Poqet Computer Announces ‘Communicating Computer’ for Wireless Wide Area Network Access with The Poqet PC
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — September 30, 1991 — Poqet Computer Corp. Monday announced that it will manufacture and market "communicating computers" based on The Poqet PC.
The first of these products will use Motorola's RPM 400i radio modem for wireless wide area, packet data communications and electronic messaging over the ARDIS network in the United States and similar services in other countries.
The radio modem version of the Poqet Communicating Computer will allow real-time, two-way wireless data communications between field workers and host computer systems. Designed as a platform for integration by value-added resellers specializing in field automation, the system combines a full-function MS-DOS PC and wireless radio in a single package weighing just 2.2 pounds. The standard configuration of the product also contains a 9600 baud modem for large file transfers via a standard or cellular phone.
"Wireless communications with The Poqet PC will enable mobile workers to perform computer-based tasks anytime, anywhere," said Richard Lull, vice president of North American sales and marketing for Poqet.
"It represents the ideal portable computing solution for field service and utility company workers, sales people and other professionals who use computers in their daily work. With real time data communications, transactions of any type can be processed and confirmed instantly, with a significant reduction in paperwork and increased efficiency."
The Poqet Communicating Computer is a hardware platform, designed for integration with MS-DOS-based applications developed by VARs and systems integrators. Poqet will provide developer's kits, including prototype systems, in the fourth quarter of this year. Production units will begin shipping in the first quarter of 1992.
ARDIS, a partnership of IBM and Motorola, is a nationwide radio data communications service used by field workers to quickly access host computers services from virtually any location in the top 400 metropolitan areas of the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The Poqet PC is a true IBM PC XT-compatible computer that runs virtually all popular DOS software programs. It has a full 80-character by 25-line display, typewriter-style touch-type keyboard and exceeds the specifications of the standard IBM XT personal computer. Applications designed to work in the standard environment of MS-DOS 3.3 can readily be ported to the Poqet Communicating Computer.
The Poqet Communicating Computer measures 8.8 inches by 4.3 inches by 2.0 inches (22.3cm x 10.9cm x 5cm) and weighs 2.2 pounds (1.0 kg). The computer component of the system, which operates for weeks on two AA-size alkaline batteries, is based on a low-power, 80C88 microprocessor, has 640 KB of system RAM and two PC Card drives for storing data and applications. Storage cards used in these drives can hold up to four megabytes (MB) of data files and application programs.
The radio modem used in the Poqet Communicating Computer, based on Motorola's proven RF technology, can operate for up to eight hours of transmission time on its rechargeable NiCAD battery. It uses a Hayes compatible command set, allowing developers to quickly create the data communications portion of their MS-DOS based applications. Wireless data transmission rates of up to 4800 bits per second can be achieved.
The built-in 9600 baud cellular capable modem also allows users to communicate via a cellular phone (using an adaptor) or standard phone line via an RJ-11 jack. The modem supports V.42, V.42bis, V.32 and Fax protocols for data transmission, error control and compression.
Additionally, the system includes a standard RS-232 serial port and parallel port, allowing users to connect other computer peripheral devices.
The Poqet Communicating Computer will be sold by Poqet to software developers, VARs and system integrators for use with the ARDIS network. Internationally, the system will initially be available through Hutchinson Mobile Data Ltd., which is licensed to provide wireless network services in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, and Mobidata in Canada.
The estimated end-user cost of a single Poqet Communicating Computer, exclusive of software and other value added by Poqet's marketing partners, is less than $5,000.
Developer kits, including prototype systems, documentation and system engineering support from Poqet Computer Corp., will be available beginning in December 1991. For developer information and inquiries about the Poqet Partners program, contact Poqet at 408/764-9310.
Poqet (pronounced "pocket") Computer Corp., founded in 1988, is a member of the Fujitsu group of companies. Headquartered in Santa Clara, Poqet has operations and offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and New York. The company also has international offices in France, England, Germany, The Netherlands and Italy.
CONTACT:
Poqet Computer Corp., Santa Clara
Robert Owens, 408/764-9465
or
FS Communications
Matthew Schmidt, 415/691-1488