Microsoft Extends Pen Computing to the Desktop

by | Jun 23, 1992 | Timeline 1992

The Original Press Release

Microsoft Extends Pen Computing to the Desktop; Manufacturers of Desktop Peripheral Devices to offer Microsoft Windows for Pen Computing

June 23, 1992 — Microsoft Tuesday announced the availability of a release of the extensions for the Windows operating system for Pen Computing that enables hardware vendors to provide a complete pen computing solution to desktop users of Microsoft Windows version 3.1.

Also Tuesday, 13 manufacturers of desktop peripheral devices announced that they will offer the Microsoft Windows operating system for Pen Computing with their products.

These devices, which connect directly to a PC, enable users to realize the benefits of pen computing while retaining the desktop functionality of their personal computers.

The use of desktop peripheral devices in conjunction with Windows for Pens illustrates how the extensibility of Windows enables the operating system to be utilized across a broad spectrum of computing hardware. Whether a desktop tablet, convertible laptop, pen-exclusive clipboard or large projection whiteboard, Windows for Pens extends the benefits of the Windows environment to new classes of multiple hardware platforms.

The release of Windows for Pens announced Tuesday is designed to enable widespread availability of the pen extensions to Windows 3.1. Hardware vendors will provide the pen extensions, including handwriting recognition, with their products. A simple-to-use installation program will allow users of Windows 3.1 on desktop computers to install the extensions and connect the devices to their desktops.

The manufacturers committed to offering Windows for Pens with their desktop peripheral devices include:

  • ACECAD Inc. The ACECAT 5″ x 5″ graphics digitizing tablet provides 1000 LPI resolution, proximity sensing support, absolute positioning and a two-button stylus pen in a compact unit intended to allow both developers and end users access to the pencentric features of handwriting and shape recognition, on-the-fly notetaking and free-hand drawing. Scheduled to be available immediately, the ACECAT 5″ x 5″ will include Windows 3.1 and the extensions for Windows for Pens.
  • Appoint. Gliffic Plus combines the versatility of a cordless high-dexterity mouse, the cordless pen capability for handwriting or pen computing and the added benefit of a tablet/mouse pad. MousePen Scribe is Appoint’s new educational/entertainment tool that requires no tablet or special surface. Both products are scheduled to be available in August 1992.
  • Arthur Dent Associates Inc. Immediately available from Arthur Dent Associates is an electrostatic digitizer kit that transforms a notebook computer into a pen convertible. The kit is user-installable and includes the digitizer glass, controller board for modem slot, pen and extensions for Windows for Pens.
  • Calcomp. DrawingBoard II is a series of high-performance, low-cost cordless graphics tablets that range in size from 7.5″ x 7.5″ to 44″ x 60″. DrawingPad is the most compact and affordable tablet in the DrawingBoard II line, while still providing cordless graphics capabilities. DisplayPad is an LCD tablet that utilizes a cordless electronic pen and digitizer technology to turn any standard desktop computer into a pen-based computer. All Calcomp products have been shipping since early 1992.
  • Deemax Technology Inc. (Omnius). The affordable TopPen is an 8.2″ x 8.2″ opaque tablet with a stylus pen that connects to a desktop computer via the serial port. TopPen utilizes opto-electronics to provide 300 DPI resolution for cursor steering and handwriting recognition. Scheduled to be available in August 1992, TopPen will include extensions for Windows for Pens.
  • FTG Data Systems. FTG’s light-pen-based Desktop Pen Computing Pack for Microsoft Windows turns an ordinary desktop PC into a full-function pen computer with direct onscreen access to gesture-based editing, freehand document annotation and handwriting recognition. Desktop Computing Pack works with existing CRT monitors, adding color to pen computing and is scheduled to be available in July 1992.
  • Inforite Corp. Inforite’s MicroPAD is a pressure-sensitive pad that allows the user to write, note, sign, draw or trace directly into the computer, without paper, using a plastic-tipped stylus, or with paper, using a pen or pencil. The MicroPAD is designed to supplement day-to-day computer operations that require handwritten data entry. MicroPAD is scheduled to be available in September 1992.
  • Kurta Corp. The Kurta Video Tablet is a cordless, magnetic pen system designed to be used with existing desktop, laptop and notebook computers to give the desktop computer user full pen-based computer input and control facilities. Offered with Windows for Pens, Video Tablet enables users to use the same hardware platform for graphics design, computer aided design, and pen-based computing. Scheduled availability of the Kurta Video Tablet is the fourth quarter of 1992.
  • Mouse Systems Corp. PenMate combines a sleek pen stylus with an active desktop work pad to turn a 286-, 386- or 486-based computer into a pen-based system. PenMate connects to the serial port of a desktop computer for easy “plug and play” use. In addition to the extensions for Windows for Pens, Mouse Systems will ship with the PenMate its own command strip utility software for easy interaction with frequently used Windows commands. PenMate is scheduled to be available in July 1992.
  • SMART Technologies Inc. The SMART 2000 Conferencing System allows interactive conferencing through the use of the touch-sensitive SMART Board electronic whiteboard. Connected to a PC, it serves as a means of inputting and annotating information to applications simultaneously in multiple sites. It can be used in a conference room for brainstorming; or in a conferencing environment from one SMART Board to another wherever a telephone connection can be made.  The SMART 2000 Conferencing System has been available since April 1992.
  • Summagraphics Corp. SummaScribe is a multi-functional tablet with a 6″ x 9″ active area, its own handwriting stylus and Windows 3.1 with the extensions for Windows for Pens. SummaScribe can be used as a mouse or pen-enabled tablet to provide accurate data input and recognition of letters, symbols and handwritten gestures within pen- based applications. SummaScribe is scheduled to be available in August 1992.
  • SuperScript Inc. The SuperScript II desktop display tablet is a pen-based peripheral unit that attaches to any IBM or compatible PC via the VGA card and cable. It is compact and lightweight enough to be held in the lap or carried around a fixed location, such as a hospital, loading dock, restaurant, office or laboratory. The SuperScript II has been shipping since June 1991.
  • Wacom. The new Wacom PL 100-V desktop pen-computing tablet contains a screen displaying 16 levels of gray at VGA resolution.  The PL 100-V is approximately 1/2″ thick with a footprint of just 9-1/9″ x 11″. For pen-based PC applications, an AT bus card allows use of an external VGA monitor. The tablet uses a lightweight, well- balanced pressure sensitive pen that operates with no connecting cord and requires no batteries. Wacom expects availability of the PL 100-V in the third quarter of 1992 and also plans to offer extensions for Windows for Pens with its lowest-cost SD-510 6″ x 9″ tablet later this year.

