NEC Computer Systems Division Announces the MobilePro Handheld Personal Computer, a Lightweight Companion PC That Is Compatible With Microsoft Windows CE
LAS VEGAS — November 18, 1996 — Editor Highlights:
– NEC's MobilePro(TM) handheld personal computer (HPC) based on the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE platform is the first generation of handheld computers that is compatible with Windows-based desktop PC applications
– Weighing less than a pound, the NEC MobilePro HPC features a specially designed ergonomic keyboard answering the need for a truly "usable" compact keyboard with a highly tactile feel
– NEC's MobilePro HPC is equipped with the NEC Electronics' VR4101TM MIPS RISC CPU for added battery-savings, power and functionality
– MobilePro HPC offers instant synchronization with PC or laptop via the serial port and MobilePro Direct Connection cable or MobilePro Cradle
– The MobilePro HPC is a new category of product that has business application and PIM (Personal Information Management) functionality with Internet/Intranet and e-mail access capabilities
– Special promotion with ARDIS adds wireless communications for e-mail Internet, faxing and paging
– NEC MobilePro HPC is available now through commercial and retail channels
NEC Computer Systems Division today announced the lightweight MobilePro HPC, a companion PC that supports Microsoft's new Windows CE operating system platform and runs many Windows-based desktop PC applications.
NEC's MobilePro HPC offers a fully functional, "usable" keyboard and is the first portable companion that boasts the NEC Electronics VR4101 MIPS RISC CPU, a powerful, battery-saving processor.
Introduced in conjunction with the kickoff of Microsoft Windows CE, the NEC MobilePro HPC provides the mobile user with business applications, PIM functionality and Internet, corporate Intranet and e-mail capabilities. NEC designed the MobilePro HPC with quality and ease-of-use in mind by incorporating a compact QWERTY-keyboard that may be adjusted to multiple sensitivity levels and offering instant synchronization with the user's workstation via the serial port and a cable or cradle.
"The generation for viable handheld computers is finally here, thanks to the partnering efforts of Microsoft and NEC," said Sheldon Safir, director of marketing for NEC Computer Systems Division. "The combination of Microsoft Windows CE and NEC's MobilePro HPC ergonomic design brings the user a lightweight, time-saving companion with mobile communications capabilities."
Models, Pricing and Availability
NEC has announced two MobilePro HPC models which weigh .8-pounds each and measure 6.89 x 3.74 x 1.03-inches. The MobilePro HPC offers a variety of business applications, personal productivity applications, and PIM software, including: Microsoft Pocket Word, Microsoft Pocket Excel, Internet Explorer 2.0, e-mail, address book, calendar, ToDo List, calculator, world clock and Solitaire.
The MobilePro 200 base unit includes 8MB of ROM, 2MB of RAM, two AA batteries and MobilePro Direct Connection serial cable for easy connection to the user's workstation for an estimated selling price of $ 499. The MobilePro 400 base unit is equipped with 8MB of ROM, 4MB of RAM, MobilePro Cradle which automatically synchs with the workstation, MobilePro AC Adapter, two AA batteries and serial cable for an estimated selling price of $ 649.
To allow the exchange of data between the MobilePro HPC and host system, NEC will ship a Windows CE Manager software CD for installation on the desktop or notebook computer. NEC plans to ship both models to its nationwide network of authorized resellers and retailers in mid-November.
"Microsoft and NEC have had a long-term relationship and worked together closely on the design of this category of product," said Craig Mundie, senior vice president of the consumer platforms division at Microsoft. "The handheld PC is a new paradigm in computing, and NEC has taken a leadership role in bringing this latest technology to market."
MobilePro HPC Superior Quality and Design
During the development of the MobilePro, NEC ran extensive lab and field tests to overcome past limitations of small handheld devices. For example, the MobilePro keyboard was designed with true "usability" in mind. It is compact, yet contains a full complement of keys and has specially tested tactile features giving it the look and feel familiar to PC and laptop users. The keyboard is not integrated into the LCD display, making input easy and convenient for users.
NEC also considered the importance of portability to the mobile user and incorporated the NEC VR4101 CPU chip from NEC Electronics to boost the power and performance of the HPC while saving critical battery life. In addition to the battery management capability inherent in the NEC VR4101 and Microsoft Windows CE, NEC design teams made careful component selections for a battery-saving touch screen which is highly responsive to the touch of the stylus.
