Novatel Wireless Announces the Minstrel III for the Palm III Organizer and IBM WorkPad
SAN DIEGO — April 6, 1999 — Novatel Wireless Inc., a leading provider of wireless Internet solutions, today announced the new Minstrel III(TM) Wireless IP Modem. Minstrel III is a third-generation, miniaturized version of Novatel Wireless' family of Minstrel Wireless IP Modem cradles for Palm Computing(R) platform devices. The new Minstrel III boasts a smaller, lighter design than its predecessors and is optimized for Palm III(TM) connected organizers and IBM(TM) WorkPad(TM) PC Companions. Using the Wireless IP network, Minstrel III provides two-way access to corporate data, email and the Internet without the need for phone lines or a wired connection. Based on the Expedite(TM) radio module that Novatel Wireless announced earlier this year, the Minstrel III offers a highly portable design, weighing only 5.4 ounces and measuring a mere 5.5 inches.
In addition, Minstrel III is equipped with a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable battery pack which lasts up to 24 hours in sleep mode, offering mobile professionals better performance while away from the office. "When we launched the original Minstrel modem last year, it was a breakthrough product," said Bruce Gray, vice president of sales & marketing for Novatel Wireless. "In the year since then, we've listened to our customers and perfected the product according to their wireless data needs. The Minstrel III addresses the need for pocketable access to corporate data and the Internet." "Novatel Wireless has been a valued provider of mobile connectivity solutions for Palm Computing organizer users," said Gabriel Acosta-Lopez, director, platform services, Palm Computing Inc., a 3Com company.
"We are thrilled Novatel is extending their support to the hundreds of thousands of Palm III organizer and WorkPad users." Each Minstrel III has its own IP address and connects to the Internet via the Wireless IP Network. Wireless IP, also known as Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD), is a method of transmitting data in small packets of information over the existing cellular phone network. Wireless IP is a fully digital network overlay, providing all of the benefits of digital service, including lower error rates, lower costs, and widespread secured coverage. With a built-in TCP/IP stack, Minstrel III can be used for custom application development and is also compatible with third-party enterprise & productivity applications written for the Palm OS(TM).
Customers will need a Wireless IP service plan and an Internet Service Provider. Minstrel III is shipped with SmartCode Software's HandMail(TM) and HandWeb(TM) software, Minstrel(TM) Modem Manager software, a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable battery pack, AC adapter and user documentation. In addition, cigarette lighter adapters, extra batteries and AC adapters can be purchased separately. Minstrel III will be available from select Wireless IP carriers and resellers later this month, including Aether Technologies, Bell Atlantic Mobile, Global Wireless, and GoAmerica. Pricing varies by reseller and wireless service plan, but the suggested retail price is $ 369. For a complete list of resellers, visit www.novatelwireless.com/html/ordering.htm.
Novatel Wireless Inc. is a leading-edge wireless communications company headquartered in San Diego. The company designs and markets low-cost, turnkey wireless Internet solutions for both mobile and fixed environments. Novatel Wireless' product portfolio includes the Minstrel(TM) line of modem cradles, CONTACT(TM) Wireless H/PC, Sage(TM) Wireless IP Modem, and the NRM-6812 and Expedite(TM) OEM modules. Novatel Wireless is a privately held company. For more information on our products please visit the Novatel Wireless Web site: www.novatelwireless.com or call 888/888-9231. Minstrel and Minstrel IIII are trademarks of Novatel Wireless Inc. Palm Computing is a registered trademark and Palm III is a trademark of Palm Computing Inc., 3Com Corp. or its subsidiaries. All other product and company names herein are trademarks of their respective owners.
CONTACT:
Novatel Wireless Inc.
Mona Thomas, 619/320-8803
[email protected]
or
The Townsend Agency
Bridget Stachowski, 619/457-4888
[email protected]