StepUp Computing Debuts DocuNote Tablet PC Comfortably Channel-Priced From Sub-$1,000

Market Wire, 20050229

StepUp Computing, LLC, a new company providing innovative, yet cost-effective alternative solution desktop, mobile and wireless computing products for specialty and vertical markets, today announced its flagship Tablet PC product, the sub-$1,000 DocuNote.

Supporting StepUp Computing's mission to bridge the gap between the unique hardware and software products that consumers and business customers want and the prices they can afford, DocuNote delivers full-function high-performance computing, mobile and wireless productivity, and pen computing in a convenient slate-style format. DocuNote is an ideal platform for solution providers to customize their vertical market applications, such as medical, legal, field sales, insurance, real estate, government or education.

StepUp Computing is now accepting orders for DocuNote from value-added resellers and system integrators with plans to begin shipping units in mid-December.

"DocuNote's Tablet PC form factor is ideally positioned between two popular computing platforms to truly enhance the productivity of today's growing universe of mobile workers," said Young Song, President and CEO of StepUp Computing. "With this new standard in mobile business computing, users benefit from the full computing functionality found in notebooks PCs with the portability and ultra lightweight efficiencies found in PDAs."

High-Performance Computing Power & Features

DocuNote is powered by a 667MHz Transmeta Crusoe TMS5600 processor, 256 MB memory, a 20GB hard drive, 4MB video memory with an external VGA port and USB connectivity for users' most demanding mobile applications. A built-in digital color camera, 16-bit stereo, microphone and dual speakers provide clear audio communications and video conferencing. A convenient stereo jack is also included for users who wish to connect external speakers. A high-capacity smart lithium polymer battery with approximately 4 to 5 hours capacity provides confidence in extended use environments.

Mobile & Wireless Productivity

DocuNote offers a small footprint configuration of 10 1/8 inches wide, 7 7/8 inches deep, a slim 1-inch high, and weighs approximately 2.5 lbs. (with battery). This comfortable and convenient slate format makes it easy to perform an array of computing tasks in virtually any location or environment.

Using DocuNote's 8.4 inch SVGA TFT full color LCD touch screen, users can move and click with a stylus pen or with fingertips. The unit includes pivot software for easily rotating the display between landscape and portrait modes to accommodate the user's most suitable working position, especially while reading or creating full page text documents and Internet surfing.

DocuNote includes three "hot" keys for launching a Web browser, a camera capture application for live images from the built-in digital camera, and one that the user can customize for launching their email program or other desired function. A four-way jog mouse and left-right buttons allow movement of the mouse cursor on the touch screen.

DocuNote not only features a built-in 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port, but also supports wireless networking to maximize the value of its flexibility in any computing environment. A PCMCIA slot provides unencumbered connectivity for wireless LANs, modems and other devices, while an IRDA port accommodates wireless keyboards, mice and other wireless accessories.

When combined with the optional leather carrying case, DocuNote becomes a convenient notebook replacement or personal workstation for use anywhere there is a level surface. This case unfolds and extends the back panel to stand on its own and attaches to DocuNote using a single connector. With a compact, but intelligently designed 77-key keyboard, users have easy access to any typical typing requirements.

Pen Computing

DocuNote is a fully designed Tablet PC for pen-based computing without a keyboard. The unit integrates true handwritten recognition and an easy-to-use full color touch screen interface for entering data. Users can either "type" or use a stylus pen on DocuNote's virtual on-screen keyboard. Similar to traditional pen and paper, the stylus is used on-screen to easily enter handwritten notes, make annotations to documents, create drawings or as a mouse for navigation. These handwritten mediums can then be easily integrated with text documents and shared with others anywhere through the built-in wireless communications.

Standard Operating Systems Compatibility

The current DocuNote model B1660 is fully compatible with Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP, Window 2000 Professional plus many applications including the Microsoft Office productivity suite and customized vertical market applications. Currently included with DocuNote are software drivers to support these Windows operating systems. StepUp Computing plans to release a DocuNote model for the Lindows 3.0 operating environment in Q'1 2003.

About StepUp Computing

Founded in September 2002, privately-held StepUp Computing, LLC was established by a former co-founder and executives of eMachines, Inc., partnering with leading Asian information technology manufacturers. StepUp Computing's mission is to bring to market innovative yet cost-effective alternative solution desktop, mobile and wireless computing products and services for small to mid-sized business users and consumers in targeted specialty and vertical markets. Utilizing a network of channel marketing programs and partners including value-added resellers, direct and online sales, and mass retail, StepUp Computing is bridging the gap between the unique hardware and software products that consumers and business customers want and the prices they can afford. The company utilizes state-of-the-art outsourced manufacturing efficiencies from Asian partners to ensure the highest product quality and reliability while preserving cost and value for the consumer.