld remote control devices that support the Infrared Data Transfer (IrDA) standard to let users control their computers the same way they control their TVs.

All of the Ready PCs will ship preloaded with Windows 95 and Merlin, a new 12-minute video tutorial that uses a character named Merlin to guide users through the set-up and installation process. Each model will also come with voice-mail software, Microsoft's Internet Explorer, Netscape's Navigator Web browser, and access software for the major online services.