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Handspring Press Release Archive
HANDSPRING LAUNCHES TREO COMMUNICATOR IN AUSTRALIA
SYDNEY, Australia - April 16, 2002 - Handspring, Inc. (NASDAQ:
HAND), a leading innovator in handheld computing and personal communicators,
today launched the company's new integrated wireless products, the Treo
180 and 180g, in Australia. Treo is a compact communicator that combines
the functions of a mobile phone and a handheld computer with Web browsing
and text messaging.
"Treo provides an intuitive transition for wireless customers in
Australia from voice-only usage to the benefits of voice and data combined,"
said Bill Holtzman, vice president of International for Handspring. "We
intend to lead innovation in this category of products and work with local
network operators to provide a richer experience for mobile computing
and communications."
Treo 180 and 180g communicators have been certified for use on the Vodafone
and Optus networks in Australia. The communicators retail for AUD$1399
including GST and are available as low as AUD$229 with a service plan*.
Retailers will include Strathfield, Harvey Norman, Downtown Duty Free,
Optus, Vodafone outlets and other select dealers. Handspring will continue
to work with Brightpoint Australia to provide marketing support, technical
service and local representation in the market.
The Treo 180 communicator 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 mobile phones,
the Treo 180 communicator brings a greater level of usability, convenience
and value by adding a powerful organiser and advanced wireless data applications
while maintaining the compact size and weight of a phone.
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 centimetres 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 speaker, antenna, and
four buttons: PhoneBook, Date Book Plus, short messaging service (SMS),
and one that automatically launches Handspring's award-winning Blazer
web microbrowser, which provides full, secure Web content. SMS may require
a separate data plan from your carrier and web browsing requires Internet
access either through your carrier or an ISP, as well as a GSM wireless
plan that includes data services. The steel-blue coloured Treo features
a rocker switch for easy one-handed navigation, speakerphone capability
and compatibility to GPRS.
Treo features the Palm OS, an integrated dual-band GSM radio module for
voice and data communications (900/1800 MHz in Australia), 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
100 hours of standby time. Handspring will offer accessories including
belt clips and car chargers.
Treo comes with Palm Desktop software to synchronise PIM data between
your desktop and communicator. A software link to Microsoft Outlook is
included for Windows users to synchronise data between Treo and Outlook.
Third party software solutions (sold separately) are available to synchronise
Treo with other desktop PIM software such as Lotus 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, Inc. is a leading innovator in personal communications and
handheld computing. The company develops, manufactures and markets the
Treo family of communicators, the Visor 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 Springboard platform, which provides a
simple and easy method for hardware and software expansion. Today Handspring
sells its Treo communicator, 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 through its Australian distribution
channel and to expand that distribution channel, the timing and availability
of the GPRS software upgrade for Treo. Actual results may differ materially
due to a number of factors including, among others: future economic conditions;
Handspring's ability to develop and deliver innovative wireless communicator
products and to complete testing for those products with wireless carriers;
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; our dependence on third parties to
supply components for Treo; our ability to accurately forecast future
Treo demand; customer acceptance of Handspring's Treo communicator products;
the rapid pace of technological change and competitive developments in
the wireless communications industry. Reported results should not be considered
as an indication of future performance. 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, 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.
*For example - $229 purchase price including GST for a 24 month Optus
contract at $400 per month. Other terms and conditions apply.
Press Contacts:
Julie Staska
Handspring, Inc.
+1 650 230-5514
jstaska@handspring.com
Jody Lennon
Kinetics Pty Ltd
(02) 9976 6611
jody@kinetics.com.au
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