IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 23, 2003--
New Handheld Devices Feature Voice over IP Functionality and Text-to-Speech Applications Creating New Usage Scenarios for Consumers and Business Users
Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD) today announced the availability of the exceptionally thin-and-light value-priced Pocket PC e400/405 and corporate-based Pocket PC e800/805 Series PDAs featuring integrated Wi-Fi(R) (802.11b) connectivity and voice over IP (VoIP) capabilities (e800/805 Series only). Both devices feature the ability for audio playback of text documents and user voice command functionality to access important data, keeping business users and consumers organized.
Toshiba's PDAs build upon the company's core focus on mobility and wireless connectivity providing users increased flexibility and convenience to help manage their busy lives. With the built-in Toshiba VoIP (1),(2) phone software (e800/805 Series only), users can place phone calls over a high-speed wireless LAN network worldwide, reducing the cost of making long distance and international calls via traditional phone systems. A subscription to an Internet service provider and VoIP broadband telephony service (3) is needed for users to take advantage of the VoIP functionality. The Pocket PC e800/805 Series also features integrated Wi-Fi (802.11b) connectivity (1) for convenient Internet access at a Toshiba SurfHere(TM) public wireless hotspot or any other public hotspot, or to a user's corporate wireless network.
New Voice Command and Text-to-Speech Applications
The Pocket PC e400/405 and e800/805 Series include software designed to quickly and efficiently access a user's appointments, contact information or time and date with the sound of the user's voice. Voice commands such as "Contacts" and "Calendar" instantly open the applications without having to use the stylus. Customers can also take advantage of the text-to-speech application, which delivers audio feedback of e-mail messages, schedule and other text documents, personalizing the PDA experience. For the ultimate road warrior, a built-in world clock is included for easy access to local time zones.
"Toshiba understands that customers desire a personal lightweight data access device that not only keeps them connected to the corporate network, but also delivers on new technology that increases productivity and ease of use away from the office," said Carl Pinto, director of product marketing, Toshiba DPD. "The Pocket PC e400/405 and e800/805 represent the true definition of a handheld data device -- convenience, interaction and portability."
Brighter Displays and Added Functionality
The Pocket PC e400/405 and e800/805 Series feature enhanced screen brightness to easily read data content such as presentations and spreadsheets as well as view a user's favorite photos. The Pocket PC e800/805 Series features a 4.0-inch diagonal transreflective display for greater viewing area and includes VGA support (4) making the device a sound investment for future VGA-enabled applications.
Creating a lightweight mobile presentation device, the Pocket PC e800/805 Series features the optional Toshiba Presentation Pack that allows users to conduct a presentation directly from the PDA. Priced at $99 (5), the Picture View Presentation Pack includes an RGB port to connect to a monitor or projector and a USB port for devices such as a full-size keyboard or numeric keypad.
Pricing and Availability
The Pocket PC e405 and e805 are available through Toshiba's retail distribution channels including computer superstores and consumer electronic stores. The Pocket PC e405 has an estimated single user price (ESUP)(5) of $299 and the Pocket PC e805 ESUP is $599.
The Pocket PC e400 and e800 are available direct via www.shoptoshiba.com and through Toshiba's traditional distribution channels including mail order and VARs. The Pocket PC e400 has an ESUP of $299 and the Pocket PC e800 ESUP is $599.
Note to Editors: Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other trademarks belong to their respective companies. Central Processing Unit (CPU) performance may vary depending on conditions; see specifications for details. Information in press releases including without limitation product prices, specifications, content of services, and contact information, is current on the date of the press announcement, but is subject to change without notice.
(1) Pocket PC e800/805 Series only. Subscription of an Internet service provider is necessary for Internet connection.
(2) Pocket PC e800/805 Series includes VoIP software from VLI(R) Inc. Toshiba does not guarantee the interoperability with other Gphone vendors or any other VoIP software.
(3) A subscription to VLI Inc. VoIP phone service is needed to conduct VoIP calls to a phone system.
(4) Pocket PC e800/805 Series only. Only the ClearVue application supports this mode.
(5) Reseller prices vary. ESUP means "Estimated Single Unit Price"
Contacts
Benjamin / A Weber Shandwick Company for Toshiba
Kelly Poffenberger or Sharon Katouli, 949-260-1300
kelly_poffenberger@benjamingroup.com or
sharon_katouli@benjamingroup.com


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