Easy Connectivity
Transferring data from a NEC MobilePro HPC to a notebook computer or a desktop PC requires a minimal learning curve, making it an ideal companion for any mobile professional. Instant synchronization occurs easily through a direct connect serial cable or cradle.
MobilePro Direct Connection is a serial cable that connects the unit to the workstation for information synchronization. The MobilePro Cradle, which can reside at the homebase computer, also provides instant synching with the workstation, via the serial port. A user may utilize the Mobile Direct Connection cable for convenience while traveling and the MobilePro Cradle when at homebase.
MobilePro HPC Options
A full range of industry-standard options are available for the MobilePro HPC. NEC will offer a modem cable for increased connectivity and, by end of the year, Nickel Metal Hydride batteries and charger for a rechargeable battery solution.
Special Promotion Offers Wireless Communications
Through a partnership with ARDIS, the largest United States wireless network service provider, NEC is offering a special wireless networking promotion that will give the NEC MobilePro HPC users the freedom to work virtually anywhere.
The wireless promotional package includes a Motorola Personal Messenger 100D wireless modem card, IntegraNet Mobility Services software and access to the ARDIS wireless data network and when used with the NEC MobilePro HPC, users may send and receive e-mail, browse the Internet, respond to faxes, send and receive pages, and be alerted via LED display or beeper to incoming messages.
The Motorola PC card modem runs off its own 9-volt battery, complementing the battery power of the MobilePro HPC.
For a limited time, users may take advantage of a 30-day trial offer by calling the toll-free number included in the MobilePro HPC.
About NEC Computer Systems Division
NEC Computers Systems is a leading worldwide supplier of notebook and desktop computer systems and servers for the commercial and consumer markets. NEC Computers Systems is a division of Packard Bell NEC, Inc., one of the largest computer companies in the world. Packard Bell NEC is headquartered in Sacramento, Calif. For more information, contact NEC at 800/456-9372 or WWW.NEC.COM.
NEC MobilePro(R) HPC Fact Sheet
Operating System, Software and Productivity Tools
– Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE operating system
– Microsoft Pocket Word
– Microsoft Pocket Excel
– Internet Explorer (2.0)
– E-Mail
– Address Book
– Calendar
– ToDo List
– Calculator
– World Clock
– Solitaire
Additional Desktop Applications
– CD-ROM based Windows CE Manager — desktop applications for synchronization, import/export
Specifications
– Size: 6.89 x 3.74 x 1.03 Inches
– Weight: 0.8 lb.
– CPU: NEC VR 4101
– Screen: 480 x 240 LCD Touch Screen
– Keyboard: QWERTY (Stylus included)
– Memory: MobilePro 200, 2 MB RAM, MobilePro 400, 4 MB RAM
– Battery: 2 AA Alkaline (Estimated 50 Hours)
– PCMCIA: Type 2 x 1 Slot (Modems, etc.)
– Interfaces: Serial, IrDA-standard infrared
– LED for notification
Models
NEC MobilePro 200
– MobilePro 200 Base Unit
– 8 MB ROM, 2 MB RAM
– MobilePro Direct Connection — Custom serial cable for connecting unit to workstation
– 2 AA Alkaline Batteries
– CD-ROM with Windows CE Manager
– Manuals
– $ 499 estimated selling price
NEC MobilePro 400
– MobilePro 400 Base Unit
– 8 MB ROM, 4 MB RAM
– MobilePro Cradle – "docking" cradle for instant synchronization with workstation
– MobilePro AC Adapter
– Serial Cable
– 2 AA Alkaline Batteries
– CD-ROM with Windows CE Manager and ISV Applications
– Manuals
– $ 649 estimated selling price
Options
– MobilePro AC Adapter
– MobilePro Direct Connection serial cable
– MobilePro Cradle
– NiMH Battery and Charger
– NiMH Battery
– Modem Cable
Note to Editors: Photos of the NEC MobilePro HPC are available by calling D.J. Anderson, 415/528-5306. Vr4101 is a trademark of NEC Electronics, Inc. Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other notations of TM or are trademarks of their respective firms.
CONTACT:
NEC Computer Systems
D.J. Anderson, 415/528-5306
[email protected]
or
Ketchum Public Relations
Gerry Baker, 714/842-4027
[email protected]