Northstar Launches Easy-to-Use Portable Back-Up for Mobile Palm Users; Removable Flash Memory Drive Lets Palm Users Back-Up and Access Data on Demand

Business Wire, August 7, 2000

Business Editors and High-Tech Writers

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 7, 2000

Northstar Mobile(TM) Monday announced MemorySafe(TM), the first simple-to-use memory back-up solution for the Palm Computing(R) Platform.

MemorySafe enables mobile Palm(TM) users worldwide to back-up and access data instantly, on demand without connecting to a computer.

Similar to an external disk, MemorySafe plugs into the Hotsync(R) port of the Palm. This revolutionary new device is shipped with an innovative application that enables the user to quickly and easily copy files between the handheld and MemorySafe. After the 29k driver application is installed on the Palm, users can transfer individual files or back up the entire database.

"MemorySafe eliminates the risk of losing important data stored on the Palm handheld," said Declan O'Mahoney, Northstar's vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. "Now users can protect their Palm database while away from their home or office as simply as saving files to a disk. Even losing a Palm on the road doesn't have to be the disaster it has been in the past."

MemorySafe will be available in two versions: MemorySafe for m100(TM) mates with the m100 and is backward compatible with Palm III(TM) and Palm VII(TM), and MemorySafe for Palm V(TM) mates with the Palm V. Measuring roughly one square inch, and weighing a mere 0.35 ounces (10g), MemorySafe is available with 2MB or 8MB of flash memory. This new device requires very little power and no batteries.

MemorySafe is compatible with all PalmOS(R) versions from v2.04 up to and including v3.5.

The 2 MB version of MemorySafe for m100 will begin shipping in early September and can be purchased for $49.99 online at www.NorthstarMobile.com. The 8MB version of MemorySafe for m100, which will be sold for $64.99, and MemorySafe for Palm V will begin shipping to customers in October.

About Northstar

Northstar Mobile offers innovative Palm accessories that enable people to take full advantage of their Palm handheld computers. The company utilizes its design and manufacturing expertise to offer handheld products that simplify and enhance the Palm user's experience.

Northstar Mobile is a division of Northstar Systems Inc. Northstar's interconnect solutions are recognized worldwide for excellence in quality and innovation. With more than 2,000 employees worldwide, Northstar maintains facilities in the United States, China, Europe, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan. Northstar Mobile products are available through its Web site at www.NorthstarMobile.com.

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