Palm Computing Brings PC and Macintosh Connectivity to Zoomer PDAs
LOS ALTOS, Calif. — September 27, 1993 — Palm Computing Monday announced PalmConnect, the complete set of tools to link GEOS-based Zoomer PDAs (Casio Z-7000 and Tandy Z-PDA) to IBM-compatible and Macintosh personal computers.
PalmConnect is the first product to allow users to back up and exchange information between Zoomers and PCs.
"PalmConnect is an essential part of the information management solution for Zoomer owners," said Donna Dubinsky, chief executive officer of Palm Computing. "With PalmConnect, mobile professionals can easily integrate the work they do on the road with the work they do in the office. If you have a Zoomer and a personal computer, you need PalmConnect."
PalmConnect has a number of key features that help integrate GEOS-based Zoomer PDAs and personal computers, including:
— PDA files can be backed up for security on the PC;
— Text can be typed on the PC for greatest efficiency, then transferred easily to the PDA;
— Address book information can be transferred easily from a PC-based PIM or database as well as from electronic organizers, such as a Casio B.O.S.S., to a Zoomer PDA;
— The Zoomer PDA software applications, PalmAddress, PalmSchedule and PalmNotes, run on personal computers with the familiar and intuitive Zoomer PDA interface. Based on GeoWorks' GEOS multi-window interface, PalmConnect lets users view several applications simultaneously on their personal computers;
— Palm Computing's patented technologies, including market-leading PalmPrint handwriting recognition software, BackspaceInk error correction software and PowerInk electronic ink technology, are also built into PalmConnect. This allows 100% compatibility of both ink and text between the PDA and the PC.
— For Windows-based PCs, PalmConnect can be launched from a Windows icon;
— A cable that can be used for IntelliLink and Pocket Quicken data transfer is included as part of the package.
— Also included are discount coupons for Intuit's Pocket Quicken-to-desktop file transfer software and IntelliLink's import/export software for exchanging data between Zoomer and a wide variety of desktop PIMs and databases.
In a typical application, a user could update calendar information and business notes on his or her office PC, then download that data into a Zoomer PDA to carry through the course of the day or on a business trip. Conversely, the user could fill the PDA with handwritten or typed information gathered from the field during a visit. Upon return to the office the user uploads the ink and text data to the PC for backup and reconciliation of information. The user can also view, enter and edit handwritten notes and even use deferred recognition on the PC.
The PalmConnect package contains all of the hardware and software necessary, including Zoomer "twin" software for the PC in both 3.5- and 5.25-inch diskette formats, PDA/PC file transfer software, PDA to PC serial (RS-232) cable and 9-pin to 25-pin serial interface converter.
PalmConnect for IBM-compatible personal computers has a suggested retail price of $129. The product is distributed through Tandy and Casio and will be available beginning next month at Radio Shack and other stores that carry the Zoomer PDA. The Macintosh version of PalmConnect will be available in early 1994. Pricing for this version has not been finalized.
System requirements include an IBM AT or 100% compatible system with MS-DOS or PC-DOS 3.3 or higher; 640K memory; a 4 MB hard disk; a VGA or Double Scan CGA video adapter card and monitor; a serial port and a Logitech-, Microsoft- or Mouse Systems-compatible mouse. PalmConnect supports most laser, ink jet and dot matrix printers.
Palm Computing is the leading independent software vendor in the growing field of Personal Digital Assistants. Headquartered in Los Altos, its products include personal information management applications, reference and calculation programs and the PalmPrint handwriting recognizer.
Note to Editors: Palm Computing, PalmConnect, PalmAddress, PalmSchedule, PalmNotes, PalmPrint, BackspaceInk and PowerInk are trademarks of Palm Computing. GEOS is a registered trademark of GeoWorks.
CONTACT:
Palm Computing, Los Altos
Ed Colligan, 415/949-9742
or
Eastwick Communications
Nancy Blake or Elaine Knechtel, 415/306-4192, 415/306-4191