Blazing Performance, Common Peripherals & Accessories To Shake Up Competition
Paris – 16 June 1998—as part of a major overhaul of its notebook line, Zenith Data Systems today announced the release of two new notebook platforms offering a choice of modular all-in-one features or thin modularity. These new models mark a turning point in the history of notebooks. Rather than forcing users to sacrifice speed for functionality and mobility, the new Versa notebooks offer the comfort, performance and options of a high-end desktop. In addition, their intelligent design enables corporate MIS departments to better manage their growing mobile fleets through the use of a common range of options including docking devices.
“The release of the Versa LX and SX represents a watershed moment for the notebook market,” said Jean François Lemoigne, Marketind and Communication Manager for Europe. “By meeting the evolving requirements of corporate users in their many forms and providing a safe solution to current market uncertainty, Zenith Data Systems has leapfrogged its competitors.”
Sleek Roadster for Corporate High-Flyers
The high-end Versa SX is for mobile executives who want sleek, lightweight design and high performance. Weighing just 2kg, the Versa SX packs a solid punch thanks to its 266MHz Pentium II processor, 64MB of RAM (up to 256MB) and 3.2GB hard drive.
For on-the-road presentations, the Versa SX features a 14.1″ TFT XGA display. Designed and built by NEC, the display is the industry reference for brightness and image quality. The graphics subsystem is driven by a Trident Cyber 9388 64-bit graphics engine and 2MB of SGRAM.
The Versa SX also takes full advantage of the newly designed low-profile VersaBay III system. Offering a full range of options, including DVD, Superdisk120 and Zip drives, an additional hard drive or extra battery, modular VersaBay options can be hot swapped on the fly.
The Versa SX provides hours of autonomy thanks to its a 9-cell Li-Ion primary battery with integrated power gauge and 6-cell optional secondary battery.
Desktop Features, Performance…And Price
The new Versa LX offers modular all-in-one design with docking capabilities. Designed for increasingly mobile corporate users, it is a perfect desktop replacement. Available with a 200 MHz Pentium processor with MMX technology or up to 266MHz Pentium II processor, the Versa LX can accommodate up to 256MB of RAM.
Depending on user needs and budget, the Versa LX comes with either a 12.1, 13.3 or 14.1 inch NEC designed and built TFT display. All models are optimized for MPEG2 and offer a 3D ATI Rage LT Pro 64-bit graphics engine and 4MB of SGRAM. To provide maximum autonomy, the Versa LX is powered by a 12-cell 4800 mAh Li-Ion primary battery and 6-cell secondary battery managed by the industry standard ACPI interface
One of the most important features of the Versa LX is its integration of the new VersaBay III system. VersaBay options and accessories can be used on all new Versa models, thus allowing companies to simplify the rollout and customisation of their mobile fleets. With platforms and accessories provided by one brand, corporate MIS departments can equip users with personalized machines, while streamlining procurement, minimising ownership costs and maximising compatibility.
To further reduce total cost of ownership, all models feature a DMI 2.0 compliant BIOS and Intel LANDesk Client Manager 3.2
All new Versa models come standard with Windows 95 (Windows 98 when available) or Windows NT 4.0 Microsoft Word 97, McAfee anti-virus software and a Recovery CD. They are also PC97, PC98 and NSTL approced Y2000 compliant.
The Versa LX is available for shipment in July with the Versa SX following in August.
About Zenith Data Systems
ZDS is a leading supplier of high-end performance servers, desktops and notebooks to the corporate and educational markets. It has engineering and manufacturing facilities in Angers (France), Puteaux (Paris region), Boxborough (Massachusetts) and Sacramento (California). ZDS markets its products to corporate and educational markets through an indirect sales channel.
- Servo Planetary Gearbox Selection Guide for Industrial Automation - February 21, 2026
- European Workforce Challenges: Strategic Planning Tools for Cross-Border Operations - January 5, 2026
- Escrow Services: Building Trust in European Cross-Border Business - September 23, 2025