Handspring Press Release Archive
Handspring Expands Canadian Retail Channel
Handspring and Hartco to Expand Consumer Retail Channel for Popular Visor Handhelds; Blazer Web Browser for Palm OS-based Handhelds Available to Canadian Customers
TORONTO--May 18, 2001 - Handspring, Inc. (Nasdaq:HAND) today announced a distribution agreement with Hartco to extend the retail distribution of its popular line of Visor handheld computers and Springboard expansion modules. The company also announced that Blazer, its fast new web browser for Palm OS-based handhelds is available immediately to Canadian customers online through Handango and Palmgear for approximately $29.95 Canadian.
The retail agreement with Hartco will put Visor products in CompuCentre and CompuSmart retail stores. Handspring initiated distribution in Canada nine months ago when it began selling its products in Future Shop and The Business Depot Ltd., which operates across Canada as Staples, Business Depot, Staples Business Depot and Bureau en Gros. All new distribution partners will sell the full line of Visor handhelds, starting at an estimated retail price of $250 Canadian, as well as select Springboard modules and accessories.
"As a result of the Visor's easy configuration capability and plug-and-play expandability, these handhelds and Springboard expansion modules are increasingly appealing to consumers and businesses alike," said Jim Mandala, director of Canadian sales for Handspring, Inc. `"This announcement today marks the beginning of our expanded focus on the Canadian market, where we plan to continue adding new reseller partners and building a foundation for introducing wireless voice and data capabilities for our Visor customers."
The Blazer web browser operates on almost all Palm OS-based devices running version 3.1 or higher and offers users unparalleled speed and security in a full HTML, WML and cHTML compatible browser. Handspring partnered with Microsoft's MSN Mobile for Blazer's content and Google for its search engine. Blazer requires a Palm OS handheld, either a wireless or wire-line modem and an existing Internet Service Provider dial-up number for use. The browser offers 16-bit color capability and enhanced security from Certicom.
About Handspring, Inc.
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: Handspring's plans to expand sales in Canada, and the growing appeal and acceptance by of the Visor line of expandable handheld computers, modules and accessories. Actual results may differ materially due to a number of factors including, among others: the ability of resellers to market and sell Handspring products to the corporate marketplace; demand for Handspring's products; and the rapid pace of technological change and competitive developments in the handheld computer industry. 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.
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