Low cost connectivity solution brings flexibility to iMac owners.

COMDEX - Las Vegas, NV, USA -- Microtech International announced that they will manufacture and ship a converter cable that allows SCSI storage devices to be connected to a standard USB port. The Microtech Xpress USB is a USB to SCSI Converter which targets the hundreds of thousands of new iMac owners who may own older SCSI peripherals, such as hard drives, SyQuest, CD-ROM, or Iomega Zip and Jaz cartridge drives.

With an MSRP of just $79, the USB to SCSI converter is an affordable solution, filling a void created by the connectivity limitations of the iMac.

"The iMac is exclusively configured with a USB port for peripheral devices and does not allow SCSI connectivity." said Al Conte, Director of Digital Imaging products at Microtech. "While some manufacturers are offering USB compatible products, the majority of Mac storage devices on the market are SCSI. In addition, many users have SCSI drives from other systems that they would like to use on their iMacs or even to share in a small work group. The Microtech Xpress USB is a welcome expansion option for any iMac owner" said Conte.

The converter is designed as a cable with a standard USB connector on one end, and a male SCSI DB25 connector at the other. The SCSI connector is attached to the external drive and the hot-swappable USB connector is plugged into the CPU or hub. The connector supports up to 7 devices in true plug and play fashion, recognizing devices on the fly without requiring users to restart the computer. The Xpress USB is fully compliant with the USB spec version 1.0, and delivers a maximum data throughput rate of 1.2MB/sec.

The first release of the software driver for the connector will support storage devices including Winchester drives and all removable media solutions. Microtech also promises an aggressive development schedule for driver updates and expects to support scanners and other third party devices in upcoming revisions. All driver upgrades will be free of charge and available for download from the Microtech Web site.

Specific questions regarding compatibility and product support can be directed to Microtech Technical Support at 800-666-9689, or via email at nagy@microtechint.com.

Microtech expects to be shipping in volume on January 4th, 1999, in time for MacWorld San Francisco. Units will be available through standard distribution channels, including Ingram Micro and Pinacor.

Information on all Microtech products is available at http://www.microtechint.com .

Pricing, Availability and Part Number:
MSRP $79
1/4/1999
ADP-USB USB

About Microtech
Microtech International is the industry leader in Digital Photography middle ware solutions and personal computer memory upgrades. Digital Photography solutions include an extensive line of PC Card readers and media which improve the performance, capacity, and flexibility of any Digital Photography system. Memory upgrades feature a lifetime warranty, backed by 13 years of experience and innovation. All products are available direct or through distribution with Ingram Micro, Inc. or Pinacor, Inc. Microtech International is a member of the CompactFlash Association and the SSFDC Forum, ensuring 100% compliance with all standard media formats. Established in 1985, Microtech is a majority owned subsidiary of ADO Electronic Industrial Co., LTD, a Tokyo-based public company with combined revenues in excess of 1.6 billion US dollars.

Microtech International
242 Branford Rd.
North Branford, CT. 06471-1303
(203) 483-9402 (Voice)
(203) 483-0129 (Fax)

Editorial and Reseller Contact:
Daniel Giordan
Corporate Communications Manager
Microtech International, Inc.
Email: giordan@microtechint.com
Tel: (203) 483-9402 ext. 2271
Fax: (203) 483-5340