SanDisk Announces HP-Branded CompactFlash Storage Cards for New HP OmniGo 120 Organizer Plus; HP Becomes First U.S. Computer Manufacturer to Sell CompactFlash Storage Cards for Palmtops and Organizers

Business Wire, Sept 3, 1996

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 3, 1996--SanDisk Corp. (NASDAQ: SNDK) announced today that Hewlett-Packard Co. will market HP-labeled CompactFlash(TM) (CF(TM)) storage cards from SanDisk Corp. with the HP OmniGo 120 Organizer Plus, the newest member of the HP OmniGo organizer line.

CompactFlash is the new, small, removable, matchbook-sized storage card developed by SanDisk that is emerging as a global standard for small form factor storage cards.

This marks the first time that a U.S.-based computer manufacturer will market CompactFlash for use in a handheld product. SanDisk officials expect numerous other manufacturers of mobile computer and organizers, digital cameras, digital audio recorders and other small, mobile electronic platforms also to start selling CompactFlash soon along with their products.

Kheng Joo Khaw, general manager of HP's Asia Pacific PC Division, said: "The HP OmniGo 120 Organizer Plus gives customers everything they need in a personal organizer. Now, with CompactFlash, HP, OmniGo 120 users have additional storage capacity for storing notes, extra-long contact lists, financial data and backup files."

Eli Harari, SanDisk CEO and president, said: "We have been working with HP for many years and are very pleased with their decision to adopt our CompactFlash cards for use in the innovative HP OmniGo 120 organizer. This smooth integration of products provides terrific ease-of-use for consumers."

The HP OmniGo 120 organizer features includes new holographic technology that illuminates the screen for a brighter display, built-in Pocket Quicken for managing personal finances, 1MB RAM and a Type II PC Card slot.

The unit is priced at $399. HP is offering the 2MB CompactFlash card and CF adapter for $199. The adapter allows the CF card to operate in any existing PCMCIA PC Card ATA slot.

CompactFlash cards are solid state (no moving parts) and have an operating shock rating of 2,000 Gs, equivalent to an eight-foot drop to the floor. They are non-volatile (no power is required to store data) and use power only when writing and reading, significantly extending the battery life of the HP OmniGo 120 Organizer Plus and other host systems.

CF, which weighs a half-ounce, has complete compatibility with other platforms including digital cameras, notebooks and desktop PCs.

SanDisk Corp. designs, manufactures and markets industry-standard, solid state data, image and audio storage products using proprietary, high-density flash memory and controller technology.

SanDisk has strategic alliances with Seagate Technology, Matsushita Electronic Corp., NEC Corp. and LG Semicon. Seagate holds a 25 percent equity stake in SanDisk. The company is based in Sunnyvale. -0-

Note to Editors: CompactFlash and CF are trademarks of SanDisk Corp.

SanDisk's Web site/home page address: http://www.sandisk.com.

Information about HP handheld products can be found on the World Wide Web at: http://www.hp.com/handheld.>CONTACT: SanDisk Corp., Sunnyvale

Nelson Chan, 408/542-0456

Bob Goligoski, 408/542-0463

COPYRIGHT 1996 Business Wire

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