Atari Computer Announces $299 Portfolio Palmtop Computer and 14 New Software Packages
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — January 11, 1991 — The price of a palmtop personal computer reached a record low today when Atari Computer (AMEX: ATC) announced that the one-pound Portfolio Computer is now priced at $299.95 for the basic unit. During the announcement, which was made at the opening of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Atari officials also revealed that 14 new software programs have been developed for the Portfolio.
"For less than $300, people can now have the convenience of a personal organizer and the power of a personal computer in a compact system that easily fits in a coat pocket or a purse," said Sam Tramiel, Atari CEO.
Broad Applications
Atari's market reserach indicates that people in all walks of life are buying the Portfolio, including students, salespeople, executives and others. "They all want to have the power and capabilities of a computer with them wherever they go, but they don't want the bulk or inconvenience of a 10- to 15-pound laptop, or even a 4- to 8-pound notebook computer," Tramiel noted.
"The basic Portfolio has everything these people need to handle 80 percent of their day-to-day computer activities," Tramiel commented. The menu-driven built-in software that's supplied with thesystem includes a Lotus 1-2-3(R) file-compatible spreadsheet and a text editor, making it an invaluable tool for realtors, insurance agents and other professionals. It also includes personal organization tools such as a diary with a calendar, an appointment book, a phone directory, an address book and a paperless tape-editable calculator.
In addition to providing more standard software than comparably priced, limited capability personal organizers, the Portfolio is also sold with a full 128K of internal memory. There are also a number of options available to expand the capabilities of the Portfolio.
With an optional PC Card Drive, users can access software and data on their office PCs. Used with an optional Smart Parallel Interface, the PC Card Drive also simplifies the process of transferring work done on the Portfolio back to the office system. An optional DOS Utilities Card is also available that enables the Portfolio to share ASCII files with IBM(R) and IBM-compatible computer systems.
Special Applications Software
To meet the growing needs of Portfolio users, 14 new software programs have been developed for the Portfolio including a stock tracker, high-speed language translator, BASIC software compiler, personal finance, U.S. and international traveler's guides, spell checker/dictionary/thesaurus and a number of games. Tramiel added that a number of other software programs designed for specific applications are scheduled for introduction later this year.
"The compact size and sleek look of the Portofolio, as well as its broad capabilities and low cost make it easy for this powerful computer to quickly become an essential part of your daily routine," Tramiel stated. "It's an invaluable tool for carrying out computations or making notes when you're away from your desktop computer. The new software will make it even more useful," he continued.
Full Capabilities Computer
In addition to a standard 63-key QWERTY (typwriter-style) keyboard, the Porfolio features a supertwist LCD display with a 240 x 64 pixel graphics mode. Three standard "AA" batteries power the system for six to eight weeks of normal use.
Optional credit card-sized RAM Memory Cards are available in 32K for $79.95, 64K for $129.95 and 128K for $199.95. A PC Card Drive can be added for $99.95. For printer support or to upload and download data, a Smart Parallel Interface is available for $79.95. The optional RS-232 Serial Interface, at $49.95, provides an interface to connect modems and other peripherals. The DOS Utilities Card retails for $39.95. An AC Adapter is also available and lists for $9.95.
Editor's Note: For more information or a management interview during CES (Jan. 10-13), contact Andy Marken at Atari CES booth No. 12118, Pavilion C. Phone: 702-791-9250.
For immediate photo assistance, contact Dawn Harris, Phone: 408-296-3600.
CONTACT:
Andy Marken of Marken Communications, 408-296-3600 (office), 408-732-9589 (home), for Atari;
or
Greg Pratt of Atari, 408-745-2000