The Zoomer PDA combines the simplicity of pen and paper, the logical power of
a computer and the ability to connect to a world of information in a
pocket-sized device weighing less than one pound. It saves handwritten notes,
recognizes printing and offers a keyboard on demand to intuitively organize
your personal information and simplify complex calculations. It also
translates languages, retrieves reference material and has the ability to
connect to a PC. Unlike portable computers, it has long battery life, uses
off-the-shelf batteries and is much lighter to carry.
Casio and Tandy issued separate press releases today announcing availability
for their versions of the device. Several versions of the Zoomer PDA, all
compatible, will be available in October. All of the models are expected to
be priced at well under $1,000. "The Zoomer PDA is more than just a fancy
new gadget. It is perhaps the most significant consumer electronics product
introduced within the last two years, especially in terms of being a truly
useful product for all consumers, at the right price," said John V. Roach,
chairman and chief executive officer of Tandy Corporation.
The unique GEOS(R) operating system, developed by GeoWorks, powers all Zoomer
PDAs. GEOS is a powerful, DOS file compatible environment that can run on
extremely low power, thereby extending battery life. Its open architecture,
plus compatibility across multiple, widely distributed brands, will encourage
aggressive software development by third-party companies. The Zoomer logo
assures PDA buyers of compatibility across the entire category of products,
regardless of the brand name they purchase.
The many built-in applications include a date book, address book, note book,
and to-do list manager, all developed by Palm Computing. Palm's unique
approach to these essential applications means that they are elegant in
appearance, simple to use, and extremely powerful. Simple taps of the pen
perform functions like entering a name and address, searching for an
important piece of data, or entering an appointment and setting the reminder
alarm. By using pen and paper as a model, Palm Computing has created
software that mimics the way people work in the present, while bringing
personal organization into the future.
Other built-in applications come from America Online and Intuit (makers of
the popular Quicken1/8R3/8 computer software). America Online(R)
telecommunications software allows Zoomer PDA owners to access electronic
mail, up-to-date news, travel information, product support, stock quotes, and
even portfolio management. Pocket Quicken(TM) personal finance software by
Intuit offers money management features like expense by category, bank
account transaction capture, and tracking of cash, checks, and credit card
spending.
Additional built-in applications include a dictionary with spelling
verification, a thesaurus, home and world time clocks, a 26-language
translator, and a calculator. Also included is a form calculator that easily
solves complex equations by simply entering the variables. The Zoomer PDA
also includes three games, and reference sections for U.S. city and state
information, nutrition information, U.S. and international dialing codes,
and other useful data for people on-the-go.
Casio, Inc., Dover, N.J., with sales of over $500 million, is the U.S.
subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. Casio, Inc. is a
leading supplier of consumer electronic products to all major retail outlets
in the United States. Casio Computer Co., Ltd. is a member of the global
business community, and concentrates on planning and developing consumer
oriented products that serve to stimulate demand. Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
is a leading manufacturer of watches, calculators, business organizers,
musical keyboards, hand-held televisions, music systems, electronic cash
registers and other products.
Tandy Corporation is America's pre-eminent retailer of consumer electronics
and personal computers. Tandy's retail operations span more than 7,200
company-owned stores and dealer/franchise outlets nationwide. The company's
mission is to provide extraordinary value for the customer through
knowledgeable personnel, unparalleled product selection and availability, and
commitment to satisfaction. Tandy Corporation is headquartered in Fort Worth,
Texas, and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (Ticker Symbol "TAN").
CONTACT: Pat Carrasco, Casio, Inc., 201/361-5400, ext. 439 or Fran McGehee,
Tandy Corporation, 817/390-3487.
Transmitted: 93-06-03 17:07:00 EDTSubj: Palm Computing