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WirelessDevNet.com Press Release
palmOne Expands Reach of Bluetooth Technology-enabled Handhelds With Wi-Fi Connectivity
MILPITAS, Calif, Aug. 17 -- palmOne, Inc.
(Nasdaq: PLMO) is providing a second level of wireless connectivity for
Tungsten(TM) T3 and Zire(TM) 72 handheld users with the introduction of its
first Wi-Fi card. Developed specifically for handheld owners who want to
complement the integrated Bluetooth(R) technology solutions of the Zire 72 and
Tungsten T3 handhelds, the Wi-Fi card contains a built-in 802.11b radio that
lets users set up and quickly connect to the Internet anytime they are within
range of a Wi-Fi access point or hotspot.(1)
Today, people who need continuous connectivity get it through multiple
network solutions, depending on where they are and what they're trying to do.
While Bluetooth technology can wirelessly link devices within 30 feet of each
other, Wi-Fi can provide faster, reliable and secure wireless access to
business, personal or public networks within 100-300 feet of a wireless access
point.
Wi-Fi access points, or hotspots, are quickly becoming commonplace. What
started out as a technology for large businesses and business travelers is
increasingly available in coffee houses, libraries and parks. Today, there are
more than 10,000 public hotspots in the United States alone; that number is
likely to increase to 65,000 by 2008, according to IDC, a research firm in
Framingham, Mass.
"With the expansion of hotspots and Wi-Fi networks in homes and in
businesses, we felt it was important to offer our mobile handheld users
another compelling Wi-Fi solution," said Jim Schwabe, general manager of
palmOne accessories. "Our accessories business looks for opportunities to
enable our users with new, innovative solutions that will make a difference at
work and at home."
For customers requiring built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, palmOne offers the
Tungsten C handheld. This powerful PDA, designed to manage data-intensive
applications, incorporates a built-in keyboard and a 320 x 320 transflective
TFT display.
Four Easy Steps for Setting Up Wi-Fi on Tungsten T3 and Zire 72 Handhelds
The Wi-Fi card from palmOne makes connecting to the Internet easy by
allowing users to access a nearby Wi-Fi access point in four easy steps:
-- Insert the card into the SDIO slot of a Tungsten T3 or Zire 72
handheld.
-- Tap on the "Wi-Fi setup" icon on the home page.
-- The Wi-Fi setup application will search for available networks and
display the options it finds.
-- The user selects the network, and the device makes the connection.
(NOTE: If the network that the user wants doesn't appear on the list of
available networks, secure Wi-Fi networks also can be accessed by tapping
"Other" and entering the network name and encryption code, if necessary.)
Pricing and Availability
The $129 (estimated U.S. street price) Wi-Fi card from palmOne is
scheduled to be available from palmOne's online store
(http://store.palmone.com) and in retail stores in most countries worldwide in
early September.
About palmOne, Inc.
More information about palmOne, Inc. is available at
http://www.palmOne.com.
(1) An Internet service provider account, email account and subscription
may be required for Internet and email access. These services may need to be
purchased separately.
NOTE: palmOne, Tungsten and Zire are among the trademarks or registered
trademarks owned by or licensed to palmOne, Inc. or its subsidiaries. The
Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use
of such marks by palmOne, Inc. is under license. All other brand and product
names are or may be trademarks of, and are used to identify products or
services of, their respective owners.
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