FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:

James Wiebe, President

4153 N. Parkwood

Wichita, KS 67220

Jameswiebe@wiebetech.com

DesktopGB™

Editors: Product Photos available on web site

316 744 8722 (main)

316 744 1398 (fax)

WiebeTech launches DesktopGB™; Very Small, Highest Performance, FireWire™
USB 1.1 / USB 2.0 Drive

DesktopGB works with any computer; uses highest performance Oxford Semiconductor 1394 bridge silicon (OXFW911); attaches to any computer using any of three types of ports: FireWire, USB 1.1 (which is on all computers) and USB 2.0 (480mbps).

WICHITA, KS. (December 12, 2001) WiebeTech LLC launched its new DesktopGB^TM today as part of its line of micro storage solutions products. It features a small footprint, highest speed, desktop FireWire (IEEE1394) and USB 1.1 / USB 2.0 hard drive storage device. According to WiebeTech President James Wiebe, this storage device brings new standards of performance and connectivity to the Macintosh and PC external storage marketplace.

“DesktopGB was brought to the market in response to demand for ultra high speed, ultra high capacity, small footprint desktop storage which would connect to virtually any personal computer at lightning fast transfer rates,” Wiebe said.

DesktopGB features include:

• DesktopGB stands on its side, taking a desktop footprint of only 9.0in x 2.25in (230mm x 57mm). External storage can be added without taking up valuable desk space.

WiebeTech launches DesktopGB™; Very Small, Highest Performance, FireWire™/
USB 1.1 / USB 2.0 Drive – page 2

• DesktopGB attaches to the worldwide installed base of FireWire ports, featuring transfer rates up to 400 mbps. FireWire ports are included with or available for all popular personal computers. Drivers and hardware are plug and play with all major operating systems for both the Mac & PC.
• DesktopGB attaches to the worldwide installed base of USB ports, which are standard on all personal computers.
• DesktopGB attaches to USB 2.0 ports, featuring transfer rates up to 480 mbps. USB 2.0 will be supported on personal computers appearing in 2002. USB 2.0 host controllers are available now.
• DesktopGB is currently available in capacities of 40Gb – 80Gb. DesktopGB is also available without a drive mechanism in a user configurable version.
• DesktopGB uses the popular, industry leading Oxford Semiconductor 911 FireWire bridge. This part features the highest performance of any bridge on the market today, with peak performance transfer rates greater than 30 MB / second.
• DesktopGB also uses the popular, industry leading Cypress / ISD 300 USB 2.0 bridge.
• DesktopGB is inexpensive. List prices start at only $159.95.

“The user benefits of FireWire hard drives are well known, while USB remains the very best connectivity technology for guaranteeing compatibility with virtually any computer. Therefore, DesktopGB has FireWire and USB ports as standard features.” said James Wiebe. He continued: “DesktopGB gives users the ability to add a high capacity, lightning fast external drive on any FireWire, USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 port. The multiple ports create complete cross platform compatibility and resolve connectivity uncertainties.”

For Business or Home

The DesktopGB is designed to provide extra capacity for backup presentations, programs, accounting data or other files. Families will find it convenient to store MP3 files, digital photos, games financial data and other personal documents.

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WiebeTech launches DesktopGB™; Very Small, Highest Performance, FireWire™/
USB 1.1 / USB 2.0 Drive – page 3

DesktopGB is small and easy to use

FireWire drives are plug and play, recognized by all major operating systems. Use of the DesktopGB in FireWire mode requires attaching the drive to any FireWire port. FireWire support is natively provided by OSX and by Windows XP, without requiring installation of any drivers. All Macs and many PCs feature FireWire ports.

USB drives are also plug and play, recognized by all major operating systems. The computer will automatically recognize the drive. USB 2.0 support may require the addition of a host controller and drivers.

For Macintosh users, the FireWire connection is recommended. The USB 2.0 connection works extremely well when combined with a third party host controller, available from Orange Micro, Adaptec and many other companies. Native USB 2.0 supported is expected ‘on the motherboard’ sometime in 2002 from major computer companies.

“The support for both FireWire and USB 1.1 / 2.0 makes DesktopGB the common denominator of storage for the foreseeable future,” said James Wiebe. “It’s the best choice in desktop storage solutions.”

DesktopGB pricing and availability

The different available capacities match unique user needs:

Product U.S. Retail Price Projected Availability

0Gb – Enclosure Only $159.95 NOW

40Gb 7200 RPM $259.95 NOW

60Gb 7200 RPM $289.95 NOW

80Gb 7200 RPM $319.95 NOW

In the U.S. and Canada, FireWire MicroGb may be purchased from dealers or directly from www.wiebetech.com. Inquiries are invited from qualified dealers and distributors. Dealer pricing is available on all products. For updated shipping information, please check the website.

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Technical Specifications for DesktopGB Drive

Operating System Compatibility

ü Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP

ü Macintosh OSX

ü Macintosh OS 8.6 – 9.x

Functionality

ü FireWire Interface

ü USB 1.1 Interface

ü USB 2.0 Interface

ü Large Capacity – 40Gb, 60Gb, 80Gb and beyond

ü Maximum Transfer rate – 400 Mbps (FireWire mode) 480 Mbps (USB2 mode)

ü Burst Transfer rate – in excess of 30 Mbyte / sec (FireWire mode)

ü Power Switch is located on front panel for ease of access

Electrical

ü Uses 12V AC Adapter – included

Connectors

ü Dual FireWire ports with pass through connection

ü USB 1.1 / USB 2.0 full size port

ü 2.1mm DC adapter plug, accepts regulated 12 volts.

Indicators

ü Power / Access

Physical

ü Thickness – 1.38” (35mm)

ü Width – 5.63” (143mm)

ü Length – 9.0” (229mm)

ü Designed to stand vertically, stand is included

Regulatory

ü FCC Class B

ü CE

Warranty

ü One year, parts & labor.

About James Wiebe and WiebeTech

WiebeTech LLC is a new venture founded by James Wiebe. James was a principal founder and the CEO of Newer Technology and NewerRAM. Newer Technology became the largest manufacturer of CPU upgrades for the Apple Macintosh computer, achieving a sales level in excess of $50 million. NewerRAM is an ISO-9002 approved manufacturer of specialty memory modules for the Macintosh. WiebeTech LLC is a member of the USB Implementer’s Forum.

WiebeTech’s mission is focused on delivering the very coolest new peripheral technology for high performance computing.

Mr. Wiebe is an expert in memory systems, digital audio, audio compression, and personal computers. Mr. Wiebe designed numerous memory cards and modules for Newer, and also designed a high density solid state disk replacement. While at Newer, Mr. Wiebe managed the development of numerous products, including Memory, USB, Firewire, PowerPC, and Storage products.

WiebeTech LLC was founded in July, 2000 and has been a development stage company since that time. WiebeTech LLC is located in Wichita, KS. For additional information on WiebeTech or their products, visit http://www.wiebetech.com. High resolution photographs of the product may be found on the website. FAQ’s are also found on the website.

Note: DesktopGB is a trademark of WiebeTech LLC. FireWire is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Other marks are trademarks of their respective owners. All specifications and pricing are subject to change without notice. Features may be added or deleted from the actual shipping product without notice.

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