Hitachi Begins Shipment Of New HPW-630ETR ePLATE H/PC
Jun 8, 2000 13:32 PM
-- Hitachi's Tablet-Style Handheld Computer Offers Superior Display Technologies for Use in All Light Conditions Even Under Direct Sunlight --
BRISBANE, Calif., http://www.hitachi.us/, June 7, 2000 - Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE: HIT), today announced it is shipping its next generation ePlate tablet-style handheld computer, the HPW-630ETR. A major feature of the ePlate is a transflective LCD display that allows use of the unit in all lighting conditions, even direct sunlight.
Hitachi's next generation ePlate is available through its channel of Master VAR's - Datavision-Prologix; Mobility Concepts; Currie, Peak and Fraizer and through multi-channel direct resellers such as MobilePlanet and Mobilemania.com. The ePlate HPW-630ETR has an estimated street price of $1499.99 and will be available through these channels in June 2000.
The HPW-630ETR's advanced features, including the transflective LCD display, ruggedized case, and cradle option, make it an ideal tool for mobile users and developers with a need for a versatile, durable mobile information device. Additionally, the combined performance and ease-of-use of Hitachi's handheld computer technology with the powerful operating system of Windows CE and wireless LAN connectivity delivers on-demand access to information, desktop power and portable convenience.
In making the announcement, Shaw Funami, director, multimedia group, Hitachi America, Ltd., said, "Taking what we learned from professionals in a variety of technical fields that are using the ePlate, Hitachi has added compelling new features in terms of power access and portability. In addition to the superior display, graphics capabilities and speed for its class, the versatility enhancements provided in the HPW-630ETR's tablet-style offer a powerful solution for all users. Whether users are working at a field data collection site, construction site, or outdoor exploration, Hitachi's ePlate is a flexible, easy-to-use and long-lasting device."
Unlike other PC companions that require users to open a "clamshell," the tablet style HPW-630ETR enables users to operate it anywhere and anytime, in a highly efficient form factor. A transflective LCD display and ruggedized rubber grip allow for ease-of-use outdoors, and a built-in back light enables users to operate the device when a light source is not available. Additionally, the HPW-630ETR features a flat-screen panel with handwriting recognition capability.
By incorporating an optimal optical design and new liquid crystal materials on the basis of Hitachi's original Super Clear Color LCD technologies, and adopting a new color filter and inner reflector, the HPW-630ETR provides excellent display capabilities even under direct sunlight. The newly developed Transflective 8.2" Color-STN LCD module, the SC21V001, enables the ePlate to achieve the best visibility of display in high ambient light conditions (reflective mode), or by using the back light for dim light conditions (transmissive mode).
"We welcome the addition of Hitachi America as a strategic partner of Mobility Concepts. The improvement in screen technology developed by Hitachi, in conjunction with our knowledge of mobile technology and understanding the needs of the mobile workforce will be the key differentiation point in the customer sales decision," said Tim Ells, President of Mobility Concepts.
The lightest handheld computer in its class, the Hitachi HPW-630ETR offers a long battery life, ensuring that critical information can be accessed quickly and easily while away from the office. The HPW-630ETR uses the latest version of the Hitachi SuperHTM SH-4 RISC processor operating at 128 MHz. This processor was developed specifically for portable appliances such as handheld computers, and incorporates built-in power management controls at the hardware and software levels.
According to David Gulian, vice president and partner, Datavision-Prologix, "The Hitachi partnership presents significant benefits and opportunities for both companies. By working with a company that is committed to Windows CE solutions - it will bring us both new business and large growth potential. The HPW-630 ETR combines durability with performance, making it well suited for many of our target markets."
Other key features of the HPW-630ETR include a VGA output for large screen presentations; resistive touch; easy-to-view 640x480, 65,536-color transflective LCD display with back light; a built in 56k modem; 32MB ROM and 32MB RAM. Software features include Microsoft Windows CE Platform Builder version 2.12 and Citirx ICA client in ROM.
"Our customers expect quality, commitment, and performance, in their business relationships and the products they need," says Beau Currie, vice president at CPF. "Hitachi's world class manufacturing capabilities, expanding family of CE devices, and strategic alliance with CPF make these high standards achievable.
• Operating system - Microsoft Windows CE Platform Builder Version 2.12
• Display - 8.2" color DSTN back-lit Transflective LCD Screen Touch Panel (Resistive)
• Resolution - VGA (640x480)
• Dimensions - 9.3 x 6.7x 1.3 inches
• Weight - Approximately 3 lbs.
