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Tiqit eightythree to Make U.S. Debut -- Handheld Windows XP PC begins 'hands-on' tour
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., May 13, 2002 - Tiqit Computers announced that it is giving mobile technology users, media, and
analysts the opportunity to have a hands-on demonstration of fully-functioning pre-production models of the "eightythree" during its United States tour,
beginning May 14-16 at the Planet PDA technology show in Boston. The eightythree is the first handheld PC capable of running Windows XP or any other
desktop operating system. It debuted in March at CeBIT 2002 in Hannover, Germany. Tiqit estimates the eightythree will be available for purchase in Q4,
2002 at a price comparable to a laptop computer.
Tiqit's eightythree handheld computer is unique in its ability to run desktop operating systems such as Windows XP (or 2000/ME/98), Linux or UNIX.
Because of this, the Tiqit eightythree can utilize a much larger and more powerful range of application software than any other handheld in existence. Software
development time and expense for customized mobile enterprise applications is reduced or eliminated entirely. Corporations can save money and increase
reliability of a mobile deployment by consolidating handheld and desktop operating systems and software into a single platform. They can also reduce capital
expenditures by having fewer separate computing devices per employee and lower the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for these devices by virtue of the
simplified IT support.
"The eightythree is the logical next step in the evolution of the mobile PC," said Ian Blasch, CEO, Tiqit Computers. "It was designed to give mobile workers a
handheld device that could run desktop corporate software in the field, such as office applications, field force automation, or Enterprise Resource Planning.
Since it is a full PC running Windows XP and not an ordinary handheld, the eightythree frees the mobile enterprise from the need for a wireless carrier and
middleware server to access databases or run full- fledged applications on a handheld device."
Tiqit is demonstrating the eightythree at several locations around the US in the coming months. Some major upcoming appearances are: May 14-16 at the
Planet PDA technology show in Boston; May 19-22 at Go Mobile in Naples, Florida; and May 18-21 in New York City. More details about the eightythree's
tour schedule can be found on the company's web site, www.tiqit.com.
The eightythree's CPU is the National Semiconductor Geode SC2200 system-on-a-chip (SoC) at 300 MHz. This is coupled with 256 MB of RAM and a 10
GB hard drive. The 4" high-resolution TFT screen allows for viewing the complete Windows desktop in full color. While running any Windows OS, the
eightythree easily handles all the software applications typically used on a laptop PC, including Microsoft Office, Outlook e-mail with the ability to view
attachments such as PDF files, full Internet Explorer web browsing with plug-ins, digital audio and video playback, and other enterprise applications.
"National's Geode processor is ideally suited for a handheld product such as Tiqit's eightythree, where cost, size, heat and battery life are all important
considerations," said Jeff Waters, Director of the Consumer Access Business Unit at National Semiconductor. "Tiqit Computers has shown exceptional
innovation and technical execution with their design, and we look forward to supporting the eightythree through mass production."
At only 19 ounces and a mere 5.9" long by 4" wide by 1.1" thick, eightythree is far more portable than laptop PCs that run the same software. However, unlike
a laptop PC, the eightythree can also be used while standing and walking, as a result of its handheld form factor and user interface. For input, the eightythree
has a thumb keyboard, a touchstick mouse with left and right mouse buttons, and a touchscreen with natural handwriting recognition. The unit's high-density
lithium-ion battery allows more than four hours of constant use.
"Our goal was to engineer a practical and useful handheld device that incorporates all of the power, flexibility and features of a standard laptop PC, but in a
much smaller size," said Henry Berg, President, Tiqit Computers. "A great deal of design effort went into the physical user interface, as well as into optimizing
the eightythree's connectivity and expandability for the usage profile of the enterprise worker. As time and technology advances, Tiqit's x86-based handheld
designs will only continue to get smaller, lighter, and more powerful."
The eightythree has several standard interfaces for connectivity and expansion, including: a 16/32-bit PCMCIA (Cardbus) Type II PC Card slot (for wireless
networking), a Secure Digital (SD) slot, a USB connector, stereo headphones, and mono earbud with microphone. The eightythree's multi-function
high-density connector allows connections to a variety of external devices via customizable adapters: high-resolution video output for driving digital projectors
or external monitors, RS232-serial, an additional USB port, and stereo line in and line out.
Tiqit -- Tiny ubiQuitous Technology -- Computers is a highly-focused design firm dedicated to developing a new class of x86-based handheld computers that
meet today's enterprise mobile computing needs. As such, Tiqit is not selling the eightythree directly, but is currently seeking an OEM partnership for branding
and mass production of the device. Tiqit has significant experience in the field of handheld x86 devices, having built and tested a previous generation of the
eightythree from August 2000 to August 2001. The company's first product, the Matchbox PC, is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the
world's smallest webserver. http://www.tiqit.com . Tiqit may be contacted by phone to arrange a demonstration or request more information, at
650-802-8171 extension 8, or by email at eightythree@tiqit.com.
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