NEC Computer Systems Division Heats up the Handheld Personal Computer Marketplace with New Pricing Strategy on the MobilePro 400 HPC
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — April 21, 1997 — Continuing its commitment to the handheld personal computer (HPC) market, NEC Computer Systems Division of Packard Bell NEC, Inc. announced a new estimated selling price of $ 499 on the MobilePro 400 HPC.
The move places the MobilePro 400 at the forefront of the price/performance category by offering an "out-of-the-box" solution. With this new pricing strategy, NEC provides the first 4MB HPC for under $ 500. Unlike most HPCs which include only the base unit price, the MobilePro 400 price includes all the components necessary for immediate use, as well as tools to set up communication between the HPC and a personal computer. Included in the new $ 499 estimated selling price are the following items:
— MobilePro 400 base unit
— 4 MB RAM
— 8 MB ROM
— MobilePro Cradle – "docking" cradle for instant
synchronization with workstation
— MobilePro AC adapter
— Serial cable
— 2 AA Alkaline batteries and backup battery
— CD-ROM with Windows CE Manager
— Microsoft Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Pocket Internet Explorer
and Inbox
— Manuals
On November 17, 1996, NEC became one of the first manufacturers to ship a HPC with Microsoft's Windows CE, a ground-breaking operating system that is based on the familiar, industry standard Windows 95 operating system. The MobilePro enables users to have a handheld device that can mirror their PC with Windows-based applications – Word, Excel, and Schedule+. Also packed into the MobilePro HPC is PIM functionality, e-mail and Internet access capabilities for additional productivity and effective use of time. The MobilePro HPC originally sold for an estimated selling price of $ 649.
"This is a strategic move on our part to accelerate growth in this market," said Sheldon Safir, senior director of Handheld Product for NEC Computer Systems Division. "We have been quite pleased with the response to our initial offering and look forward to delivering more ground-breaking products as the market continues to grow."
Outstanding Service and Support
The NEC MobilePro 400 offers MobileCare service, a standard, return-to-factory, one-year limited warranty on all parts and labor. In addition, upon registration, the customer receives one free year of MobileCare service, NEC's enhanced warranty service program. In the United States and Canada, MobileCare service includes a toll-free hot line to request service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as well as free overnight pickup and return and repair of the NEC MobilePro HPC within one business day after arrival at the service depot.
About NEC Computer Systems
NEC Computer Systems is a leading worldwide supplier of handheld, notebook, desktop computer systems and servers for the commercial and consumer markets. NEC Computer Systems is a division of Packard Bell NEC, Inc., one of the largest computer companies in the world. Packard Bell NEC headquarters are in Sacramento, Calif. For more information about NEC products, contact 1-888-306-4636 or WWW.NEC-Computers.COM.
CONTACT:
NEC Computer Systems Division
D.J.Anderson, 415/528-5306
[email protected]
or
Mojgan Khalili, 415/528-5513
[email protected]