• CPU - Hitachi SuperH™ SH-4 RISC microprocessor operating at 128 MHz with an additional graphics accelerator chip
• Battery - Rechargeable Li-ion battery
• Modem - Built-in 56 kbps V.90
• Memory - 32MB ROM, 32MB RAM
• Versatility-Transflective, backlit LCD for outdoor / indoor usage
• Communication & Expandability-PC Type II Card Slot, Compact Flash Slot, USB Port, Serial (RS-232) Port, VGA Out Port, IRDA Port, Speaker
• Cradle option-Provides USB & Serial Connections and Battery Charging
Hitachi America, Ltd., Computer Division, supplies high-performance computer storage products and multimedia products to OEMs, value-added resellers, system integrators and distributors. The division's products include high-capacity hard disk drives and optical drives, digital multimedia recorders, hand-held computers, LCD projectors, color laser beam printers and flat panel displays.
Hitachi America, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., Japan, markets and manufactures a broad range of electronics, computer systems, consumer electronics and semiconductor products, and provides industrial equipment and services throughout the U.S. Additional information is available at Hitachi America's web site at http://www.hitachi.us/.
Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's leading global electronics companies, with fiscal 1998 (ended March 31, 1999) consolidated sales of 7,977 billion yen ($65.9 billion*). The company manufactures and markets a wide range of products, including computers, semiconductors, consumer products and power and industrial equipment. For more information on Hitachi, Ltd., please visit Hitachi's Web site at http://www.hitachi.co.jp.
*At an exchange rate of 121 yen to the dollar.
CPF Computer Products Division is a Regional Distributor with national coverage, primarily serving the Southeastern US. CPF's primary focus is Mobile Computing, Wireless Technologies, and High Performance Printing. CPF believes in focusing on specific products and markets. CPF offers special expertise and professionalism to their partners. CPF offers a full array of Technical and Support Services. CPF can be reached at: 800-225-6893 / www.cpfinc.com.
Datavision-Prologix is a leading provider of wireless systems integration, enterprise-wide data management systems, mobile computing and wireless networking solutions. Headquartered in suburban Philadelphia, Datavision-Prologix serves more than 3,000 customers in the healthcare, warehousing, manufacturing and education industries. For more information, visit the web site at www.datavision.com. or contact them at 800-486-0620.
Mobility Concepts, a leading provider of mobile and wireless computing products, based in Naperville, Illinois, partners with industry leading hardware and software manufacturers to provide complete "Solutions for the Mobile Workforce". Mobility Concepts specializes in pen based computing, mobile computing, wireless integration, custom peripheral items, and 7X24 Help Desk Support. Mobility Concepts can be reached at: 630-995-9755 / tells@mobilityconcepts.com / www.mobilityconcepts.com.
As the nation's leading multi-channel direct reseller of mobile computing and wireless products and a complete resource for mobile professionals, MobilePlanet offers products through its award-winning Web site, www.mobileplanet.com and its catalog by calling 1-800-MPLANET. As a company expressly targeted to the mobile computing industry, MobilePlanet has developed a team of product and solutions experts who work directly with businesses and mobile professionals to help them create efficient and cost-effective solutions to their mobile computing needs.
MobilePlanet is a member of Pinault-Printemps-Redoute (PPR, www.pprgroup.com), a Paris, France-based, international leading specialized distributor with sales of $20 billion in 1999.
Pygmy Computer Systems is a Miami-based stocking distributor and reseller with 14 years of experience specializing in a wide range of mobile and hand-held computing product lines and accessories. Their e-commerce site, mobilemania.com, provides state-of-the-art online shopping with inventory checking and package tracking from pre-shipment to delivery. Online: www.mobilemania.com. Corporate sales contact: eric@pygmy.com or by phone, 1-800-44-PYGMY / 1-305-253-1212, Extension 325
Gerard F. Corbett
Hitachi America, Ltd.
Vice President
Corp. Communications Group
Tel:(650) 244-7900
Fax: (650) 244-7920
gerard.corbett@hal.hitachi.com
Lisa Kaye
The Weber Group
Tel: (650) 463.8643
circadia@ca.webergroup.com
For all other inquiries please call:
1-800-HITACHI
If you have any questions specifically about Investor Relations in the United States, please contact our Investor Relations Department at investor.info@hal.hitachi.com
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