Targus Expands Its Line of Portable Keyboards With the New ThumbPad for the Palm V; Tiny Keyboard Provides Users with Unique New Data Entry Capability

Business Wire, Sept 10, 2001

Business/Technology Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 10, 2001

Targus Inc. today introduced the newest addition to its line of portable keyboards - the Targus ThumbPad(TM) Keyboard for the Palm(TM)V.

An ideal solution for mobile users looking for a lightweight and versatile portable keyboard, the ThumbPad is designed for typing short messages and notes as well as personal information management (PIM).

Weighing a mere 1.4 ounces, the ThumbPad is the smallest and lightest text-typing keyboard for PDAs on the market. The tiny keyboard clips directly onto the bottom of the PalmV's serial port, eliminating the need for an external stand or flat surface. Designed by Darfon Electronics, the ThumbPad is currently compatible with the PalmV handheld organizer and is expected to ship this fall for the Sony CLIE(TM), Compaq(TM) iPAQ(TM) Pocket PC, HandSpring(TM) Visor(TM) and other Palm handheld models.

"Targus is delighted to be at the forefront of today's innovative portable computing technologies," said John Sargent, Vice President of Communications, Targus. "The ThumbPad is geared towards users looking for a quick and efficient way to create text messages and short notes. We're excited to bring the new ThumbPad keyboard to market and provide the growing number of handheld users with easy data entry in a small, convenient package."

Additional ThumbPad features include built-in hot key functions for customized commands and low power consumption. Because the PalmV powers the ThumbPad, there is no need for external batteries.

The Targus ThumbPad Keyboard for the PalmV is available now for $39.95 through www.targus.com and www.port.com. The ThumbPad will also be available from Amazon.com, www.palmgear.com, Insight, CDW and soon from major retailers nationwide, including CompUSA, Best Buy, Fry's and Staples.

About Targus

Targus pioneered the notebook computer carrying case, partnering with corporations, retailers and OEMs to provide the best possible protection for notebook PCs. As the leading global supplier of portable solutions, Targus continues to define and shape the market for portable computing accessories. Targus has offices on every continent and distributes in over 145 countries. Targus products are available from the company's e-commerce sites, www.targus.com and www.port.com.

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