National Semiconductor and Qubit Partner to Develop Wireless Web Tablet

Business Wire, Jan 6, 2000

Business Editors and High Tech Writers

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2000

Qubit Technology Selects

National's Geode(TM) WebPAD(TM)

Reference Platform for its Wireless Web Tablet Device

National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE:NSM) today announced that Qubit Technology has selected the National(R) Geode(TM) WebPAD(TM) reference platform as the enabling hardware for Qubit's new Wireless Web Tablet. Qubit is working with several organizations, such as financial institutions and telecommunications companies, who plan to bring these Internet access devices to market. Qubit expects the first Geode WebPAD-based Wireless Web Tablets to be available in the second quarter of 2000.

The Qubit Wireless Web Tablet delivers a full, rich experience of Internet exploration and communication on a portable, convenient tablet with a full-color touch screen. While developing its Web tablet, Qubit learned that it would need to use an x86-based solution in order to provide consumers with a no-compromise Internet experience. The x86 architecture supports most of the plug-ins and applications currently available on the Internet, as they are commonly written for PCs, which use the x86 architecture.

"We searched for an x86 solution that could deliver the performance, price point, low power consumption and product availability that Qubit needs to succeed in this market, and National's WebPAD platform was the clear standout," said David L. Armitage, president and CEO of Qubit Technology. "Furthermore, National's dedication to the information appliance market complements Qubit's long-term vision and strategy."

Qubit's Wireless Web Tablet

Qubit's Wireless Web Tablet presents an attractive value proposition to Internet service providers, telecommunications carriers, e-commerce businesses and other companies seeking to expand the Internet subscriber base, promote online services or increase brand awareness. The tablet offers a simple, intuitive means of accessing the Internet without the cost, complexity and hassles often associated with personal computers.

"Qubit has a business model that will succeed in the Internet appliance space. Companies can sell the hardware to consumers at an affordable price, without locking them into a lengthy ISP contract," said Mike Polacek, vice president of National's Information Appliance group. "Qubit has accomplished this by developing a proprietary user interface that guides traffic to content and service partner sites, which helps subsidize the cost of the device. I expect to see more and more of this type of model for information appliances, and Qubit is at the head of the pack here."

The Qubit Wireless Web Tablet delivers Internet access from anywhere in the home without the complications often associated with personal computers. Offering reliable and simple access to the Internet, e-mail services and a number of fundamental software applications, the Wireless Web Tablet is uniquely positioned to accelerate the delivery of content since it remains logged on, instead of dialing up and logging in for each use. About the size of a magazine, the lightweight tablet is powered by National's high performance Geode GXLV processor, which enables a dual mode operating environment comprised of the BeOS and Linux operating systems.

National's Geode WebPAD Platform

The Qubit Wireless Web Tablet is enabled by National's Geode WebPAD platform, a complete hardware and software reference design for a wireless personal Internet access device that is optimized for Internet browsing. Weighing less than three pounds, the WebPAD tablet is about the size of a standard 8 1/2x11-inch paper notebook and features a simple touch-screen that encourages user interaction. Its wireless design lets users, within a range of up to 500 feet from the tablet's base station, surf the Internet, participate in e-commerce and send e-mail. The WebPAD reference design is based on National's highly integrated Geode GXLV processor, a low-power x86-based chip that integrates sound, graphics, memory control and the PCI interface.

About Qubit Technology

Qubit Technology was founded in 1997 with the goal of developing new hardware and software platforms for access to online services from the home. David Armitage, president and CEO, believes that an "always on, always ready" Internet access device will profoundly impact usage and that a myriad of annuity and transaction-based revenue streams will emerge. Qubit is committed to facilitating rapid deployment of non-PC Internet access devices leveraging existing content aggregation and online service partners. Qubit filings in the near term will cover key aspects of its software and online services. The company's headquarters are located at 405 Urban Street, Suite 110, Lakewood, Colorado; Tel: (303) 716-7826; Fax: (303) 716-7833; Internet: http://www.qubit.net.

About National Semiconductor

National Semiconductor provides system-on-a-chip solutions for the information age. Combining real-world analog and state-of the-art digital technology, the company's chips lead many sectors of the personal computer, communications, and consumer markets. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $2 billion for its last fiscal year and currently has about 11,000 employees worldwide. Additional company and product information is available on the World Wide Web at www.national.com.