EVEREX/VIA UNVEIL ENERGY EFFICIENT NOTEBOOK.

Everex, a world leader in the design and production of personal computers and VIA Technologies, Inc (TSE 2388), a leading innovator and developer of silicon chip technologies and PC platform solutions, have unveiled the StepNote NC1501 notebook.

At first glance the new $499 computer appears to be that of a typical, modern-day laptop, featuring the Windows Vista(TM) Home Basic operating system, 15.4" widescreen display with DiamondBrite Technology, built-in wireless LAN and DVD burner. At the heart of this unique machine, however, lies the VIA C7(R)-M processor, designed to provide ultra-low power consumption, advanced security features and 1.5GHz performance at a mere 12W peak power.

"It's obvious that the social awareness of energy conservation has never been higher," states John Lin, vice president of Sales for Everex. "However, unlike many eco-friendly products targeting a small, niche audience, Everex believes that a far greater environmental impact can be reached through the acceptance of mainstream products such as our StepNote NC1501. That's why we specifically created a no-compromise notebook with mass appeal."

Available in BestBuy.com and Wal-Mart stores nationwide, the Everex NC series notebooks are expected to aid users in reducing their overall electricity usage while lowering the total cost of ownership. According to the two companies, utilization of VIA Enhanced PowerSaver(TM) technology and VIA TwinTurbo(TM) allow the laptop to dynamically transition between intermediate power states, providing users with 20% longer battery life than comparable systems.

"We are delighted that Everex has successfully combined the latest technologies on the market with an environment-friendly approach," said Richard Brown, vice president of Corporate Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. "By extending their NC series of notebooks based on our ultra power efficient VIA C7-M processor, consumers have greater opportunity to opt for sustainable computing."

As a subsidiary of First International Computer, a supplier to many of the world's largest computer companies, Everex currently stands as one of only two major PC brands with direct manufacturing capability and has allowed the organization to produce a distinctive line of computer products en route to becoming the seventh largest retail computer vendor in the US.

In addition to the model NC1501, Everex also offers consumers a full line of desktop and notebook computers, available at Best Buy, Circuit City, OfficeMax and Wal-Mart locations throughout the US.