SONICblue's frontpath(TM) Ships ProGear(TM) - the First High Performance, Linux-Based Portable Information Appliance
/FROM PR NEWSWIRE SAN FRANCISCO 415-543-7800/ [STK] SBLU [IN] CPR STW [SU] PDT TO BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY EDITORS:
SONICblue's frontpath(TM) Ships ProGear(TM) - the First High Performance,
Linux-Based Portable Information Appliance
SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- frontpath, inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SONICblue(TM) Incorporated (NASDAQ:SBLU), announced that it has begun shipping and volume production of its premier wireless web device, ProGear. Targeted to broadband-enabled vertical market segments including hospitality, education and healthcare, ProGear is a fully portable wireless web device that supports a rich media experience enabling businesses to personalize content.
"Executing on its already disclosed strategy, frontpath's ProGear is being commercially deployed in the U.S. to lead the post PC era with a device that offers access to anytime, anywhere information," said Janet Leising, general manager of frontpath. "We firmly believe that the web and Java-based applications represent the ultimate freedom of choice for enabling access on wireless devices. I believe that vertical markets and smart businesses who leverage ProGear will be the first true beneficiaries of wireless, customized information."
"ProGear is an ideal solution for businesses who want to improve their level of service, productivity, accuracy or customer satisfaction," said Patt Montgomery, vice president of business development and marketing, frontpath. "We have seen tremendous momentum during our extensive beta program and look forward to working with business partners to fully unleash the power of ProGear."
ProGear supports many popular rich media formats and offers a high quality 10.4" TFT display, X 86 compatibility, a soft keyboard and a touch screen that enables quick access to applications or the Internet. The 3-pound product comes with a Soundblaster(R) compatible audio and microphone/headphone support. ProGear comes standard with a 3-cell battery. An optional 6 cell battery, cradle with integrated USB hub and charging station, keyboard and mouse are also available.
ProGear's software includes the Linux 2.4x operating system, Netscape(R) browser version 4.74 and an extensive set of utilities and diagnostics. Hardware components include the powerful Transmeta(TM) TM3200 400 MHz processor, a 10.4" polysilicon TFT display delivering excellent image quality for text, still and video images and an ergonomic design with a thin, yet strong magnesium case capable of delivering portrait or landscape images. Additionally, ProGear comes with 64 or 128 MB of system memory. ProGear is available in Hard Disk Drive or Thin Client versions.
Price and availability:
Initially available to frontpath business partners in the United States, the company anticipates that the most popular configuration will be in the $1,500 price range with the flexibility to upgrade or downgrade features such as batteries, memory, cradle, access points, keyboard and mouse. Customers interested in ProGear should contact frontpath by calling 408-588-8715 or e-mailing sales@frontpath.com.
About frontpath, inc.:
frontpath, inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of SONICblue Incorporated. frontpath designs, develops and markets Information Appliance products and services that deliver personalized communication solutions enabling consumers to live a "connected lifestyle" at home, at work and at play.frontpath is headquartered at 2841 Mission College Blvd, Santa Clara, Calif.
About SONICblue Incorporated:
SONICblue is a leader in the converging Internet, digital media and consumer device markets. Working with partners that include some of the biggest brands in consumer electronics, SONICblue creates and markets products that let consumers enjoy all the benefits of a digital home and a connected lifestyle. SONICblue holds significant financial assets, global marketing capabilities and a focused technology portfolio, that includes Rio(R) digital audio players, HomeFree(TM) home networking solutions, Diamond(TM) Internet access products and frontpath(TM) Information Appliances.
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, such as statements as to the expected nature, features, benefits and timing of availability of ProGear, predictions regarding market needs and desires, the ability of businesses to use ProGear to improve customer service, productivity, accuracy and satisfaction, the anticipated configuration and pricing of ProGear, and the availability of quantity shipments, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited to, the ability of frontpath to develop, ramp manufacturing volumes and bring to market in a timely and successful manner ProGear, its ability to address market needs with ProGear, the impact of competitive products and pricing and of alternative technological advances, changes in strategic, business and financing plans of SONICblue, and other risks detailed from time to time in the SEC reports of SONICblue Incorporated, including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. SONICblue and frontpath disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. SONICblue, HomeFree and Diamond are trademarks of SONICblue Incorporated. frontpath and ProGear are trademarks of frontpath, inc. Rio is a registered trademark of RioPort, Inc. and is used by SONICblue under license from RioPort, Inc. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.
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tbutton.prnewswire.com SOURCE frontpath, inc.
-0- 05/14/2001
/CONTACT: Marla Kertzman of frontpath, inc., 408-588-8075, or marlak@frontpath.com, or sales, 408-588-8715, or sales@frontpath.com; or Bryce Baer of The Bohle Company, 310-785-0515, or bryce@bohle.com, for frontpath, inc.; or investors, Tracy Perry of SONICblue Incorporated, 408-588-8086, or ir@sonicblue.com/
/Web site: sonicblue.com |
