Casio Launches High-End PDA Based On Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 Software

CASSIOPEIA E-200 Offers Powerful Array of Expandability and Wireless Network Connectivity Options
Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Casio, Inc., Dover, NJ, in conjunction with Casio Computer Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, today launched its versatile new Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) -- the CASSIOPEIA E-200 -- designed to meet the growing need among corporate users for a high-performing mobile PDA geared to enterprise applications. The E-200 will have a suggested retail price of $599 and will be available in early November.

Featuring enhanced expandability, the CASSIOPEIA E-200, which operates using Microsoft(R) Windows-Powered Pocket PC 2002 software, allows users to connect to a variety of wireless network products and accessories to create a complete mobile office environment.

"As a pioneer in mobile devices, Casio is committed to building a family of products that serve consumers and corporate users alike," said Casio Computer Managing Director, Mr. Yozo Suzuki. "The CASSIOPEIA E-200 is exciting because it meets the pressing need of enterprises for a high-performing mobile device that offers wireless communications and seamless server access, and therefore a more complete office environment," Mr. Suzuki said.

Microsoft's Pocket PC 2002 software features powerful network connectivity that allows users to access files stored in servers via a virtual private network (VPN). This software is enabled for network connectivity through IEEE 802.11b, Bluetooth, CDPD (cellular digital packet data), CDMA (code division multiple access) and GSM (global system for mobile communications).

"Casio has clearly listened to customers who have said they want more than a simple organizer," said Ben Waldman, vice president, Mobile Devices Division, Microsoft.

"By offering multiple options for expandability and wireless connectivity, the CASSIOPEIA E-200 is giving customers the freedom they need in their mobile lifestyle."

The CASSIOPEIA E-200 is powered by Intel Corporation's Intel(R) StrongARM(TM) SA-1110 processor and uses Intel StrataFlash(R) memory. The combination of Intel StrongARM processors and the innovative Intel StrataFlash memory enables CASSIOPEIA E-200 users to take advantage of the full benefits of Microsoft's Pocket PC 2002 OS and other multimedia applications.

"The Intel SA-1110 processor typically dissipates less than one-half watt, greatly extending battery life for handheld devices while providing powerful performance," said Peter Green, general manager of Intel's Handheld Computing Division. "The balance of power and performance is well suited for the CASSIOPEIA E-200 and enables image viewing, video and audio record and playback, speech and handwriting recognition, and for business applications such as personal information management, word processing and spreadsheets."

The CASSIOPEIA E-200 is fitted with two slots for both CF (Type II) and MMC/SD cards, and an optional PC card unit for wireless communications to provide wide area network connectivity (through CDPD, GSM and CDMA), local area network connectivity (through IEEE 802.11b) and personal area network connectivity (through Bluetooth). Users can access any of these networks while they are on the move to refer to or update databases in their office, receive and send e-mail, and browse the Internet (optional modem and ISP subscription required).

A key feature on the E-200 is USB connectivity, available through the provided cradle or an optional PC card unit/host converter. This gives users access to devices such as printers, keyboards or PC cameras already in use in their offices, allowing users to print documents, input long sentences using a keyboard and hold video conferences. Applications to enable such access are expected to be developed shortly.

BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
iAnywhere Solutions - Casio is committed to providing solutions to enterprises and mobile professionals. In 2000, it formed a strategic alliance with iAnywhere Solutions, Inc., the mobile and wireless subsidiary of Sybase, to develop mobile business tools for enterprises. Currently, iAnywhere Solutions provides mobile data solutions to financial, healthcare, SFA and FFA markets. Last July, Casio strengthened its ties with iAnywhere Solutions, taking a direct stake in the company. Jointly, the two intend to develop and offer next-generation tools for mobile and wireless users.

"The new E-200 product from Casio features unprecedented expandability -- enabling mobile workers to customize the device to best meet their individual needs. The device also supports a wide variety of local area and wide area wireless networks which is an essential asset for our highly mobile enterprise customers that leverage our m-Business platform," said Brian Vink, vice president of marketing at iAnywhere Solutions.

