MEAD Meade Instruments Corp. (MM)

Meade Instruments Corp. (Nasdaq:MEAD), a leading designer and manufacturer of consumer optical products, including telescopes, binoculars and microscopes, today reported that the readers of Interstellarum Magazine, the leading astronomy magazine in Germany, awarded Meade's LX80 line of telescopes as the number one new product of 2012.

"We are very pleased to learn of this award," stated Steve Murdock, CEO of Meade Instruments Corp. "Germany is an important market for us and we have been very successful there over the years," continued Murdock. "I am pleased to see that our products continue to enjoy success in Germany and in the rest of Europe, due to our continued development of new and innovative products, like the LX80. The LX80 has been a valuable addition to our product line since its launch in April 2012," concluded Murdock. 

ABOUT MEADE INSTRUMENTS CORP.

Meade Instruments Corp. ("Meade") was founded in 1972 and is a leading designer and manufacturer of optical products including telescopes and accessories for the beginning to serious amateur astronomer. The Company distributes its products worldwide through a network of specialty retailers, mass merchandisers and domestic and foreign distributors. Additional information on Meade is available at www.meade.com.

CONTACT: John Elwood, CFO
         27 Hubble
         Irvine, CA 92618
         Phone: (949) 451-1450
         Fax: (949) 451-1460