Palm Computing Delivers Windows Connectivity Solution for HP Palmtop PCs
LOS ALTOS, Calif. — March 13, 1995 — Palm Computing today announced PalmConnect, a fast, easy-to-use Windows connectivity solution for Hewlett-Packard Company's palmtop PCs (100LX and 200LX).
Developed in cooperation with HP, PalmConnect features HotSync!, which automatically backs up and synchronizes the palmtop PC with a Windows desktop PC, updating both with the user's latest data.
"PalmConnect is an essential product for HP palmtop PC owners with Windows PCs," said Donna Dubinsky, president and CEO of Palm Computing. "Mobile professionals need a seamless, painless way to back up and synchronize their data. PalmConnect with HotSync! provides breakthrough functionality in this category. If you have an HP palmtop PC and a Windows desktop PC, you need PalmConnect."
"The HotSync! feature of PalmConnect makes it the best connectivity solution for any handheld computer," said Kheng-Joo Khaw, general manager of HP's Asia Pacific Personal Computing Division. "We're extremely excited Palm is offering a Windows compatible connectivity solution for the HP 100LX and 200LX palmtop PC users."
PalmConnect Includes Everything to Connect to the Desktop
PalmConnect has a number of key features that help integrate HP palmtop PCs and personal computers.
— With PalmConnect, back up and synchronization of your data are automatic. The user connects the palmtop via a serial cable and activates HotSync!. PalmConnect compares files and records on both devices and executes an intelligent update of the information so both the desktop PC and the palmtop have the latest information.
— PalmConnect is Microsoft Windows compatible. The user can cut and paste information to and from other Windows programs.
— PalmConnect allows the user to enter appointments, notes and address information using the full-size PC keyboard and then transfers that information to the palmtop during the next HotSync!.
— PalmConnect enables the user to import and export Phone Book data and Notes to and from other applications. The product supports Comma Separated Values (CSV), Tab Delimited and DBF III and IV file formats.
— PalmConnect prints all Appointments, Phone Book entries and Notes using the desktop PC's printer.
— PalmConnect includes LapLink Remote Access from Traveling Software which makes the palmtop PC look like a disk drive in the File Manager on your Windows PC. For manual file transfer and file management the user can click and drag files between the desktop PC and the palmtop PC.
— PalmConnect can support several palmtop users with a single PC, so one person can handle scheduling and updating for several others.
In a typical scenario, a user updates calendar information, contact information and business notes on his or her office PC, then downloads that data into a HP 200LX palmtop PC to carry through the course of the day or on a business trip. Or, the user could fill the palmtop with information gathered from the field during a visit. Upon return to the office the user runs HotSync! to backup and synchronize appointment or address information. Finally, PalmConnect also supports the ability of an administrator to keep a manager's schedule and contacts, and upon the manager's return to the of the office activating HotSync! will update the manager's palmtop PC.
The PalmConnect package contains all necessary hardware and software, including Windows PC connectivity software and a serial cable to connect the HP 100LX or 200LX palmtop PC to the desktop PC.
Price and Availability
PalmConnect for Windows compatible personal computers will be available in April and have a suggested retail price of $ 129. The product can be ordered by calling Palm Computing at 1-800-881-PALM (7256), through the EduCALC catalog and stores that carry the HP palmtop PCs, and through other select retailers. For those users who already own a HP palmtop PC serial cable, a software only version of PalmConnect is available for $ 99. A special upgrade version of PalmConnect is available for users who have already purchased the DOS-based connectivity pack from HP. Owners of the HP Connectivity Pack can upgrade to PalmConnect for only $ 49. This offer is available until July 31, 1995, and proof of HP Connectivity Pack purchase is necessary.
System requirements are: a personal computer with a 386 processor or better; Windows version 3.1 or later; 4 megabytes of RAM; 4 megabytes of hard disk space; one free serial port and an HP 100LX or 200LX palmtop PC.
Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global manufacturer of computing, communications and measurement products and services recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 98,200 employees and had revenue of $ 25 billion in its 1994 fiscal year.
Palm Computing is the leading independent provider of application software for consumer focused handheld computers. Headquartered in Los Altos, Calif., its products include personal information management applications, desktop to handheld computer connectivity software and Graffiti power writing technology.
Note to editors: Palm Computing, the Palm Logo, Graffiti, PalmConnect and HotSync! are trademarks of Palm Computing Inc.
CONTACT:
Palm Computing
Ed Colligan, 415/917-3330, ed@palm.com
Cathy Cain, 415/917-3331, cathy@palm.com Copithorne & Bellows for HP
Karen Gordon, 415/975-2215