Monotype Typefaces Featured in Psion’s new Series 5 Palmtop Computer
July 16, 1997 — UK based Psion recently launched their Series 5 palmtop computer featuring typefaces created by Monotype Typography Ltd. The Series 5 is the latest handheld computer from Psion, the volume leader in handheld computing and creator of the Organiser back in 1984.
Monotype was selected because of its ability to 'hand hint' fonts which optimise on-screen legibility; meeting the challenge of providing typefaces which are clear and easy to read in low resolution environments (such as computer screens). With a smaller display area than that found on most laptops, the font sizes on a Psion palmtop are also typically smaller and therefore maximum legibility is critical.
As Bill Batchelor, joint managing director of Psion Software, explains: "The bitmap typefaces from Monotype provide the clear, sharp, legible image we require. They are more suitable for our purposes compared with other fonts we tested."
There are two models of Psion's Series 5 (4MB and 8MB), both the physical size of a cheque book, weighing 12.5 ounces and running for up to 35 hours on two AA batteries. The screen resolution is the largest of any handheld device and allows users to view full page width documents, e-mail messages and Web pages without horizontal scrolling.
The Series 5 has a built-in converter library which makes it compatible with Microsoft Office, Lotus SmartSuite and Corel Office/WordPerfect suite. This PC integration software solution allows users to work with Windows 95 and Windows NT files on their Series 5 wherever they are in the world. Macintosh connectivity will also be available soon.
As Monotype's Sales and Marketing Director, Brenda Mottram, adds: "Monotype is known worldwide for providing font solutions to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM). Monotype supplies fonts found in all major operating systems such as: Windows 95, Windows NT, Windows CE, Solaris, OS/2 and Apple language kits as well as to printer manufacturers such as Hewlett Packard, LexMark and others.
"We are perfectly placed to provide the required cross-platform compatibility for companies offering connectivity for PCs and Macintosh. We are delighted to supply Psion, the World leader in handheld computing, with the font solution they require for their new Series 5."
For more information ring Monotype on 0800 371242.
About Monotype This year Monotype celebrates 100 years of supplying products of the highest quality to the publishing and computer industries. Monotype Typography has offices in Redhill, England and the USA. The company is the recognised leader in TrueType fonts, producing the highest quality fonts found in computers and printers throughout the world. The Monotype Classic Library is one of the finest and most comprehensive typeface collections and includes such well-known and widely-used typefaces as Monotype Baskerville, Bembo, Gill Sans, Arial, and Times New Roman).
About Psion Psion plc is an international group committed to leadership in the development, engineering, manufacture, marketing and distribution of handheld portable computers and software for the benefit of corporate and personal productivity.
The Group was founded in 1980 and addresses two principal markets, the corporate sector and the retail sector, with five major product ranges: Series 5; the Siena and Series 3 range; the Organiser; the HC and Workabout ranges of corporate handheld terminals plus data communication products, including PC card modems. Each of these families of handheld products incorporates a diversity of models, software and peripherals.
Monotype is the registered trademark of Monotype Typography. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders and are only used here for identification purposes.
CONTACT:
Linda Jorgenson, Marketing Manager
Tel: +44 (0)1737 765959
e-mail: [email protected]
or
Brenda Mottram, Sales and Marketing Director
Tel: +44 (0)1737 765959
e-mail: [email protected]