Fujitsu Personal Systems Begins End-User Shipments of PoqetPad Pen-Based Computer
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — May 20, 1992 — Fujitsu Personal Systems, Inc. (previously Poqet Computer Corp.) Wednesday announced that shipment of production version of PoqetPad, the company's 1.2-pound, hand-held, pen-based computer, began on April 30.
Initial orders were delivered to vertical market software developers and to a number of large corporate accounts in the United States and Europe for immediate use in pilot tests of field applications developed to run on the PenRight software platform.
PoqetPad is the smallest, lightest, MS-DOS pen-based computer available and the only one powered by AA-size alkaline batteries. At a suggested single unit price of $1,995 (U.S.) it is also the only MS-DOS pen-based system priced at less than $2,000.
''Companies investigating pen-based computers today have relatively straightforward needs; systems must be easy to use, small and light enough to comfortably carry anywhere and able to run for a full work shift without changing batteries,'' said Ann Marie McGee, director of marketing for Fujitsu Personal Systems (FPS). ''PoqetPad is the only platform available from any manufacturer that meets all these requirements. And, since the systems shipping today support PenRight applications, developers familiar with that software platform can quickly add the differentiation of a super portable computer to their own field automation products.''
FPS has licensed the PenRight pen computer software platform, developed by GRiD Systems, Inc. and in use since 1989, as optional software that allows PoqetPad resellers to quickly port existing applications to the smaller, lighter machine. PoqetPad ships with the Nestor PenShell, with PoqetPad extensions, and NestorWriter handwriting recognition software.
Typical Applications
FPS has teamed with leading developers of software and systems integrators specializing in field automation to deliver systems for data collection and automated forms completion. This includes systems development staffs of large end-user organizations, who typically develop proprietary applications, and value-added partners at companies like PRC Engineering Systems, Inc., which provides field automation software and systems integration services for utility industry customers.
''As a provider of value-added solutions, we evaluate and select the hardware technology that best meets our customer's needs,'' said Barry Kallander, director of Midwest programs at PRC Engineering Systems, Inc. ''PoqetPad has excellent potential as a tool for collecting critical data on instrument readings and equipment status during operator rounds in power generation facilities and we are running pilot programs now for this application at a nuclear power plant.''
Strong International Interest
Initial shipments of PoqetPad to European customers have been particularly strong, indicating significant demand for pen systems in Common Market countries that have been underserved by other hardware suppliers.
''Our international sales and marketing organization was created in parallel with our U.S. operations, so we do not have to rely on distributors,'' said McGee. ''This strong representation in Europe, combined with a unique product offering, positions Fujitsu Personal Systems very well for growth in the rapidly expanding market.''
PoqetPad's IBM PC XT architecture and MS-DOS operating system provide a familiar development environment for programmers in value-added reseller (VAR) and corporate applications development groups. Additionally, the development tools available for creating pen-based MS-DOS applications have been proven in use for two years. These tools, including the Pen Pal Toolkit from Pen Pal Associates and padBase from R2Z, Inc., allow rapid development and deployment of applications without the need to learn complex programming languages.
The PoqetPad Software Developer Kit, including PoqetPad pen-based system, documentation and system engineering support from FPSI, is available at a one-time price of $2,995 (U.S.) For developer information, contact FPSI at (408) 764-93l0. End users can contact the company at (408) 764-9443 for more information.
Fujitsu Personal Systems, Inc., a member of the Fujitsu group of companies, provides a family of super portable personal computer systems products under the Poqet (pronounced ''pocket'') brand name. Headquartered in Santa Clara, FPSI has operations and offices in Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia and New York. The company also has international offices in France, England, Germany, The Netherlands, Spain and Italy.
NOTE: PoqetPad is a trademarket of Fujitsu Personal Systems, Inc. All other products and services mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
CONTACT:
Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc.
Ann Marie McGee, 408/764-9489
or
FS Communications
Matthew Schmidt, 415/691-1488