Sharp Offers Two Upgrades for PI-7000 Expert Pad PDA Users; PCMCIA Memory Cards Also Introduced
MAHWAH, N.J. — April 29, 1994 — Two new, separate upgrades permit users of the Newton(TM)-based Expert Pad from Sharp Electronics Corporation to increase the performance of their units. The upgrades, to either version 1.3 or 1.05 software, will be available through August 15, 1994. "We are committed to helping Expert Pad users become more efficient and even more satisfied with their PDAs by offering affordable upgrades and useful memory cards," says Henry Idera, director of product planning, Information Systems Group, Sharp Electronics Corporation. "The evolution of the internal software and the availability of PCMCIA cards will enhance the Expert Pad's usefulness."
Version 1.3 Upgrade
The 1.3 upgrade offers improved handwriting recognition software as well as deferred and letter-by-letter recognition capabilities. Deferred recognition allows users to select from single words to entire handwritten notes for transformation into text at any time. The letter-by-letter recognition mode, which can be activated by selecting a designated icon at the bottom of the NotePad screen, enables the Expert Pad to recognize letters one by one for more accurate transformation into text. This function is useful when entering words likely to be absent from the Expert Pad's internal dictionary or user dictionary, such as person and city names.
Since the version 1.3 software requires installation of a new ROM chip, units must be shipped to a service center for a brief period. Users can order version 1.3 starting April 29 until August 15, 1994 by calling 1-800/BE-SHARP. For $49 plus $14.95 for shipping and handling, users can receive 1.3 software, an Expert Pad videotape offering useful operating tips and a new Expert Pad pen.
Version 1.05 Upgrade
The version 1.05 software-only upgrade is also available. This version is free of charge for users who do not require deferred or letter-by-letter recognition capabilities, but want increased recognition performance.
Users can obtain version 1.05 software by either downloading it from online services such as America Online(R) or CompuServe(R) with the Newton connection kit. The new software can also be ordered from Sharp on a PCMCIA card. The price of the PCMCIA card will be charged to the customers' credit card number and credited once the PCMCIA card is returned. The Expert Pad can also be updated by shipping it to a Sharp service center.
PCMCIA Memory Cards
In addition, customers can now purchase PCMCIA memory cards to back up information on the Expert Pad or exchange large files with other Newton-based PDA products. Cards can be ordered by calling Memory Cards Associates at 1-800/283-4080, ext. 870. Three memory cards are currently available in 1MB, 2MB and 4MB storage capacities for suggested retail prices of $120, $155 and $275, respectively.
For more information, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Consumer Business Products Group, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430 or call 1-800/BE-SHARP. Sharp Electronics Corporation, the $2.8 billion U.S. sales and marketing subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, has one of the industry's broadest lines of consumer, business and industrial electronics products. Sharp is the world leader in liquid crystal displays (LDCs), and uses this advanced technology in many of its more than 45 product lines including audio and video systems, microwave ovens, projection panels, electronic organizers, notebook computers and peripherals, copiers, facsimile machines and calculators. Headquartered in Mahwah, N.J., Sharp Electronics employs more than 2,200 people nationwide. Newton and the Lightbulb logo are trademarks of Apple Computer Inc. used under license. Newton Intelligence is a trademark of Apple Computer Inc.
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