IBM PCradio Helps Mobile Workers Increase Productivity, Respond to Customers
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — August 13, 1991 — IBM announced plans to offer the 9075 PCradio(a), a notebook-size, ruggedized, battery- operated computer that lets users access and input information from remote locations. It connects to larger IBM computers via radio or cellular-based communications, or through conventional telephone lines by using integrated modems.
With IBM's PCradio, service technicians, for example, can instantly get technical repair information, order emergency parts or update customer records without leaving a job site. Police officers can access computer databases directly from their patrol cars to check license plate numbers or crime reports. Sales representatives who are away from their offices can give customers immediate information on product inventories or delivery status.
"PCradio gives mobile workers the electronic link they need to be efficient and responsive to their customers. It's designed for use by a broad range of industries, from transportation to public safety to utility companies," said Ralph W. Clark, IBM vice president and president of IBM's General and Public Sector Division.
Upon FCC approval, which is now pending, IBM will offer three models of the PCradio, depending on communications requirements — radio, cellular or telephone. The model for radio communications operates with the ARDIS(a) data radio network.
PCradio sends and receives facsimile copies via cellular communications networks and can receive facsimiles via telephone lines. On cellular communication networks it can be used as a telephone with an optional handset. It uses a 80C186 microprocessor and operates at either 5 or 10 MegaHertz (MHz).
Designed for use inside, outside, or in a moving vehicle, PCradio can withstand vibration, rain and extreme temperatures. All models weigh under 6.4 pounds and have a 79-key keyboard and an adjustable liquid crystal display. An integrated thermal printer that uses a 3 1/8-inch wide paper roll is optional.
DOS software application programs and other information are stored on removable, compact integrated circuit memory cards. A tone and flashing light indicate when the battery is low and a secondary battery maintains system memory until the primary battery is replaced. Serial, parallel, telephone and battery-charger ports are built in.
Availability of the PCradio is expected in the fourth quarter. (a) Indicates trademark of the International Business Machines Corporation. ARDIS is a partnership of IBM and Motorola.
IBM 9075 PCRADIO Standard Features
– 5 to 10 MegaHertz (MHz) 80C186 microprocessor
– Power management system with "doze," "sleep" and "suspend" modes to prolong battery life
– Integrated circuit (IC) memory card slot (follows JEIDA and PCMCIA recommendations) up to 2 megabytes (MB)
– 640 kilobytes (KB) system storage random access memory
– Internal lithium battery provides one year of memory back up support under normal use
– IBM DOS operating system
– Integrated communications modems via either wireless (at up to 4,800 bits per second (bps)) and landline networks (at up to 2,400 bps)
– Send or receive facsimile copies over cellular networks at up to 9,600 bps, and send only over landlines at 2,400 bps
– Ruggedized:
— Operates at temperatures of 0 to 50 degrees C. (32 to 122 degrees F.); can be stored at -20 to 60 degrees C. (-4 to 140 degrees F.)
— Water and dust resistant
– Weight: 5.25 to 6.4 pounds
– Dimensions: 10.5 in. by 2.6 in. by 8.4 in.
– Screen: 25 lines x 80 characters per line Options
– Telephone handset
– Integrated thermal printer that uses 3 1/8-inch paper roll
Three Models
– Model 001: Basic unit for conventional telephone communications.
– Model 002: Designed for Motorola-based radio networks, such as ARDIS(b). It also can be used with telephone communications networks. Includes a dual antenna and can be used indoors or outdoors.
– Model 003: Designed for cellular-based communications networks and includes a cellular modem. Model 003 can use a variety of protocols and can be used indoors or outdoors. It also can be used with telephone communications networks.
(b) ARDIS is a partnership of IBM and Motorola.
CONTACT:
IBM, White Plains
Colleen Brathwaite, (914) 642-5464