MINNEAPOLIS, June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The high-speed Universal Serial Bus
(USB) used in Apple's iMac and G3 Macintosh computers was designed to make
peripheral devices work faster and install easier.  But many users with serial
devices -- modems, PDA docking stations, digital cameras, bar code scanners --
still require standard serial ports.
    Digi International Inc. (Nasdaq: DGII) introduced Macintosh compatibility
for its multiport USB-to-serial adapters today allowing iMac and G3 users to
continue to use their serial devices via the USB port.  The AccelePort(R) USB
adapters come in two Macintosh compatible versions: the AccelePort USB 2
provides two serial ports and one parallel printer port, while the AccelePort
USB 8 provides eight serial ports and two downstream USB ports.
    According to market research firm Dataquest Inc., virtually 100 percent of
new PCs will have USB by 2001, limiting port availability for existing serial
peripherals.  Digi's AccelePort USB serial port adapters eliminate this
problem for users of Windows 95, Windows 98, the upcoming Windows 2000, and
now MacOS 8.5.  Products start at a list price of US$199 and are available
from thousands of resellers worldwide.
    "USB technology should be about making things faster and easier, not more
expensive," said Don Elmore, Digi's USB product manager. "Digi's AccelePort
USB serial port adapters provide a way to get more life out of that $200 modem
and $500 digital camera. Macintosh users shouldn't have to rush out and buy
new USB peripherals because they just bought an iMac. There are a lot of
reliable serial devices out there that will continue to work great with Digi's
simple USB serial port adapter."
    The AccelePort USB 2 serial port adapter attaches to a PC's USB port,
providing two DB-9 asynchronous serial ports (EIA-232) and one DB-25 parallel
printer port. The ports support speeds up to 115 Kbps and do not require
additional I/O ports. The AccelePort USB 8 has eight DB-9 asynchronous serial
ports (EIA-232) and two downstream USB ports. Some Macintosh users may need to
purchase a Mac MDIN8-to-DB9 peripheral adapter, widely available for about
US$5.
    USB is a peripheral bus standard for connecting up to 127 peripherals to a
single computer at speeds of 12 Mbps. PCs equipped with USB allow computer
peripherals to be configured automatically as soon as they are physically
attached -- without the need to reboot or run setup -- for true plug and play.
It is automatically supported on MacOS 8.5, Windows 98 and the upcoming
Windows 2000.

    About Digi International
    Digi International, based in Minneapolis, is a leading worldwide provider
of voice and data communications hardware and software that delivers seamless
connectivity solutions for open systems, server-based remote access and LAN
markets.  The company markets its products through a global network of
distributors and resellers, system integrators and original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs). For more information, visit Digi's Web site at
http://www.digi.com or call 800-344-4273 (U.S.) or 612-912-3444
(International).
    Digi, the Digi logo and AccelePort are trademarks or registered trademarks
of Digi International Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other
brand names and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.

SOURCE  Digi International Inc.