Philips Announces Velo 1 Hardware Upgrade Program in Preparation for Microsoft Windows CE 2.0 for the Handheld PC
CAMPBELL, Calif. — September 16, 1997 — The Philips Mobile Computing Group (NYSE: PHG), a division of Philips Electronics North America Corporation, today announced a Velo(TM)1 hardware upgrade, program for new 4 megabyte Velo 1 customers. Customers who buy a 4MB Velo 1 from today through December 31, 1997, are eligible to buy a 4MB DRAM Miniature Card for a special price of $49.99. Philips is offering this program for new Velo I customers who want more memory to run large applications and/or Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE 2.0, the upcoming operating system for handheld PCs.
"Due to our exclusive dual Miniature Card architecture, Velo 1 is the only handheld PC that can accommodate an operating system upgrade and the memory expansion required to take advantage of Windows CE 2.0, new features and run large applications," said Alan Soucy, general manager of Philips Mobile Computing Group. "To fully maximize the features of Windows CE 2.0, at least 8MB of memory is strongly recommended," Soucy added.
"The ability of Philips to add more system memory in preparation for Windows CE 2.0 makes Velo 1 an excellent choice for anyone who is ready to make a long-term investment in a handheld PC," said Harel Kodesh, general manager of Microsoft's Consumer Appliance Group. "The additional DRAM, Windows CE 2.0 and the built-in communications is a powerful combination for any on-the-go professional."
Pricing and Availability
The 4MB Velo 1 and the 4MB DRAM Miniature Cards are available in retail outlets throughout the United States. The, 4MB DRAM is available at the discounted price of $49.99, a savings of $130.00 off the estimated street price. The upgrade, program is effective today and extends through December 31, 1997. The 4MB Velo 1 has an estimated street price of $599.99 or $639.99 with the NiMH rechargeable battery pack. This offer is valid only when the 4MB Velo 1 and 4MB DRAM Miniature Card are bought together. For more information, consumers can visit the Philips Velo 1 web site (www.velol.com). Full program details will be available at the Velo 1 web site, at retail locations or by calling 888-FOR-VELO (888-367-8356).
The Velo 1
The Velo 1 handheld PC provides users with a lightweight, portable and familiar solution for mobile computing, communications and information management. It offers the best performance, most highly integrated communications, and superior expandability of all the handheld PCs based on Windows CE. All Velo bundles come complete with a Velo Dock, AC adapter, and built-in, low power software modern. The Philips Velo 1 has been recognized as the premier handheld PC. In head-to-head reviews with competitors, the Velo 1 stands out with the most integrated communications, superior expandability, and fastest performance. PC Magazine has declared the Velo 1 the "Editor's Choice" for handheld PCs; clnet considers it the "recommended," "must buy" product; and Windows Magazine has placed Velo 1 on their "WinList". Velo 1 has won the Innovations award at the 1997 Winter Consumer Electronics Show, BYTE Magazine's Best of Show award at Fall Comdex 1996, and is a 1997 Industrial Design Society Award winner.
The Company
The Philips Mobile Computing Group is the developer and distributor of the award-winning Philips Velo 1 handheld PC. With headquarters in Sunnyvale, California, the Mobile Computing Group is one of the first new initiatives in digital convergence from Philips Electronics. Philips Electronics is one of the world's largest consumer electronics companies with annual sales of $40 billion. Its products include: consumer electronics; lighting; components; semiconductors; communication systems; multimedia systems and software; domestic appliances; professional solutions; medical systems and personal care products. Philips Mobile Computing Group can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.velo1.com.
NOTE: Velo is either a registered trademark or trademark of Philips Electronics in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. All other trade names are either registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.
SOURCE: Philips Mobile Computing Group
CONTACT:
press,
Jennifer Muchow of Philips Electronics, 408-523-2839, or [email protected];
or
agency contact, Becky Ross of Brodeur Porter Novelli, 408-324-4S48, or [email protected], for Philips Electronics