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Visit FirmTek at NAB 2006 Booth SL 1238

FirmTek Announces World's First Serial ATA ExpressCard Adapter for the MacBook Pro

New SeriTek/2SM2-E Delivers Outstanding Hot-Swappable Performance for Video Producers and Others Who Work with Large Files "On the Go"

Las Vegas, Nevada (April 24, 2006) -- FirmTek, LLC, a pioneer and leader in Serial ATA (SATA) storage solutions for the Macintosh platform, today unveiled at NAB 2006 (Booth SL 1238) their new SeriTek/2SM2-E, a Serial ATA ExpressCard host adapter. The SeriTek/2SM2-E extends SATA's astounding performance beyond the desktop, enabling content producers to capture, develop, edit and create content in almost any environment when using Apple's new MacBook Pro notebook computers. With transfer rates up to 3 gigabits per second per port, this breakthrough solution sets a new standard for handling data in a remote setting. FirmTek's established hot-swap compatibility also makes it easy for users to move entire drives and arrays from the MacBook Pro to any FirmTek-equipped desktop system in seconds.

A New Card Standard for Digital Media Applications

With the arrival of the MacBook Pro earlier this year, Apple introduced its first systems utilizing ExpressCard, the industry's follow-up to the long-established PC Card standard that is now considered too sluggish for the latest needs of media professionals. With nearly double the throughput of PC Cards, the ExpressCard standard will allow notebooks to support applications involving HD video and other demanding content and creativity. FirmTek's SeriTek/2SM2-E is the first ExpressCard solution announced supporting SATA drives and enclosures.

Portability and Flexibility

FirmTek has pioneered ATA standards on the Macintosh for many years, and markets a variety of enclosures and interface solutions for demanding users. Since the introduction of SATA, the ability to hot-swap drives between enclosures has been a key feature across FirmTek's solutions, and this benefit is more pronounced than ever with the SeriTek/2SM2-E. Now videographers, editors and other content creators can work in the field, using a compact and easily portable two-drive enclosure and as many drives as they choose to carry. Once back in the office volumes are easily moved to any desktop systems in the time it takes to move a drive tray from one enclosure to another, usually just a minute or less. This flexibility allows users to share important data quickly, transfer or duplicate files at the speed of SATA (instead of over sluggish networks or internet connections), and to keep more sensitive files locked up and secure with minimal effort.

To assist customers in maximizing their productivity and obtaining maximum benefit from their FirmTek solutions, FirmTek offers additional drive trays for $22.99 each, without any additional purchases required. This enables customers to keep an unlimited number of drives on hand and ready for action.

Pricing and Availability

FirmTek's SeriTek/2SM2-E ExpressCard adapter for the Macintosh will be available early Q3 this year, with estimated retail pricing of USD$119.95. For more information about the SeriTek/2SM2-E, please visit FirmTek's website at www.firmtek.com/seritek/seritek-2sm2-e.

About FirmTek

Headquartered in Silicon Valley and founded by former Apple engineers, FirmTek is a leading hardware and firmware research and development company focusing on Macintosh storage technologies. The company takes pride in developing the most reliable and most compatible high performance enhancement solutions offered through FirmTek's OEM and worldwide distribution channels. For information on how FirmTek helps users deploy, and organizations develop, advanced interface solutions, visit FirmTek's website at www.firmtek.com, or email info@firmtek.com.

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SeriTek/2SM2-E and FirmTek are trademarks of FirmTek, LLC. Macintosh, G5 and Mac are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.