Motorola Provides Microprocessor Solution for Pilot Connected Organizer
AUSTIN, Texas — January 29, 1996 — Motorola's Portable Systems Operation today announced its M68328 microprocessor will be used in Pilot, the new pocket-sized organizer from the Palm Computing Division of U.S. Robotics. The M68328, code-named DragonBall, was introduced in May 1995 as the first in a series of products from the Portable Systems Operation developed to address the full spectrum of requirements in the handheld computing market.
Motorola and U.S. Robotics recognize that today's mobile users need handheld systems that act as portable extensions of the desktop, and both companies are meeting these demands. Motorola's M68328 is a highly integrated microprocessor which, combined with U.S. Robotics' Palm Operating System technology, enables the design of low-cost, low-power, small form factor devices like Pilot to provide seamless connectivity between the user and the desktop.
As a member of the 68K Family of microprocessors, the M68328 device provides customers with an existing suite of development tools to substantially decrease overall design time. These tools include compilers, debuggers, emulators and other software tools. In addition, there is a comprehensive list of third party ISVs that provide application support for the M68328 processor. These companies include BeST Speech, Motorola Lexicus, Motorola Semiconductor Applications Software Group, Pen Power Technology Ltd. and Software Development Systems.
"We are pleased U.S. Robotics has selected DragonBall to power Pilot," said Art Miller, operations manager, Motorola's Portable Systems Operation. "By choosing the M68328 chip, they have shown their commitment to deliver the most cost-effective and compact battery- powered consumer electronic devices to the portable industry."
Motorola supports the Personal Systems Market with a range of products including DragonBall and the PowerPC(TM) based MPC821 microprocessor. The MPC821 processor features an embedded PowerPC core with a Communication Processor Module that supports embedded signal processing. It is also compatible with other members of the PowerPC family, providing customers with an extensive set of PowerPC developer tools currently shipping in the marketplace.
Pricing and Availability
The M68328 microprocessor is currently in production and is available for less than $15 in 10,000 unit quantities. The MPC821 microprocessor is currently in general sampling with production expected by the second quarter of 1996. The 25MHz version of the MPC821 microprocessor will be available for less than $70 in 10,000 production unit quantities. For sales information, please contact your local Motorola sales office.
Pilot will be available in March 1996 for $299. For more information, contact the Palm Computing Division of U.S. Robotics at 800- 881-7256, [email protected] or visit their website at www.usr.com/palm.
The Palm Computing Division of U.S. Robotics (Nasdaq: USRX) is a leading provider of handheld computing systems. Headquartered in Los Altos, Calif., it designs, develops and markets handheld computing products that include the Palm Operating System, the Pilot family of connected organizers, personal information management applications, desktop to handheld computer connectivity software and Graffiti power writing technology.
U.S. Robotics is one of the world's leading suppliers of products and systems that provide access to information. The company designs, manufactures, markets and supports remote access servers, enterprise communication systems, desktop/mobile client products and modems that connect computers and other equipment over analog, digital and switched cellular networks, enabling users to gain access to, manage and share data, fax and voice information. Its customers include Internet service providers, regional Bell operating companies, and a wide range of other large corporations, businesses, institutions and individuals. The company's 1995 sales were $889.3 million.
With 1995 worldwide sales of $8.5 billion, Motorola's Semiconductor Products Sector is the largest U.S.-based broad line supplier of semiconductor solutions. Motorola is one of the world's leading providers of wireless communications, semiconductors, and advanced electronic systems, components and services. Major equipment businesses include cellular telephone, two-way radio, paging and data communications, personal communications, automotive, defense and space electronics and computers. Motorola semiconductors power communication devices, computers and millions of other products. Motorola's 1995 sales were $27 billion.
CONTACT:
Desiree Russell of Cunningham Communication, Inc., 617-494-8202 or [email protected]
or
Marketing inquiries: Ken Edwards of Motorola 512-891-2142