Palm Computing Ships PalmConnect; Product Offers PC Connectivity to Zoomer PDAs
LOS ALTOS — November 15, 1993 — Palm Computing Monday announced the shipment and broad distribution of PalmConnect, a complete set of tools to link GEOS-based Zoomer PDAs (Casio Z-7000 and Tandy Z-PDA) to IBM-compatible personal computers.
PalmConnect is the first product to allow users to back up and exchange information between Zoomers and PCs. The product is available nationwide through 4,825 Radio Shack and additional Casio retail outlets carrying the Zoomer PDA. PalmConnect can also be purchased directly from Palm Computing by calling 1-800-881-PALM.
"PalmConnect is the first tool that lets me really use my PC in conjunction with a PDA. It's not just a data back-up solution, but takes full advantage of the Zoomer by making my PC act as a docking station for the PDA," commented Dan Powers, open systems marketing specialist at IBM Corp.
"As the designer of the Zoomer software applications, Palm Computing is in a unique position to develop the most fully integrated PC-to-Zoomer connectivity solution," added Ed Colligan, Vice President of Marketing at Palm Computing.
PalmConnect includes a number of features to integrate GEOS-based Zoomer PDAs and personal computers:
— 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 imported easily from a PC-based PIM or database as well as from electronic organizers, such as 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.
— 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 providing 100 percent compatibility of both ink and text between the PDA and the PC; and
— For Windows-based PCs, PalmConnect can be launched from a Windows icon.
PalmConnect for IBM-compatible personal computers has a suggested retail price of $129. 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.
Palm Computing is the leading independent software vendor in the growing field of Personal Digital Assistants and palmtops. Headquartered in Los Altos, Calif., its products include personal information management applications, reference and calculation programs and the PalmPrint handwriting recognition software.
note to Editors: Palm Computing, PalmConnect, PalmAddress, PalmSchedule, PalmNotes, PalmPrint, BackspaceInk and PowerInk. are trademarks of Palm Computing. GEOS is a registered of GeoWorks.
CONTACT:
Palm Computing
Ed Colligan, 415/949-9742
Eastwick Communications
Nancy Blake/Elaine Knechtel, 415/306-4192, 415/306-4191