GRiD Introduces First Pen-Based Computers with Backlit Displays and Hard Drives
NEW YORK — June 26, 1991 — GRiD Systems Corp., the only company shipping pen-based computers in North America and Europe, Wednesday introduced the GRiDPAD, the first pen-based computer with a hard disk drive and backlit display.
The computer was unveiled at the PC EXPO trade show.
GRiD also introduced the GRiDPAD, a second pen-based model with a backlit display that utilizes removable static RAM cards for software and data storage. Both computers started shipping this month.
The new backlit display, called a blue transflective display, is the first of its kind on any portable device. It has the preferred blue color made popular on many laptop computers but can be read outdoors with the backlight off.
GRiD President Alan Lefkof said: ''We are building upon our leadership position in the pen-based marketplace by extending GRiDPAD technology with increased storage and display options.
''With these two new GRiDPADs, we can deliver a truly unique and complete product line that will widen the markets for pen-based computers. Many of these markets will require a backlit display and/or hard disk storage.
''The backlit display can be used in all lighting conditions and is aimed at users such as police officers working at night or service maintenance crews working in adverse lighting situations.''
The hard disk provides storage for applications requiring database references. These solutions will appeal to sales people and other mobile professionals.
The GRiDPAD comes standard with a 20MB hard disk specifically designed and manufactured to meet the durability and performance requirements of handheld, pen-based systems used in the field. Both new computers utilize GRiD's MS-DOS based GRiDPen graphical user interface and are PC-compatible.
With the introduction of the original GRiDPAD in September 1989, GRiD brought PC-compatible computing power to a vast new market of users who spend most of their workday standing or walking. Pen-based computers require no keyboard because data and graphics are entered with a pen.
GRiDPAD's new transflective backlit screen utilizes either natural ambient light or backlighting. Users are able to adjust their displays and reduce power demands on the battery. This feature is particularly important to groups such as police officers, truck drivers and utility crews, who work in changing light conditions.
GRiD also developed a special ''stepped power management'' feature to reduce power consumption in hard disk units. GRiD's Card Cache memory feature contains industry standard Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) storage cards with the hard disk.
Frequently used applications and commands are in the Card Cache and are utilized without accessing the hard disk. This prolongs battery life. The GRiDPAD supports two RAM card slots for storage utilizing PCMCIA cards.
Ken Dulaney, GRiD's director of field products marketing, said: ''These two new GRiDPADs complement our current GRiDPAD product which delivers terrific performance and maximum battery life. Now we have a pen-based product line that seamlessly covers all the needs of pen-based computer users.''
The GRiDPAD comes standard with an NEC V20, 9.54MHz microprocessor, a 20MB hard drive, 2MB RAM, a transflective display and one RAM card slot. The unit, which weighs 4.5 pounds, is available immediately for $3,570.
The GRiDPAD comes standard with the same microprocessor and display, 2MB RAM and two RM card slots for up to 2MB of storage capacity. The computer, which weighs 4.5 pounds, is priced at $2,870 and is available immediately.
Options on both computers include a 2400bps modem and 2MB ROM for support of international languages.
The original 80C86-based GRiDPAD, which began shipping in January 1990, is still priced at $2,370 and comes standard with 1MB RAM and a reflective, high-contrast, CGA-compatible display.
GRiD designs, manufactures, markets and services laptop, pen-based and desktop computers, pen-based software development tools, electronic mail and networking systems. GRiD, which has a worldwide direct sales and support organization, demonstrates products at 50 GRiD Systems Centers and sells products through value-added resellers (VARs).
GRiD is located at 47211 Lakeview Blvd., Fremont, Calif., 94538. GRiD also has offices in the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Spain, Sweden, France, Belgium and Denmark.
GRiD is a wholly owned subsidary of Tandy Corp., Fort Worth, Texas. Tandy is a leading manufacturer and distributor of consumer electronics and computers. A New York Stock Exchange company, Tandy has sales in excess of $4.5 billion annually.
Note to Editors: GRiDPAD and GRiDPen are registered trademarks of GRiD Systems Corp. GRiD Card Cache is a trademark of GRiD Systems Corp.
CONTACT:
GRiD Systems Corp.
Bob Goligoski or Mike McGuire, 415/656-4700