New PalmTop: HP Introduces First Color Palm-Size PC Running Microsoft Windows CE - HP Jornada 420 - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Feb 8, 1999

Hewlett-Packard Company Monday introduced the HP Jornada 420 palm-size PC, the first Microsoft Windows CE-based palm-size PC with color and one of the first products of its type to have designed-in support for integrated paging services. The palm-size PC offers single-handed access to e-mail, personal information and real-time business data for on-the-go professionals.

"We've created the HP Jornada 420 palm-size PC because we believe it will have a positive impact on the way people manage their professional and personal lives," said Dennis Hamann, worldwide marketing manager of HP's Asia Pacific PC Division. "It allows mobile professionals to reference their vital information in and out of the office, and to keep in touch at all times." The new HP Jornada 420 is the first Windows CE palm-size PC to incorporate an easy-to-read, rich-color display. The brilliant, 256 color, 240 x 320 pixel screen improves readability dramatically over previous monochrome models. Its light weight (only 8.81 ounces) and compact size (5.1 inches x 3.2 inches x 0.9 inches) allows the HP Jornada 420 palm-size PC to travel easily in a pocket or purse. Its configurable start button accommodates quick, easy, single-handed use, and the transparent flip-up cover protects the screen from damage. It also connects easily to a desktop PC for automatic synchronization of personal information and e-mail. A desktop management interface (DMI) implementation makes it easy for administrators to configure and manage the HP Jornada 420 palm-size PC as a corporate asset. HP also includes important applications such as a backup and restore utility and a settings feature that lets users adjust the display according to environments. In addition, solutions such as a file viewer (Inso Corp.), mathematical and scientific problem solving tool (LandWare, Inc.), expense manager (On The Go Software, Inc.)(1), task switcher (BSQUARE Corp.), explorer utility (EZOS) and phone manager (Trio AB)(2) are shipped in-box. The HP Jornada 420 palm-size PC offers the familiarity of Windows-based applications through pre-installed palm-size PC software based on the Microsoft Windows CE operating system. "The HP Jornada 420 palm-size PC is an innovative product that takes advantage of the power and richness of the Windows CE operating system and the palm-size PC platform," said Roger Gulrajani, group product manager, Windows CE, Microsoft Corp. "Color support in these devices will enhance end users' overall experience with the palm-size PC platform." The HP Jornada 420 palm-size PC is one of the first products of its type to have designed-in support for the Motorola CF1350 FLEX Pager module utilizing CompactFlash technology(3), expected to be available through Motorola in mid-1999. In combination with this card, the HP Jornada 420 palm-size PC provides wireless communications capability with integrated paging services, including access to the latest local and world news, stocks and weather information, plus the ability to receive e-mail notification(3) all in the palm of the user's hand. U.S. Availability, Pricing and Support The HP Jornada 420 palm-size PC, expected to sell for an estimated U.S. street price of about $519(4) and backed by a one-year limited warranty, is expected to be available in North America in mid-February. Information about the HP Jornada 420 palm-size PC and its third-party solutions can be found at http://www.hp.com/jornada. Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global provider of computing, Internet and intranet solutions, services, communications products and measurement solutions, all of which are recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 124,600 employees and had revenue of $47.1 billion in its 1998 fiscal year. Information about HP, its products and the company's Year 2000 program can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com. (1) On The Go Software's Quicken ExpensAble is included in the U.S. only. (2) Trio PhoneManager 2.0 is included on CD-ROM in Europe and Asia Pacific. The software is downloadable from the Web for U.S. users. (3) Network- and subscription-dependent feature. Not available in all areas. (4) Prices may vary.