GRiD Systems Introduces “Convertible” Notebook/Pen Computer
LAS VEGAS — November 16, 1992 — GRiD Systems Monday announced the industry's first pen-based notebook computer designed for people who want the freedom and capability to use today's latest PC software anywhere, for any application, anytime.
The GRiD Convertible is a combination notebook and pen computer that quickly converts into a state-of-the-art notebook computer from a state-of-the-art tablet computer. The GRiD Convertible can take full advantage of pen computing functions in its notebook configuration. The new system will be bundled with MS-DOS 5.0 and Microsoft Windows for Pens.
Bruce Walter, GRiD Systems president said: "Today, the standards in notebook computing changed forever. Our Convertible notebook with a pen interface will make notebook computers truly personal PCs by redefining convenience. It is a competitively priced machine that has every feature for today's mobile professional, including power, memory, light-weight, internal fax modem, pen computing, and the ability to run all today's most popular software."
The GRiD Convertible will run all MS-DOS and Windows software. Selected software applications recommended by GRiD as uniquely appropriate for the GRiD Convertible include mobile fax and receive, contact management, scheduling and organizing, personal information management, document notation, hand drawn graphics and note taking.
The introduction of the GRiD Convertible is being supported by Microsoft Corp., Slate Corp., and other major vendors of pen computing software in the retail, value-added reseller and GRiD sales channels.
William Gates, chairman and CEO, Microsoft Corp., said: "GRiD has created the most accessible portable notebook to date, by seamlessly integrating a pen with full function notebook computer capability. This system will bring pen computing into the mainstream and change the direction of notebook hardware."
Since the 1989 introduction of the GRiDPAD, the first successful pen computer, the systems have been marketed primarily for specialized vertical applications, such as claims reporting, data collection, and route accounting. The GRiD Convertible is designed to be used by everyone who currently uses a personal computer and for those needing a tablet computer to use while standing or walking, particularly those who also may need keyboard capabilities.
The GRiD Convertible is designed to be used unobtrusively by people in meetings as a tablet, as a powerful pen-enabled notebook for mobile professionals, or as a powerful desktop unit with pen capabilities for those who take their computers home occasionally.
"The GRiD Convertible is a viable system design that will really help create interest in the pen-based notebook category. It is the first in a category that we expect to become more viable and competitive in 1993,: said Bruce Stephen, director of PC hardware research, International Data Corp.
"The GRiD Convertible is the most versatile and mobile notebook available, designed to be used when workspace is at a premuim. Its unique tablet design allows it to be used as a pen computer or as a notebook. As a tablet, it is easy to use while standing, yet will quickly convert into a traaditional notebook computer for use on a desk, tray table or countertop," said Betsy Reagan, vice president of marketing for GRiD.
"For example, while standing in a phone booth talking on the phone, a sales representative, who needs information stored on the units hard disk drive, can quickly and easily navigate through data using the pen, with only one hand! Later that day, sitting at his desk and using the keyboard, that same user can compose a letter to a client," Reagan added.
The GRiD Convertible is a 25 megahertz, Intel386 SL notebook computer that comes standard with two megabytes of system RAM, expandable to 20 megabytes, a math coprocessor, a rugged magnesium casework, and a 125 megabyte hard disk drive. The GRiD Convertible has a PCMCIA version 2.0 compatible expansion slot, and is bundled with an attachable 3.5" 1.44 megabyte floppy drive.
The system also is shipped with a backlit VGA screen that is 640 x 480 pixels and measures 9.5" diagonally. The system features simultaneous video, so that live presentations and demonstrations can be performed via a color VGA monitor or video projection system. The GRiD Convertible also supports PenRight!, GRiD's DOS-based, pencentric graphical application platform.
To implement pen computing, the GRiD Convertible uses a high resolution, 400 dots per inch, Logitech digitizer board and cordless pen. The unit, which measures 11.5" x 9.3" x 1.5", weighs 5.5 pounds.
The keyboard is a 79-key industry standard QWERTY. GRiD offers two internal fax modems as options: a V.22bis 2400 BPS and a V.32bis 14,400 BPS, both with MNP level 2 – 4 or V.42 error correction and MNP level 5 or V.42bis data compression.
Commenting on the inclusion of the PCMCIA release 2 slot, PCMCIA Executive Director Brendan McGuire said, "GRiD Systems is on the leading edge of notebook computer makers in providing the recognized industry expansion capabilities which enable the addition of memory, software, I/O, and communications capabilities."
The GRiD Convertible is in production. It is available immediately through GRiD's direct sales force, and will be available in quantity through mass retail distribution channels in early 1993. Units also are shipping now to key customer sites in volume. The GRiD Convertible has a suggested retail price of $3495.
GRiD designs, manufactures, markets and services laptop, notebook, pen and multimedia computers, and pen-based software development tools. GRiD is located at 7 Village Circle, Westlake, Texas. GRiD's products are marketed worldwide by GRiD, Tandy GRiD Europe and by authorized GRiD distributors and resellers. GRiD Systems Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tandy Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, a leading manufacturer and distributor of consumer electronics and computers.
GRiD is a registered trademark of GRiD Systems Corp. GRiD Convertible,, GRiDPAD, and PenRight! are trademarks GRiD Systems Corp. MS-DOS and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
CONTACT:
GRiD Systems, Westlake, Texas
Kathy Truesdell, 817/491-5200