Sony Electronics Introduces Magic Link PIC-2000: Power and Flexibility for Complete Connectivity on the Go
SAN JOSE, Calif. — October 30, 1995 — Sony Electronics today announced the next product in its line of Magic Link personal intelligent communicators, the Magic Link PIC-2000.
The new Magic Link PIC-2000 is a powerful, flexible communication tool that includes a backlit screen, an industry-standard 14.4K modem, 2 MB memory, dual PCMCIA slots, an improved version of the Magic Cap operating system, and the option of wireless communication. The Magic Link PIC-2000 also broadens user access to a wide variety of online services and messaging systems for complete connectivity on the go.
"While the market has evolved in the last year, we have been learning from and responding to our customers," said Kaz Imai, president of Sony Electronics' Personal Information Company. "We've leveraged the latest in available technology and added those features that power users require to meet all of their communication needs."
With electronic messaging emerging as a vital business tool, the Magic Link PIC-2000 personal communicator offers a number of connectivity options. The PIC-2000 includes software for access to AT&T PersonaLink, a communications service featuring multimedia messaging enhanced by electronic intelligent assistants; America Online, one of the country's fastest growing online services; and OAG FlightLine, an airline information service for frequent travelers.
The recent introduction of third party software applications increases access to the Internet and existing e-mail systems from the MagicLink PIC-2000 personal communicator. Presto!Mail software from Active Paper allows Magic Link users to send and receive e-mail through the Internet via UNIX-based Internet mailboxes or service providers. With QuickLink from Mobile Products, customers can access their QuickMail e-mail accounts directly from their Magic Link communicators for complete mobility.
The PIC-2000 Magic Link personal communicator also offers a wireless connectivity option with the addition of a PC card cellular modem, cable and software. The combination of the modem and cable allows users to connect directly to some of the most popular cellular phones. Magic Link customers can then use their existing cellular phone accounts to send faxes, send and receive e-mail, and access the Internet from a Magic Link communicator anytime.
"Sony wanted to develop a wireless option that fit within our customers' existing wireless communication infrastructure: a solution that wouldn't require subscribing to a new service," said Alex Gruzen, director of marketing for Sony Electronics' Personal Information Company. "Our 'walk-away voice' wireless option allows our customers to use a cellular phone with the Magic Link communicator for e-mail and faxing, then disconnect it for regular phone use as they wish."
The Magic Link PIC-2000 features:
— backlit screen with on/off switch for battery savings;
— two PCMCIA Type II card slots for maximum flexibility;
— 2 MB RAM for twice as much memory and three times as much user storage area as the PIC-1000;
— 14.4 K bps modem, industry-standard modem technology;
— speakerphone capability for conference calls.
ROM applications include:
— Magic Cap version 1.5 operating system from General Magic;
— AT&T PersonaLink Services with enhanced mail-handling capabilities;
— OAG (Official Airline Guide) FlightLine;
— America Online for e-mail, stock quotes and news;
— spellcheck and game software
Sony's Magic Link personal intelligent communicator PIC-2000 carries a suggested retail price of $ 899.95 and will be available this fall. The Magic Link PIC-1000 personal communicator is currently available for a suggested retail price of $ 499.95 through major computer retail outlets or by calling 800/571-SONY.
Sony Personal Information Company, formed to develop products for the mobile communications market, has worldwide operations based in San Jose. Customer service and consumer product information for the family of Magic Link personal communicators are available seven days a week by calling Sony at 800/55-MAGIC. Service and support also are available to PC and Macintosh system users through Sony's Magic Link Information Center on America Online or on the Magic Link home page on the World Wide Web at http://www.sel.Sony.com/SEL/Magic/.
CONTACT:
Sony Electronics Inc.
Manny Vara, 408/955-5142
PersonaLink Services via Internet: [email protected]
or
Technology Solutions
Kristine Austin, 408/280-6000 x214
PersonaLink Services via Internet:
[email protected]