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Intel Introduces StrongARM Products for PC Companions; HP Selects StrongARM Technology for Handheld Computing Products

Business Wire, Oct 7, 1998

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 7, 1998--Intel Corporation today announced the availability of a StrongARM microprocessor-based solution for the handheld PC market.

The new SA-1101 companion chip, in combination with the SA-1100 processor, provides a low-power, high-performance and highly integrated solution. This will enable OEMs to build handheld devices with all of the key attributes demanded by mobile handheld users -- low power for longer battery life, high performance to support advanced user interfaces and display features, and a compact design to enable lightweight devices.

"This announcement demonstrates Intel's commitment to invest in and expand on the success of StrongARM technology in new and emerging volume market segments such as handheld computing, as well as Intel's overall direction of providing products designed for specific market segments," said Bill Johnson, vice president of Intel's Computing Enhancement Group and general manager of the StrongARM and Bridges Division. According to IDC, the handheld companion market segment is expected to grow from 4.6 million units in 1998 to 14.1 million units worldwide in 2002.

Additionally today, Hewlett-Packard Company confirmed that it will use StrongARM products in its next generation of handheld computing products. "We are very pleased with the advantages that StrongARM technology brings to the next level of handheld computing," said Kheng-Joo Khaw, general manager, Asia Pacific Personal Computer Division, Hewlett-Packard. "The StrongARM solution delivers a great combination of power efficiency and high performance."

Consuming less than one third of a watt of power while operating at 190 MHz, the SA-1100 processor can enable longer battery life while providing increased functionality in handheld computing devices. Furthermore, when the SA-1100 processor is combined with the SA-1101 companion chip, the following additional functionality is provided:

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--   a Universal Serial Bus (USB) host controller that supports both
     low- and high-speed USB devices;
--   a dual-mode operation that allows storage and display of
     different data on an external high-resolution projector and a
     handheld screen simultaneously;
--   I/O functionality such as two PS/2 ports, an IEEE 1284 parallel
     port, a keyboard matrix interface and general purpose I/O.

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The StrongARM architecture is supported by several embedded operating systems, including Microsoft Windows CE, OS9, pSOS , Inferno, JavaOS, EPOC32 and VxWorks. This enables OEMs to choose the operating system that best meets their target market segments. The SA-1100 (190 MHz /1.5V) processor (product code/DE-S1100-EA) has been shipping in volume and is $33 in 10K units. The new SA-1101 companion chip (product code/ DE-S1101-AA) is available now and is $21 in 10K units.

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.> Note to Editors: Third party marks and brands are property of their respective holders.