ViA Introduces Crusoe-based Wearable Computer

ViA's prototype Crusoe-based wearable computer (above) is expected to make its debut at COMDEX. The unit utilizes a  700Mhz Crusoe processor in place of the older legacy Cyrix chip. The legacy unit (shown below) uses a Cyrix Media GXi 166Mhz processor.

BURNSVILLE, Minn.--Nov. 9, 2000-- 

    ViA, Inc., today announced it is working with Transmeta to provide the Crusoe processor in its next generation wearable computers.
    ViA joins the ranks of Fujitsu, Hitachi, NEC, and Sony who introduced notebooks using the Crusoe microprocessor. ViA is unique with this implementation of the Crusoe in a powerful, full-function, wearable computer designed for mobile users requiring hands and eyes-free computing.
    Long battery life and processing power are main concerns for mobile workers. "We looked at other processors for our next generation computer, but chose the Crusoe because of its low power and low heat requirements while still having the processing power mobile workers need," said Ed McConaghay, President of ViA. The Crusoe's unique ability to use software to adjust voltage and frequency on demand, means that the computer only uses the amount of power needed for maximum efficiency, thus extending the battery life and making it the perfect mobile computing processor.
    Funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the first versions of ViA's next generation wearable PC are currently being used by the U.S. Army Military Police in field tests at Fort Polk, Louisiana and elsewhere. "The new ViA PC with Transmeta processor has high performance, lower power and no noticeable heat," said Henry Girolamo, Program Manager of the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center, in Natick, Massachusetts. "ViA's Crusoe-based computer has the potential to be a central component in a soldier's weapon system, providing communication and information management in critical combat situations."
    ViA wearable computers are currently being used by industry leading companies such as Northwest Airlines, Nabisco and General Dynamics in customer service, distribution center, inspection and maintenance applications.
    ViA's next generation of wearable computers will incorporate a 700MHz Crusoe microprocessor and will run Windows 2000. The lightweight body-worn PC was designed to work with ViA's new SVGA indoor readable display and new indoor/outdoor display. The new PC will complete testing this year, with general availability planned for late first quarter 2001.
    "We are excited about our working relationship with ViA," said Jim Chapman, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Transmeta Corporation. "ViA's wearable PC will not only provide users with the power of a desktop in a hands and eyes-free format, but when combined with the Crusoe processor it will also deliver the processing capability and all day computing that mobile workers demand."
    ViA is exhibiting in Lernout & Hauspie's booth No. L5926 at Comdex. Prototypes of ViA's next generation Transmeta-based PC are also being shown at ViA's Hospitality Suite in the MGM Grand in Las Vegas during Comdex.

    ViA, Inc. is a leader in the design and production of wearable PC systems and solutions. The company's patented, flexible design provides customers with robust and comfortable hands-free, mobile PC solutions. ViA's customers' include industry leaders within various vertical markets including automotive, retail, airline, and manufacturing. In 2000, ViA, Inc. was ranked Minnesota's Fastest Growing Technology Company by Deloitte & Touche. ViA is privately held and operates in Burnsville, Minnesota. Additional information on the company is available on the Internet at www.via-pc.com.

Page 1: ViA Introduces Crusoe-based Wearable Computer
Page 2: Computing Resellers & ViA