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Handspring Press Release Archive
HANDSPRING LAUNCHES VISOR™ IN ASIA
Company brings its award-winning expandable handheld computers to Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and other Asian countries
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIF. and HONG KONG (October 3, 2000) - Handspring, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAND) today announced it will begin selling its popular line of Visor™ expandable handheld computers and Springboard™ expansion modules in Asia. Customers in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan can now purchase the English versions of Visor and VisorDeluxe through leading retail stores in each country, along with Springboard expansion modules and Visor accessories. A Chinese-language bundled version of Visor and Visor Deluxe is anticipated to be available in Taiwan in October.
Distribution in Asia is the newest phase in Handspring's plans to build a strong global presence for its Visor family of handhelds and Springboard expansion modules. Through agreements with leading technology and consumer electronics distributor The GrandTech Group in Singapore and Taiwan and PacRim Technologies (a GrandTech company) in Hong Kong, the company will offer its products and select third-party Springboard modules through select retail outlets.
The company expects its channel partners to carry a variety of Springboard modules. Handspring's Backup module and 8 MB Flash module, and the EA Sports™ Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf game module are available immediately.
"Demand for our products in this region has been extraordinary and now we can move forward with a strong pan-Asia effort that will drive sales and marketing while supporting our resellers and customers," said Bill Holtzman, vice president, international for Handspring. "We believe that GrandTech and PacRim (A GrandTech Company) are very strong partners that have established strong track records in the region."
"We're glad to be working with Handspring to bring the benefits of Visor and the Springboard expansion platform to customers here. We recognize Handspring's ability to quickly build leadership, and plan to help them expand their presence here in our Asian markets," said Frankie Hsu, president of the GrandTech Group. "With our proven experience in this market, we are confident that we can work together with Handspring to help fuel the continued growth of the handheld computing market throughout Asia."
As an authorized distributor of Handspring products, the GrandTech Group will be responsible for all distribution, sales, service and support to the retail channels. It will also provide end-user support, service and repair for Handspring products.
Visor products will be available in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan starting at HK$ 1,560 (Visor),
SG$479 (Visor Deluxe) and TW$6,900 (Visor). Pricing may vary depending on region and store location. In Taiwan, Visor and Visor Deluxe will be bundled with a Chinese language overlay for the Palm OS.
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 by the creators of the world-leading Palm Computing platform, 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 handhelds at Handspring.com and through select Internet and retail partners in the U.S., Asia, Canada and Europe, along with a line of Springboard expansion modules and accessories.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including those relating to: the availability in October of a Chinese-language bundled version of Visor Deluxe; Handspring's plans to expand its market presence in Asia and globally; the development and availability of future Springboard modules (including voice recording and communication modules), and the willingness of Handspring's channel partners to carry these modules; and increasing demand and continuing growth in the handheld computer market. Actual results may differ materially due to a number of factors including, among others: the willingness of developers to localize modules; Handspring's success in completing distribution agreements with additional distributors and retailers; the ability of Handspring and its suppliers to meet product demand in light of component constraints; 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 Form 10-K and Form S-1 Registration Statement 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 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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