frontpath, an S3 subsidiary Announces ProGear;
-- The First High Performance, Linux-based Portable Information Appliance
September 27th, 2000 -- Santa Clara, California, frontpath,
inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of S3 Incorporated (Nasdaq: SIII), today
announced ProGear. ProGear is frontpath's premier Information Appliance
targeted to the vertical market segments. ProGear couples hardware and
software to deliver one of the first ever wireless, truly portable,
untethered, broadband-based products capable of enabling vertical partners to
fully customize content.
frontpath's ProGear supports all rich media formats and offers a high
quality 10.4" TFT display, X 86 compatibility and a touch screen that will
enable quick access to applications or the Internet. A soft keyboard or
handwriting recognition gives users the choice of input modes. The three-
pound product comes with a Soundblaster compatible audio and
microphone/headphone support. ProGear comes standard with a three cell,
three-hour battery. As upgrades, ProGear has a six cell, six-hour battery and
also offers a cradle with integrated charging station. Both batteries are
lithium ion with smart battery technology.
"We've created a product that will allow vertical partners to fully
customize content, thereby truly unleashing the power of the Internet," said
Janet Leising, general manager of frontpath. "We have seen considerable
interest from the travel, education, hotel and medical fields. Essentially,
every business with broadband access could use ProGear to improve their
customer interaction. The applications are almost limitless as more and more
businesses work to enhance their level of service and support with the savvy
consumer.
ProGear's software includes Linux 2.4x operating system, Netscape browser
version 4.74 and a complete set of utilities and diagnostics. Hardware
components include the powerful Transmeta"! TM3200 400 MHz processor, a 10.4"
polysilicon TFT display for excellent image quality for text, still and video
images and a ergomonic design with a thin, yet strong magnesium case capable
of delivering portrait or landscape images. An integrated USB hub allows use
with a keyboard and mouse. Additionally, ProGear comes with 64 or 128 MB of
system memory or an option of a 6.4 GB, 2.5" slim hard disk drive. ProGear is
available in HDD or Thin Client versions.
"These features all point to the next wave of how we communicate and use
information," said Ward Williams, frontpath's director of
product marketing. "With targeted vertical partners in mind, we have brought
together key technologies that give our partners the flexibility to customize
their ProGear configuration. We understand what current and potential partners
need and have created a device designed not only to meet their needs, but to
cater to the needs of their customers who want to live connected."
Price and availability:
Initially available to frontpath partners in the US, the company
anticipates that the most popular configuration will be in the $1,500 range
with the flexibility to upgrade or downgrade features such as batteries,
memory, cradle, access points, keyboard and mouse. Beta units are scheduled to
be generally available in Q4, 2000 with quantity shipments scheduled to be
available in Q1, 2001. The company expects to offer volume discounts.
About frontpath:
frontpath, inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of S3 Incorporated (Nasdaq:
Slll). The company 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 S3 Incorporated (www.S3.com)
A leader in the converging Internet, digital media and consumer device
markets, S3 holds significant financial assets, global marketing capabilities
and a focused technology portfolio, that includes Rio digital audio players,
HomeFree home networking solutions, internet access products, and forthcoming
information appliances.
