New Mini Keyboard for Palm m500 Series Handhelds

November 14, 2001--Northstar just unveiled Mini Keyboard, the first sleeve keyboard designed to be a natural extension of the Palm m500 series handheld. Mini Keyboard simply slides onto the handheld to let users thumb-type while holding the ergonomically designed keyboard. With identical application buttons located in virtually the same location as on the Palm handheld, Mini Keyboard offers users the ability to quickly enter data without sacrificing handheld functionality. Mini Keyboard not only provides easy one-button access to Palm handheld applications, like Date Book, Address Book, To Do List and Note Pad, this easy-to-hold keyboard provides all the functions available with a full-sized keyboard. Users can quickly enter data from Mini Keyboard, taking advantage of typical keyboard keys like space, backspace, tab, return, and caps lock. Plus users of Mini Keyboard have quick access to standard functions on the Palm m500 series handheld, including beam, the international keyboard, adjusting the backlight, and the Command toolbar that provides a number of time-saving keyboard shortcuts.

Mini Keyboard plugs directly into the HotSync(R) port of the Palm handheld. As it weighs just over an ounce and adds less than an inch in length to the handheld, this tiny keyboard sleeve can remain attached to the Palm handheld. Because Mini Keyboard was designed specifically for the Palm m500 series handhelds, users don’t even have to remove the protective leather cover that comes with the handheld. For those times when Mini Keyboard is not in use, it can be stored in the handy storage bag provided with the unit.

"Northstar designed Mini Keyboard to uniquely match the Palm m500 series handhelds," says Declan O'Mahoney, president of Northstar USA. "By providing the identical buttons and using standard Palm icons, Mini Keyboard truly fits the Palm handheld like a glove--making it a natural extension for the Palm m500 handhelds.”

The Northstar Mini Keyboard sells for $59.95 and comes with a CD containing the software driver, the user guide and a velvet storage bag. Mini Keyboard can be ordered on line at www.northstarmobile.com and soon at www.palm.com and will begin shipping to customers in January 2002.

About Northstar
Northstar, a leading provider of solutions for the Palm economy, offers innovative Palm accessories that enable people to take full advantage of their Palm handheld computers. The company utilizes its design and manufacturing expertise to offer handheld products that enhance the Palm handheld user’s experience.

Recognized worldwide for its excellence in quality and innovation, Northstar manufactures and markets complete electronic solutions for handheld and desktop computers. Northstar prides itself on its longstanding relationships with numerous global Fortune 100 companies that take advantage of the company’s extensive expertise. With over 2,000 employees worldwide, Northstar maintains facilities in the United States, China, Europe, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan.

SOURCE Northstar