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Handspring Press Release Archive
HANDSPRING EXPANDS VISORPHONE SERVICE
VoiceStream Wireless and Powertel, Inc. Service Plans Now Available
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIF. (February 5, 2001) - Handspring, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAND) today announced expanded service activation for its VisorPhone Springboard expansion module through VoiceStream Wireless and Powertel, Inc., both leading GSM (Global Systems for Mobile Communications) wireless service providers in the United States. Handspring previously announced service activation in December with Cingular Wireless. Customers can now use their VisorPhone in GSM service areas in over 6,000 U.S. and Canadian cities and towns including New York, Dallas, Seattle and Atlanta.
The VisorPhone Springboard module is currently available through Handspring.com, and is expected in retail stores later this year. For customers who purchase VisorPhone simultaneously with service plan activation from one of Handspring's three GSM carriers, the cost of the module is U.S. $299. Visor handhelds are sold separately.
"VisorPhone brings a whole new mobile phone experience to Visor customers, and we are pleased to offer service plans now on a much broader basis throughout the country," said Ed Colligan, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Handspring. "We are excited to be working with wireless industry leaders like VoiceStream and Powertel to bring the power of voice communications to handheld computing."
ABOUT VISORPHONE
VisorPhone is a compact mobile phone module that extends slightly above and beyond the top and back of Visor itself. VisorPhone contains a battery, speaker, antenna, and three buttons: one to power VisorPhone on and off and two that allow a user to switch between voice and text messaging functions. As with all Springboard modules, all software needed to use VisorPhone is included in the module itself. Springboard modules are self-installing and self-de-installing and can run in place so there is no need to transfer software between Visor and the module. The process is automatic and fast. To use VisorPhone, a person simply inserts the module into the Springboard slot. When powered on, VisorPhone will automatically register to the GSM network. When the module is removed, software is automatically deinstalled, leaving Visor in a clean state. The Visor need not be turned on or off, or applications closed, to insert or remove VisorPhone.
VISORPHONE SERVICE PLANS
VisorPhone operates on the GSM standard, the most widely used digital phone standard in the world, and is designed to function exclusively with the Springboard expansion slot. The GSM standard allows users to receive wireless coverage in over 6,000 cities and towns in the U.S. and Canada. Handspring is now selling service plans from Cingular Wireless, Powertel, Inc. and VoiceStream Wireless. A one-stop shopping purchase and activation process is now available exclusively at Handspring.com allowing customers to easily choose the service plan that best fits their specific needs.
The service providers, not Handspring, determined pricing plans based on current competitive offerings. For a full list of pricing plans and options, simply type in your zip code at the following URL: http://www.handspring.com/products/visorphone and click on the "Buy it!" button to see what service is available in your area. Pricing is in line with plans offered for mobile phones today. Additional carrier information and activation details are provided at Handspring.com. Customers who already have a GSM service plan and wish to use VisorPhone with their existing plan can purchase VisorPhone without a service plan for U.S. $499 from Handspring.com. The SIM card technology afforded by the GSM standard allows customers to swap a SIM card back and forth between GSM-compatible phones, all the while maintaining the same phone number.
Visor handhelds are available from Handspring.com and major retail outlets including Amazon.com, Best Buy, CDW, CompUSA, DataVision, Fry's, J&R Computerworld, Office Max, Staples, Target Stores and Wal-Mart ranging in price from U.S. $149 to U.S. $449.
ABOUT HANDSPRING
Handspring is a leading innovator in the handheld computing industry. The company develops, manufactures and markets a family of expandable handheld computers for a broad range of markets and customers. Founded in 1998, Handspring's flagship technology is the Springboard platform that provides a simple and easy method for hardware and software expansion. Today Handspring sells its Visor line of handheld computers, along with a line of Springboard expansion modules and accessories, at Handspring.com and through select Internet and retail partners in Asia, Canada, Europe, Japan, the Middle East and the United States.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including those relating to: the future availability of VisorPhone in retail stores; Handspring's plans to work with wireless industry leaders to bring the power of voice communications to handheld computing; and the price of the service plans and scope of coverage offered by GSM carriers. Actual results may differ materially due to a number of factors including, among others: the retail channel's willingness to carry VisorPhone; consumer acceptance of the product; the degree to which GSM carriers will facilitate the successful introduction of VisorPhone and the pricing and terms of rate plans that they will offer for use with the product; and the rapid pace of technological change and competitive developments in the handheld computer and wireless Internet industries. The matters discussed in this press release also involve risks and uncertainties described in Handspring's most recent Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Handspring assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release.
Handspring, the Handspring logo, Visor, VisorPhone and Springboard are trademarks of Handspring, Inc. and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. All other brand and company names are trademarks of their respective owners.
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