Pocketop Inc - creating input solutions for the mobile handheld device market

Company History

News

Press Releases

Pocketop in Europe


PocketopTM introduces the world's first wireless PDA keyboard Smaller than most PDAs when folded yet offering full-sized keyboard functionality and touch-typing - the Pocketop™ Keyboard turns the PDA into a true Pocket Laptop MARCH 18, 2002 - Vancouver, Canada Pocketop^TM Computer Corporation, an innovative design company creating input solutions for the mobile handheld device market, today announced the launch of the Pocketop Keyboard^TM the world's first wireless PDA keyboard that puts powerful computing in users pockets. The Pocketop Keyboard is compatible with the Palm^TM and PocketPC^TM operating systems, which currently comprise 80% of the PDA market. The handheld device market is the fastest growing consumer electronics market in history. According to industry analyst IDC, unit sales are expected to grow to 33.6 million units in 2004. In dollar terms, the handheld market is predicted to grow from $1.0 billion in 1998 to $10.8 billion in 2004. "Mobile professionals want to maximize the utility of their handheld device and are always looking for better ways to input information quickly and easily," said Kevin Burden, program manager of IDC's Smart Handheld Devices Services. "Pen input is adequate when working with personal information manager (PIM) applications and navigating the interface of a handheld device, but keyboard input is becoming increasingly important as enterprises continue to mobilize corporate applications that require a higher level of data interaction." "We've designed a touch-typing keyboard that is not only pocket-sized, but fits in the same pocket as your PDA," said Bill Wrixon, CEO of Pocketop. "This distinction is an important breakthrough as it allows for laptop functionality from one integrated, pocket-sized device. Essentially, we've created the world's first true pocket computer." Size Does Matter One of the most attractive features of the folding keyboard is that it is only slightly larger than the Palm m500™, making it half the volume and weight of the current PDA keyboard market leader. The Pocketop Keyboard's patent-pending "Contour Key" allows for full functionality and touch-typing from a smaller, three-dimensional key design. Wireless and Universal Compatibility Utilizing the infrared port available on almost all devices to communicate means there are no hardware connections to contend with. The Pocketop Keyboard is optimized for the Palm and is universally compatible with almost all PDAs. It works with the consumer's PDA of choice today, and can simply be adapted to their PDA of tomorrow by downloading the driver software for their new device. Competitive PDA keyboards in the market are hardware driven - each PDA needs a different hardware connection. Therefore, as users upgrade their PDAs, they need to purchase a new keyboard. Flexible and Durable Wireless functionality also gives consumers flexibility in how they use the device. A convenient stand is included that allows the PDA to be supported in the familiar portrait position. Some consumers may want to use the software that is included to rotate the screen and use one of the quick set-up options. Owners of the Palm V and m500/m505 also have the choice of using the stand as the protective cover, or they can choose to use an included hinge and stylus to attach the Pocketop Keyboard to their Palm and carry the two together as one device, in the same pocket. The Pocketop Keyboard's simple design has only one fold and no moving parts, making it less susceptible to wear and tear. The keyboard comes with its own power source - an AAA battery that lasts three months under normal use, therefore using none of the PDA power to operate the keyboard. Pricing and Availability Pocketop's US retail distribution partner, Micro Innovations, will market the product in the US retail channel as the Wireless Link Keyboard. The units will be shipping in April to select major retail outlets at a suggested retail price of US $119.00. About Pocketop Pocketop (www.pocketop.net) is a privately held, Vancouver, Canada-based design company creating input solutions for the mobile handheld device market. Pocketop's first product - the Pocketop Keyboard - is the first wireless folding keyboard for the PDA market. Pocketop is leveraging its patents and design expertise to develop a variety of solutions for mobile communications. Pocketop is a trademark of Pocketop Computer Corporation. Palm OS is a registered trademark and Palm is a trademark of Palm, Inc. Other products or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.		Get Acrobat PDF Reader

Copyright ©2002 Pocketop Inc. All Rights Reserved