CHIPS and Logitech Deliver Low Cost Pen Computing Technology
SAN JOSE, Calif. — November 11, 1992 — CHIPS and Technologies Inc. and Logitech Inc. Wednesday announced both companies have combined several key technologies to create a low-cost pen-based computer hardware design which will be provided to computer OEMs.
The pen reference hardware design combines the Logitech PenMan digitizer system and Logitech Pen with PC/CHIP to create a 4 in. x 6 in. single-board pen computer. The display size is 256 x 320. Power is supplied by two AA batteries and expected battery life is greater than ten hours. The hardware design supports PCMCIA-compatible solid state storage from SunDisk Inc. and state of the art IDE drives such as Kitty Hawk by Hewlett-Packard.
Integrated software for the Pen Reference Design includes integrated BIOS support from both CHIPS and Phoenix Technologies. Operating system and application software support for the reference design is available from Communications Intelligence Corp., GeoWorks Inc. and GRiD Systems Corp.
Unlike existing pen solutions, the CHIPS/Logitech design enables a new class of lightweight, handheld pen computers. This is possible due to the high integration of PC/CHIP combined with Logitech's ability to combine both the digitizer and the CPU board in a single ultra-thin form factor. The result is a rugged, cost-effective monolithic pen computer system.
"With a materials cost of about $175, this joint effort with Logitech enables pen computing to break the $500 retail price barrier," said Gordon Campbell, CHIPS and Technologies president and chief executive officer. "When combined with the other hardware and software technologies of Communications Intelligence Corp., GRiD, GeoWorks and Phoenix, the result is a breakthrough in the emerging pencentric market."
Gazelle Graphics Systems, an affiliate of Logitech, was the driving force behind this joint venture. Gazelle President Tony Zank said, "This joint packaging of technologies enables the computer industry to rapidly proliferate pencentric computing. We have combined all the elements into a rugged self-contained unit for both vertical and horizontal applications."
The CHIPS/Logitech initiative is intended to provide computer manufacturers with all the elements required to build pen machines. CHIPS and Logitech will provide a complete hardware reference design including physical design resources, software and layout packages. It is expected that the reference design will evolve as computer OEMs modify the basic design for specific products.
According to Andrea Mirenda, CHIPS and Technologies product marketing manager, "The changing environment has given rise to an increasing need for pencentric machines. The development of the Pen Reference Design, in addition to the reference list being provided shows our continued commitment to being a contributor in the pen-based market."
CONTACT:
CHIPS and Technologies Inc., San Jose
Andrea Mirenda, 408/434-0600, ext. 4322
or
Logitech Inc., Fremont, Calif.
Jonathan Miller, 510/713-4494
or
Gazelle Graphics Systems, Simi Valley, Calif.
Tony Zank, 805/520-8282