Toshiba and U.S. Robotics to Develop Toshiba Version of Pilot Handheld Computer
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — January 29, 1996 — At DEMO '96–The Palm Computing Division of U.S. Robotics, Inc. (NASDAQ:USRX) today announced a partnership with the Computer Systems Division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. (TAIS) under which Toshiba and U.S. Robotics will develop a version of Pilot, U.S. Robotics' new line of handheld electronic connected organizers.
Debuting as a Premiere Product today at the Demo '96 conference, the Pilot family of products is designed to meet the needs of PC users who want to manage their activities both remotely and on their desktops. A breakthrough value proposition for mainstream PC users, Pilot features shirt-pocket size, instant response, an elegant graphical user interface, a comprehensive suite of personal information management (PIM) software — including date book, address book, to-do list, calculator, and note-taking applications — along with a companion desktop PIM, connectivity software and an innovative desktop cradle.
"Pilot delivers powerful enhancements to the personal information management capabilities of notebook PCUs, and Toshiba is excited to be a partner in providing this technology," said Wiley J. Ehrke, director of communications and accessories marketing at Toshiba America's Computer Systems Division. "It will be a great complement to our broad line of Noteworthy accessories, all of which augment the value of owners' investments in their notebook computers."
The Toshiba version of Pilot will include customized hardware, software, and packaging which will tailor the device to address the needs of Toshiba's Noteworthy customers, and add Pilot's connected organizer capabilities to the broad line of Noteworthy products, which now includes XJACK data/fax modems, a complete line of memory upgrade modules, carrying cases in a variety of styles and sizes, pluggable Type III PC Card hard drives, and auto adapter power attachments.
"Toshiba's intention to add a version of Pilot to the Noteworthy line of products is further validation of Pilot's exceptional value as a companion to PCs of all kinds," said Donna Dubinsky, general manager of the Palm Computing Division of U.S. Robotics. "Toshiba is an industry leader and an excellent partner for U.S. Robotics as we work to deliver the benefits of handheld computing to mainstream PC users."
Toshiba's Noteworthy products are widely available in consumer and computer retail outlets, as well as through the Noteworthy catalog, distributed directly to millions of customers.
Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with approximate annual sales of $ 2 billion, TAIS is comprised of seven divisions, which manufacture and market a wide range of business and information- oriented products in the United States. Products include portable computers, disk drives, plain paper copiers, facsimile systems, electronic key telephones and PBX systems, and toner products.
TAIS is an independent operating company, owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of the $ 44.9 billion Toshiba Corporation (the world's 20th largest corporation), a world leader in high technology products with 134 major consolidated subsidiaries worldwide.
Recognized as a leading manufacturer in portable computing, the TAIS Computer Systems Division markets the broadest range of ultra-portable, notebook, mobile multimedia and pen computers in the industry. For dealer referral or product literature call: 800/334-3445.
The Palm Computing Division of U.S. Robotics is a leading developer of handheld computing systems. Headquartered in Los Altos, Calif., it designs, develops and markets handheld computing products that include the Palm Operating System, the Pilot family of connected organizers, personal information management applications, desktop to handheld computer connectivity software and Graffiti power writing technology.
U.S. Robotics is one of the world's leading suppliers of products and systems that provide access to information. The company designs, manufactures, markets and supports remote access servers, enterprise communications systems, desktop/mobile client products, modems and telephony products that connect computers and other equipment over analog, digital and switched cellular networks, enabling users to gain access to, manage and share data, fax and voice information. Its customers include Internet service providers, regional Bell operating companies and a wide range of other large corporations, businesses, institutions and individuals. The company's 1995 sales were $ 889.3 million.
Note to Editors: The following are trademarks of U.S. Robotics and its subsidiaries: U.S. Robotics, Graffiti, Palm Computing, and Pilot. All other brands and product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.
CONTACT:
Palm Computing Div.
Ed Colligan, 415/917-3330
[email protected]
or
A&R Partners
Morgan Littlefield, 415/363-0982 Ext. 23
[email protected]
or
Toshiba AIS
Wiley Ehrke, 714/583-3000
[email protected]
or
U.S. Robotics
C. David Hall, 847/982-5162