GoAmerica - In cooperation with Go America, Inc., a leading wireless data solutions provider in the US and Canada, Casio has been providing a wireless Internet access service, Casio Mobile, http://www.casiomobile.com, for users of CASSIOPEIA Pocket PC devices. Using a CDPD communications card, users have been able to browse the Web, receive and send e-mail, and access corporate servers securely to use data or check mail in corporate servers. The Casio Mobile service meets the requirements of mobile professionals for value added services.

"We are pleased to expand our relationship with Casio to offer our Go.Web wireless solution on the new E-200," said Joe Weglein, product manager for GoAmerica. "Like GoAmerica, Casio is committed to delivering comprehensive wireless solutions to the mobile enterprise customer, allowing them to stay connected and in control while out in the field."

Sierra Wireless - Sierra Wireless, Inc. is a leading provider of wireless data communications products. Sierra Wireless delivers wireless PC Cards for portable computers, wireless adapters for PDA's, OEM modules for embedded applications and rugged vehicle-mounted wireless systems.

"We are very pleased to work with Casio to deliver wireless connectivity to new Pocket PC 2002 users," said Jeff Miller, vice president of Business Development, Sierra Wireless. "The new Casio E-200 and Sierra Wireless AirCard wireless modems offer mobile users the freedom to stay connected to a wide portfolio of enterprise applications anytime, anywhere."

Socket Communications - Socket Communications, Inc., the leading provider of plug-in expansion products for Pocket PC 2002 and other mobile devices, has worked closely with Casio to ensure its entire product line, including the Bluetooth Connection Kit, 56K Modem, Digital Phone Card, Ethernet family and Scanning family, would be compatible with Casio's newest handheld offering.

"Casio's E-200 Pocket PC gives corporate and business professionals numerous expansion options, including PC, CF and SD cards, as well as a USB host. The E-200, combined with Socket's line of plug-in products, will enable consumers to easily customize handheld devices to better meet their needs," comments Kevin Mills, Socket's chief executive officer.

Zcomax Technologies - Zcomax Technologies, Inc. provides Casio with all new AirRunner Compact Flash Wireless LAN adaptors designed to run on the CASSIOPEIA E-200. These high performance 11 Mbps spread spectrum devices empower E-200 users with high-speed real-time wireless access to network resources. Users can move from floor to floor while accessing e-mail, Internet, printers, and databases, or synchronize to their PC at the touch of a button. All these wireless capabilities are available on the CASSIOPEIA E-200 at speeds 586 times faster than traditional narrow band wireless services and 7 times faster than a T1 or DSL connection.

"The AirRunner XI-800 Compact Flash Wireless LAN adapter has virtually twice the range compared to standard CF wireless LAN. This capability enables the CASSIOPEIA E-200 to be deployed in application beyond the reach of other PDAs. The combination of CASSIOPEIA E-200 and AirRunner XI-800 makes it one of the most capable wireless PDA on the market today," said George Zhu, president of Zcomax Technologies, Inc.

SPECIFICATIONS

• CPU: Intel(R) StrongARM(TM) SA-1110 processor, 206MHz
• OS: Pocket PC 2002
• Display: 240 x 320 Reflective TFT color LCD (65,536 color), 3.5 inch
• Memory: 32MB (FLASH ROM)/64MB (D-RAM)
• I/O: CompactFlash Card (TYPE II) slot MMC/SD memory slot
  Microphone, Speaker, IrDA ver. 1.2 (SIR)
  DC jack, Stereo Headphone jack
  32-pin serial connector (USB client/USB Host/RS232C)
• Power: Li-ion rechargeable, replaceable battery (over 10h), AC adaptor
• Bundled Items: USB cradle with USB host, softcase
• Dimensions: 130 x 82 x 17.5 (mm)
• Weight: 190g
• Options: 32pin to 20pin & USB host converter unit PC card expansion unit - replaceable battery included

Casio, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. Casio, Inc., markets calculators, business organizers, handheld personal computers, keyboards, digital cameras, portable color TVs, timepieces (Wrist Technology), cash registers and other consumer electronic products.

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SOURCE Casio, Inc.