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Handspring Press Release Archive
HANDSPRING TREO COMMUNICATOR AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG
Compact, powerful Treo 180 and Treo 180g now on shelves in SmarTone and select IT stores
HONG KONG - (January 29, 2002) - Handspring, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAND) today announced retail availability of the company's new compact communicator, the Treo 180 and 180g, to customers in Hong Kong. Treo is a compact communicator that combines the functions of a mobile phone and a handheld computer with Web browsing and text messaging. The announcement marks the first commercial availability of the product. Treo can be purchased for HKD 4380.00 at both SmarTone operator stores and select IT outlets.
"Shipping Treo in Hong Kong is a milestone for Handspring and a testament to the maturity of the wireless market in Asia," said Bill Holtzman, vice president of international for Handspring. "Treo is the beginning of a new era of wireless innovation and we are pleased to be working with such a world-class partner as SmarTone."
"We believe Treo will unlock the potential of mobile data communications services in Hong Kong," said Chris Lau, director of future services at SmarTone. "Treo supports our vision of providing personalized multimedia communications for our customers."
Treo is currently available in two versions: the Treo 180, featuring a built-in keyboard for text input, and the Treo 180g for those who prefer Graffiti text input. The product is designed for anyone who carries multiple mobile devices - phones, pagers or handheld computers - and is looking for a way to simplify communications with one powerful tool. Even for mobile professionals who rely only on cell phones, Treo brings a greater level of usability, convenience and value by adding a powerful organizer and advanced wireless data applications while maintaining the compact size and weight of a phone.
Handspring will continue to work with PacRim, a subsidiary of GrandTech, in Hong Kong to provide marketing support, technical service and local representation.
About Treo
Treo is a compact communicator that integrates the functions of a mobile phone and a handheld computer with Web browsing and text messaging. Treo is small, measuring 11 x 6.9 x 1.8 centimeters and weighing only 147 grams, but its flip-open design makes possible a large screen suitable for Web page viewing and text messaging. The Treo has a rechargeable battery, speaker, antenna, and four buttons: PhoneBook, Date Book Plus, short messaging service (SMS), and one that automatically launches Handspring's award-winning BlazerWeb microbrowser, which provides full, secure Web content. The steel-blue colored Treo features a rocker switch for easy one-handed navigation, speakerphone capability and compatibility to GPRS, a new industry standard that will optimize wireless data transfer once access to those networks becomes widely available.
Treo features the Palm OS, an integrated dual-band GSM radio module developed by Wavecom for voice and data communications (900/1800 MHz in Asia), 16 MB of memory, a fast 33 MHz Motorola Dragonball processor, a rechargeable lithium ion battery, a travel charger with HotSync cable, and a headset for hands-free phone use. The battery provides approximately 2.5 hours of talk time and 60 hours of standby time. Both new products have a 4-bit gray scale display rendering 160 x 160 pixels. Handspring will offer accessories including belt clips and car chargers.
Treo comes with Palm Desktop software to synchronize PIM data between your desktop and communicator. A software link to Microsoft Outlook is included for Windows users to synchronize data between Treo and Outlook. Third party software solutions (sold separately) are available to synchronize Treo with other desktop PIM software such as Notes, ACT! and Goldmine. Current Palm OS device users can easily update their Palm Desktop software and transfer their existing data to Treo with the included Handspring CD-ROM.
About Handspring
Handspring is a leading innovator in personal communications and handheld computing. The company develops, manufactures and markets the Treo family of communicators, the VisorTM family of expandable handheld computers, and client and server software for fast web access from handheld devices and mobile phones. Founded in 1998, the company established itself as an industry leader with its Springboardä platform, which provides a simple and easy method for hardware and software expansion. Today Handspring sells its Visor line of handheld computers and Springboard expansion modules and accessories at www.handspring.com and through select Internet and retail partners in the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the Middle East.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including those relating to: the ability of Handspring to effectively launch and market Treo in Asia; and the degree to which Treo will be accepted in mature wireless markets and in light of other innovative wireless products. Actual results may differ materially due to a number of factors including, among others: future economic conditions; consumer acceptance of and demand for Handspring's Treo communicator products; the availability of Treo communicator products in the US and internationally; the timing of the build-out of advanced wireless networks and the quality and scope of voice and data service coverage offered by wireless carriers; the degree to which wireless carriers will facilitate the successful introduction of Handspring's wireless products; and the rapid pace of technological change and competitive developments in the handheld computer and wireless communications industries. The matters discussed in this press release also involve risks and uncertainties, as described in the prospectuses filed by Handspring on December 19, 2001 with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Handspring assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release, except as otherwise required by applicable law.
Handspring, the Handspring logo, Treo, the Treo logo, Blazer, Visor and Springboard are trademarks of Handspring, Inc. and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. All other brand names are trademarks of their respective owners.
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