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Sony Turns Up the Volume On Handheld Entertainment With CLIE
Next Generation CLIE(TM)Handheld is the First Palm OS(R)-Based Product to Offer an
Integrated MP3 Player and High Resolution Color Screen. Look for 320x320 resolution, a 33MHz processor, and loads of bundled software.
 On May 1, Sony Electronics unveiled its second generation CLIE (pronounced klee-AY)
handheld, marking the first time a Palm-Powered(TM) handheld will offer an embedded
digital audio player and a high-resolution (320 x 320 pixels) color screen.
Drawing from Sony's expertise in the personal audio, digital display and handheld
categories, the newly designed CLIE PEG-N710C handheld delivers a rich multimedia
experience while retaining all of the easy-to-use functionality of the Palm(R) operating
system.
According to Sony, the new handheld will be available at retailers nationwide in June for less than $500. The
product can be pre-ordered at www.sonystyle.com/clie.
"Never before has something designed for the hand so excited the eyes and ears," said Russell Paik, vice president of
handheld marketing at Sony Electronics. "The high-resolution color screen delivers amazing clarity and crispness to your
images and fonts, while the embedded digital audio player belts out your favorite tunes without the need for an add-on
audio module. And because it operates on the industry standard Palm OS, the new CLIE handheld allows you to check
your calendar or address book quickly and easily."
Integrated Audio Player Built on Sony Expertise
To enable users access to their personal library of legacy and downloaded copyright-protected content, the CLIE
PEG-N710C handheld plays both native MP3 and encoded-ATRAC3 audio files. The unit reads digital audio files
directly from the supplied 8MB Memory Stick(R) removable media, freeing up the internal 8MB (7MB available) of
memory for standard personal digital assistant (PDA) applications, such as address book, memo and calendar. With the
recently announced 128MB Memory Stick media, users can download or transfer up to four hours of digital audio content
on a single stick. Available Magic Gate(TM) Memory Stick media records and stores secure ATRAC3 and native MP3
digital music files.
"When designing the next generation CLIE handheld, we sat down and listened to what our customers wanted in a
personal entertainment organizer," Paik said. "In doing so, we implemented all that we had learned in the personal audio
category thus far, and brought a feature to a Palm-based device that was previously thought impossible."
Taking further design cues from Sony's personal audio devices, the CLIE PEG-N710C handheld comes equipped with
the headband-free w.ear(TM) headphones and an in-line remote controller, which provides access to audio functions
while the device is tucked away in a purse or pocket.
Also new is the incorporation of a "Hold" button. When activated, this feature turns off the LCD screen while still
playing audio, preserving battery life.
320 x 320-pixel resolution
Sony's CLIE PEG-N710C handheld is the first Palm OS-based device that offers a color screen with 320 x 320-pixel resolution. The improved resolution not only enhances text clarity, but also renders photo-quality images. With the supplied
PictureGear(TM) Pocket application, users can view high-resolution images of friends and family with minimal pixelation
around the edges or discernable grid lines.
The new handheld also supports existing Palm OS-based applications running on standard 160 x 160-pixel resolution.
These applications will appear just as they do on standard Palm OS-based devices.
As with digital audio content, the CLIE PEG-N710C handheld reads digital images optimized by the PictureGear
Pocket application directly from the Memory Stick removable media card.
To ensure that lighting circumstance does not diminish the viewing experience, the new handheld utilizes a front-lit
reflective TFT screen. In low-light conditions, the front lights illuminate the screen and, in direct sunlight, the reflective
screen (with front light off) utilizes natural lighting to optimize outdoor viewing.
Generation CLIÉ TM Handheld is the First Palm OS®-Based Product to Offer an
Integrated MP3 Player and High Resolution Color Screen.
Jog Dial Enhancement
Last year, Sony introduced the popular Jog Dial(TM) navigator on the current CLIE PEG-S300 handheld, which
allows for single-hand, scroll-and-select menu navigation in supporting applications. With the new second-generation
product, Sony has added a "Back" button that allows for incremental back screen searches. Located directly below the
Jog Dial navigator, the new "Back" button offers users even quicker on-the-go access to personal information.