“These announcements are just the latest examples of how pen computing is enabling new and exciting opportunities for both manufacturers and end users,” said Greg Slyngstad, general manager of the Microsoft pen business unit. “The combination of Windows for Pens and desktop peripheral devices enables the uninitiated user to easily and inexpensively experiment with pen computing.”

“For the relatively inexpensive investment in a digitizing tablet, anyone can bring pen functionality to their desktop. From there, Windows for Pens provides the capability to either stay on the desktop or move into a more mobile setting.”

Enabling New Uses of the Pen

“The use of Windows for Pens opens up new computing solutions to the users of desktop computers, as well as to mobile professionals and field workers alike,” Slyngstad continued. “Now one common operating system seamlessly links all these users, while at the same time maximizing their existing hardware and Windows-based software and allowing them to further explore the promising future of pen computing.”

“We believe Windows for Pens, combined with the power of the MicroPAD, enables a broad range of electronic forms to be accessed from desktop computers,” said Lew Stadtmauer, product manager of Inforite, a division of Moore Business Forms. “Electronic information captured in the field can be processed or updated easily using a pen on the desktop.”

“I believe that pencentric techniques can be applied to almost any desktop application to make it easier and more familiar for the user,” said Vern Rayburn, chairman of the Slate Corp. “The release of Windows for Pens for the desktop opens new markets and opportunities for software developers.”

“CalComp’s digitizer products have been continually enhanced to bring digitizer technology to users outside its traditional markets of architects and engineers,” said Steve Schmenk, director of North American sales and marketing for CalComp’s Digitizer Product Group.  “Offering the extensions for Windows for Pens with our digitizers represents a significant step torward introducing our products to previously untapped markets.”

Windows for Pen Computing offers a roadmap to the future for hardware manufacturers.

“The desktop computer of the future may have an integrated flat panel display instead of an upright monitor,” said Slyngstad.  “While keyboards will not fade away, the pen will play an important role as the pointing and command device or choice on these machines.”

Windows for Pens builds on the Microsoft Windows operating system version 3.1.

The extensible design of Windows enables the integration of a special set of pen extensions that support pen innovations such as ink and gestures, and recognition of handwriting, shapes and special symbols.

Windows for Pens provides Windows 3.1 with more than 70 new pen functions to enable application developers to create exciting new pen applications. A robust platform for portable computers, Windows for Pens is a scalable system that will be able to run from ROM and use the battery-saving features of Advanced Power Management.

Windows for Pens is available only as an OEM product, distributed through licensed vendors with the sale of specific hardware products. Microsoft provides peripheral device OEMs with an installable version of Windows for Pens that is then included with the hardware and distributed through the standard hardware channels.

Licensed clipboard and convertible manufacturers pre-install Windows for Pens directly on their hardware prior to customer delivery. To date, more than 220 hardware and software companies have announced support of Windows for Pens.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) has become the worldwide leader in software products for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and professional use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.  -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Microsoft is a registered trademark and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corp. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp. All other product names mentioned herein may or may not be the trademarks, or registered trademarks, of their respective companies.

Windows for Pens Peripheral Device Manufacturers Contact List

The following list includes the contact names and numbers for the peripheral device manufactures identified in the preceding release:

ACECAD Inc.  Rami Shihadeh, 408/655-1900

Appoint Jon Frost, 800/448-1184

Arthur Dent Associates Inc. Ted Fligor, 508/858-3742

Calcomp Kristy Sager, 818/981-1520

Deemax Technology Inc. Daniel Lee, 310/921-8224

FTG Data Systems Donna Clark, 714/995-3900

Inforite Corp. Johanne Suen, 415/571-8766

Kurta Corp. Robert R. Goerner, 602/276-5533

Mouse Systems Corp. Jodi Guilbault, 408/727-0351

SMART Technologies Inc.  David A. Martin, 403/233-9333

Summagraphics Corp. Patrick Ward, 212/221-8000

Superscript Inc. Mary Feeley, 617/876-0787

Wacom Burt Holmes, 212/989-0207

CONTACT:
Microsoft Corp., Redmond, Wash.
Collins Hemingway or Marty Taucher, 206/882-8080
or
Waggener Edstrom, Portland, Ore.
Ray Berardinelli or Kim Wolfkill, 503/245-0905