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From: Andrea Butter[SMTP:andrea@palm.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 30, 1996 3:40 pm
To: leerogers@asu.edu
Subject: Pilot information
Thank you for your interest in Pilot. Following more detailed
information, which I hope answers your questions.
PILOT -- The Connected Organizer
DESCRIPTION: Pilot is a pocket sized organizer designed to connect
seamlessly with a Windows or Macintosh PC. This combination of
portability and one-touch connectivity provides a practical way to
carry personal data anywhere.
Pilot's integrated connectivity system consists of the following
components:
- Pocket organizer The Pilot pocket organizer fits in a shirt pocket
and contains a suite of personal information management (PIM)
applications. A touchscreen and physical buttons provide one-finger
data access. The compact Palm Connected Operating System switches
screens and launches applications instantly, yet is efficient enough
that two AAA batteries can power the device for several months. The
organizer co ntains a memory module that the user can replace to add
memory or upgrade the device. In addition, users will be able to
attach communications add-on products such as modems and pagers as
they becom e available.
- Cradle The pocket organizer drops into a docking station that is
connected to the desktop by a serial cable. Pressing the HotSync
button on the cradle automatically backs up and synchronizes data with
the desktop. Since the desktop synchronization software runs in the
background, the user does not need to manage the process on the
desktop and viewer. As a result, synchronizing data requires less
user interaction than printing a document.
- Pilot Desktop Software Pilot includes Windows or Macintosh
companion versions of the organizer PIM applications. The desktop
software serves as the gateway between Pilot and desktop applications.
For example, a mail merg e between the Pilot Address Book and
Microsoft Word is accomplished with a simple click and drag operation.
In addition, the Palm Connected OS architecture allows other desktop
software vendors to build links or "conduits," between Pilot and their
data formats.
DATA ENTRY OPTIONS With HotSync, the user can type in events or
import addresses on the desktop, and download them to Pilot at the
touch of a button. When the desktop is not available, the user can
use a stylus for te xt input, either with Palm's award winning
Graffiti" power writing technology or an on-screen keyboard.
TARGET CUSTOMER Pilot will appeal to PC users who have paper or
electronic organizers to manage their activities, but desire an
easier, more effective way to keep data in sync with their desktop
PCs.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
- Shirt pocket size -- Lets the user carry personal data anywhere
- One-touch synchronization -- Makes Pilot a mobile extension of the
desktop
- Fast, compact UI -- Provides instant data access and long battery
life
- Modular design -- Lets the user upgrade software, memory or add
peripherals - High value -- Gives the user a complete solution at an
affordable price
Third Party Applications And Support: Palm Computing provides tools
for creation of handheld applications as well as desktop conduits,
which are links to existing applications. Palm's Developer Kit ,
including libraries, sample source code, etc. will be available
broadly Q2 of 1996.
Handheld applications: Developers create applications for the
handheld device in C using Metrowerks development tools running on a
Macintosh.
Conduits: Developers can build data links between existing
applications and Pilot ROM applications using standard Windows Tools
including Visual C++ and Microsoft MFC.
SPECIFICATIONS
Size: 4 5/8" x 3 1/16" x 5/8" (L x W xH)
Weight: 5.5 oz.
Record capacity (approximate)
- Pilot 1000: 500 addresses, 1 year (600) of appointments, 100 To Do
items and 50 memos;
- Pilot 5000: 2500 addresses, 4 years (2400) of appointments,
500 to do items and 500 memos.
Battery life: 8-12 weeks on 2 AAA batteries
Display: 160 x 160 pixels
Serial connection: RS-232C 9-pin connector and 25-pin adapter
Pilot applications (ROM): Date Book, Address Book, To Do List, Memo
Pad, Calculator, Security, HotSync
Pilot Desktop applications: Date Book, Address Book, To Do List, Memo
Pad
Import and export formats: CSV, TSV and DBF
Windows compatibility: Windows 95, Windows 3.1x, Windows for Work
Groups
Macintosh compatibility:Macintosh II or higher or PowerPC; System
7.0 or later
PRELIMINARY PRICING
Pilot 1000 $299
Pilot 5000 $369
Pilot Memory Upgrade $149
AVAILABILITY
Pilot will be available starting in March at many computer dealers
and:
CompUSA
Computer City
Circuit City
Radio Shack
US version/International English: 3/96
French and German versions: 4/96
Macintosh HotSync version: 5/96