Something For Handheld Developers
Sony's third-party developer's Web site (http://www.us.sonypdadev.com) provides the tools and documentation
required for individual and corporate programmers building applications unique to Sony's Memory Stick media, Jog Dial
navigator with "Back" button, and high-resolution screen. The CLIE handheld developers program currently has 5,000
registered developers working to create compelling hardware and software applications for both the first and
second-generation CLIE handhelds.
Memory Stick Media: A Network That's Millions of Users Strong
After just over two years, Memory Stick media has grown from concept to market acceptance. It is already being
enjoyed by some 10 million users worldwide. By 2003, a projected 100 million users will be linking, sharing, connecting
and enjoying Memory Stick digital media.
Worldwide, more than 80 Memory Stick products in 21 categories have been developed or commercialized. These
include all areas of technology: car navigation, personal computers, handheld devices, printers, media, wireless phones,
portable stereos, entertainment robots, and even a retail kiosk where travelers can download local sightseeing information.
Currently, Memory Stick removable media is available in 8MB, 16MB, 32MB, 64MB and 128MB capacities. For
more information on Memory Stick media, visit www.memorystick.org.
Key Product Specifications
-
Palm OS(R) software version 3.5.2S
-
Motorola(R) Dragonball VZ 33MHz processor
-
Jog Dial navigator with "Back" button
-
Memory: 8MB (7MB available) (DRAM) / 4MB (Flash) / 8MB
(Memory Stick)
-
Interface: USB Cradle / Infrared Port / Memory Stick expansion slot
-
LCD: High-contrast, front-lit reflective TFT color display, 320 x
320-pixel resolution
-
Power: Lithium ion polymer rechargeable battery (internal)
-
Dimensions: 2 7/8" (W) x 4 3/4" (H) x 11/16" (D)
-
Lightweight: approximately 5.65oz
PictureGear(TM) Pocket for Sharing Images
- PictureGear Pocket software enables users to store and view
high-resolution digital images.
- Color pictures can be incorporated into the CLIE handheld
address book to help users put a face to a name.
Memory Stick Autorun
- Launches preset applications directly from Memory Stick media.
gMovie(TM) Player (Generic Media)
- The Generic Media gMovie Player is the first application that
enables the playback of high-quality stereo audio in synch
with video and animation in the gMovie format on Palm OS-based
handheld devices.
Intellisync(R)Lite Synchronization Software (Pumatech, Inc.)
- Provides synchronization of calendar, address book, notes and
to-do items between the Sony CLIE handheld and the Microsoft
Outlook(R) or Lotus Organizer(R) PC applications.
Rechargeable Lithium Ion Polymer Battery
- A single charge lasts up to 15 days with normal use (without
using audio feature).
- A single charge provides up to 11 hours of continuous audio
playback (with LCD off).
USB Connection
- HotSync(R) cradle connects to the PC via high-speed USB
connection.
Bundled Accessories
- Protective flip cover
- 8MB Memory Stick removable meida
- USB HotSync cradle/charger
- AC travel adapter
- w.ear Headphones with remote controller
- Stylus
Bundled Software ((1) trial version)
- Acid Solitaire(TM)(Red Mercury) (1)
- AvantGo(TM)(AvantGo)
- Bejeweled(TM)(Astraware) (1)
- Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet(TM)(Neohand) (1)
- Amy Reiley's Pocket Vineyard(TM)(Neohand) (1)
- Race Fever(TM)(Digital Fiction) (1)
- Street Finder(R)Express (Rand McNally)
- Vindigo(TM)(Vindigo)
- powerOne(TM)Personal calculator (Infinity Softworks)
The installation of certain software and use of features require a compatible PC.
For additional information about Sony products, customers can call 888/222-SONY, or visit Sony's Web site at:
www.sony.com/vaio. Press releases and digital images are available at Sony Electronics' news and information Web site
at: www.sony.com/news.
CONTACT: Sony Electronics
David D. Yang, 858/942-7733
david.d.yang@am.sony.com
or
Burson-Marsteller
Christianne Barrow, 858/646-3079
christianne_barrow@sdg.bm.com
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