New HP Palmtops Offer ‘Widest Screen’ Viewing for Microsoft Windows CE
March 12, 1997 — Hewlett-Packard today announced the new wide-screen HP 300LX (2MB) and HP 320LX (4MB) palmtop PCs designed and engineered for the Microsoft Windows CE platform. The HP 300 series palmtop PCs are the most recent addition to the award-winning line of HP handhelds. Both are the only Microsoft Windows CE-based palmtop PCs that feature a visibly different 640 x 240-pixel, full-width screen that allows for the display of information just as it appears on a desktop PC. The HP 300LX and HP 320LX will be available from May 1997 at an expected list price of GBP 375 and GBP 525 (list price ex VAT) respectively.
Both the HP 300LX and 320LX palmtop PCs offer exclusive advantages over other Windows CE-based handheld computers:
– HP printer-ready – this exclusive printer driver allows users to print Pocket Word documents and PIM directly from the palmtop PC, either via serial cable or Infrared
– Ergonomically-designed keyboard with well-spaced keys.
– Scalable-bold fonts ensure enhanced display readability.
– HP allows backup and restore of data from PC cards and CompactFlash cards
Furthermore, the HP 320LX model includes additional features to the HP 300LX such as:
– HPs combination of both built-in CompactFlash slot (2MB to 15MB RAM) and PC Card slot allow for communications and the ability to download data online.
– Fax capabilities (receive and send)
– Bright, energy-saving backlight on HP 320LX palmtop PC allows reading in dim light – without timed shut-off found in other handheld PCs.
– IrDA interface
– Docking cradle and AC adaptor
Microsoft Windows CE provides handheld-computer users a familiar interface by incorporating the look and feel of Windows 95 and NT 4.0, two of the most popular operating systems in use today. With Windows CE, there are no new applications to learn, because the Information Manager, Pocket Word, Pocket Excel and Pocket Internet Explorer function and look as they would in their desktop PC versions.
"At HP, we build palmtop PCs that meet the rigorous demands of busy mobile professionals," said Kirstine Mayall, HP Palmtop PCs Marketing Manager. ''We work with the best hardware and software partners to deliver complete handheld solutions. With its exclusive full width screen, the HP 300 series palmtop PCs is the one tool necessary to keep a mobile workforce organised, in touch and set up with familiar business applications''.
HP partners have added a full suite of fax, e-mail, storage and enhanced Contact Management features, including the following:
– SanDisk Corporation – CompactFlash card slot for the HP 320LX palmtop PC allows easy backup and data restore from CompactFlash cards.
– bsquare: bFAX Pro – a send-and-receive fax solution.
– River Run Software Group – Mail on the run! for access to corporate cc: Mail, Microsoft Mail, Lotus Notes Mail and Microsoft Exchange e-mail systems.
– Odyssey Computing, Inc. – Pocket On-Schedule, a simple-to-use but flexible contact manager with powerful PIM functions.
Many of these partner solutions have been established to provide users maximum benefit on HPs full-view screen only on the HP 300 series palmtop PCs. HP customers can choose their own industry standard communications hardware and network type, including dial-up telephone networks, GSM networks and wireless communications providers.
In the UK, Hewlett-Packard Limited has 5,400 employees and had a turnover of GBP 1.9 billion in 1996. Winners of the 1995 Queen's award for Export Achievement, HP's five UK R&D and manufacturing divisions exported GBP 703 million worth of telecommunications and microwave test products and systems, information storage products and fibre optic components in 1996, making it the UK's 26th largest exporter. In addition, over one-third of Hewlett-Packard Company's long-range global research is performed at Hewlett-Packard Laboratories in Bristol.
Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global manufacturer of computing, communications and measurement products and services recognised for excellence in quality and support. HP has 112,000 employees and had revenue of $38.4 billion in its 1996 fiscal year.
Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.
Windows is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.
Microsoft is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. Lotus is a U.S. registered trademark of Lotus Development Corp.
CONTACT:
Kirstine Mayall, HP Palmtop PCs Marketing
Manager
Tel: +44 (0)1344 365387
e-mail: [email protected]
Martin Hurren, HP PR Manager
Tel: +44 (0)1344 365381
e-mail: [email protected]
Christie Tang/Pamela Smith, PA Consulting Group
Tel: +44 (0)171 730 9000
e-mail: [email protected]
e-mail: [email protected]