USB Reader/Writer is an Inexpensive Way to Upgrade xD Card to a Portable Storage Device Capable of Sharing Images, Music, Video and Documents

Melville, New York, February 15, 2005 – Olympus today announced the release of a One Gigabyte xD-Picture Card™ and a new Portable USB Reader/Writer for xD media. As one of the world's smallest storage media for digital cameras and digital voice recorders, the xD-Picture Card is now capable of holding an entire gigabyte of data, whether it’s digital images, video, music files, written documents, or presentations. When any xD card is placed inside the new stylish, compact MAUSB-300 Reader/Writer, data can go anywhere and be directly transferred quickly to and from a personal computer for added convenience.

“With its small size and powerful memory card platform, the xD-Picture Card enables Olympus to develop feature-rich digital cameras that are consistently rated among the best in their class. The One Gigabyte xD-Picture Card is a tremendous benefit for photographers who wish to capture a greater number of images, at higher resolution settings.” said Chip Pryor, memory products business manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Beyond photography, the functionality of all xD cards is increased when used with the MAUSB-300 Reader/Writer, as it can plug directly into a computer’s USB port to drag and drop files of any kind to or from the card.”

Designed to Do More
By offering a range of storage capabilities, the One Gigabyte xD-Picture Card guarantees that digital camera users’ storage requirements will be fulfilled. Whether on a challenging photo-shoot assignment or on that once-in-a-lifetime backpacking adventure far from civilization when having the most storage is a must, professionals and other active photographers will appreciate the convenience and freedom the new one gigabyte card provides.

For example, used with the 5.0-megapixel Olympus Stylus 500, the one gigabyte removable media can save up to approximately 800 High Quality (HQ) images – an incredible amount of image files. The new high-capacity card also supports Olympus exclusive features such as Panorama photography. Olympus xD-Picture Cards are the only media cards on the market that enable the Panorama function on Olympus digital cameras, whereby up to 10 images can be stitched together to create incredible vistas.

Innovative Memory Media
Using multi-level cell (MLC) technology, the Olympus One Gigabyte xD-Picture Card inaugurates the first of the Type-M series of xD media designed to reach up to 8 gigabytes in storage capacity. MLC technology doubles the amount of information that can be stored in a single memory cell, increasing storage capacity and cost effectiveness.

Compact and durable, the Olympus xD-Picture Card is the ultimate reusable digital media. The size of the card (20mm x 25mm x 1.7mm, a weight of only 2 grams) allows for digital manufacturers to design even smaller, more stylish and powerful digital devices today and in the future.

Stylish Reader/Writer Design
Stylish and lightweight, durable and easy to use, the MAUSB-300 is an inexpensive must-have accessory to any xD-compatible camera. Simply insert an xD-Picture Card into the MAUSB-300 and you upgrade the card into a portable storage device capable of transferring images, audio, video and data to and from a computer.

The Olympus MAUSB-300 Portable xD-Picture Card USB Reader/Writer has an attractive, durable and sleek white plastic body with a removable clear plastic top cover to protect against shock, dust and static electricity. With an ergonomic palm-sized design (dimensions 2.5" x .75" x .38"), the MAUSB-300 is a lightweight (14 grams) travel-friendly companion that can also clip onto a key ring to provide the ultimate in unimpeded mobility, speed and convenience – no matter where you are.

With digital camera image-file sizes increasing, users need the fastest way possible to quickly and easily download larger images to a personal computer (PC or Mac OS). The MAUSB-300 does all of this thanks to the fast transfer time of USB 2.0 technology, and it will also work with USB 1.1 devices. Because it is Auto-Connect, no software drivers are needed for installation (Windows '98/'98 SE users will have to download free driver software from the Olympus web site).

The Olympus MAUSB-300 xD Reader/Writer can plug directly into a USB port (ideal for laptops). With the Reader/Writer, there’s no need to connect a digital camera directly to the computer, making it easier to move data from an xD-Picture Card to its final destination and helping to conserve a camera’s battery power. No heavy A/C adapter or batteries are ever needed to use the Olympus MAUSB-300, and it has no moving parts.

Availability
The Olympus 1 Gigabyte xD-Picture Card will be available in April 2005. The MAUSB-300 Portable xD-Picture Card USB Reader/Writer will be available in March, 2005.

U.S. Pricing
MAUSB-300 Portable xD-Picture Card USB Reader/Writer Estimated Street Price: $19.99
1 Gigabyte xD-Picture Card Estimated Street Price: To be announced.

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances peoples lives every day. These include:

• Digital and film cameras
• Professional SLR Imaging Systems
• Digital and Microcassette recorders
• Digital Music Players
• Personal Photo Printers
• Digital Print Kiosks
• Digital Video Projectors
• Digital Media
• Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit www.olympusamerica.com.

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