Handheld PCs Powered by Windows CE Achieve Major Milestone
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 1998 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that half a million* Handheld PCs (H/PCs) powered by Microsoft Windows CE have been shipped by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) including Casio Computer Company Ltd., Compaq Computer Corp., Ericsson Mobile Communications, Hewlett-Packard Co., Hitachi Ltd., LG Electronics Inc., NEC Corp., Novatel Wireless Inc., Philips Electronics North America Corp. and Sharp Corp.
Microsoft also announced that two new classes of PC companion devices powered by Windows CE – the Palm PC and the Auto PC – have joined the Handheld PC, increasing people’s options for accessing and using their valuable information, wherever they are.
“Half a million Handheld PCs shipped is a great milestone, and we are already seeing increasing demand for the second-generation H/PCs,” said Craig Mundie, senior vice president of the consumer platforms group at Microsoft. “These new PC Companion devices, Palm PC and Auto PC, along with the Handheld PC, demonstrate the versatility and extensibility of Windows CE as a platform to meet the needs of a mobile lifestyle.”
“Because we more than doubled our total unit sales over previous lines of personal information devices, we consider the past year a great success for HP palmtop PCs,” said Kheng Joo Khaw, general manager of HP’s Asia Pacific PC division. “We are confident that our newest palmtop PCs, the HP 360LX palmtop PC and HP 620LX color palmtop PC, will be successful as they address the unique needs of the mobile business professional.”
“Microsoft and the OEMs have done a great job bringing the products to market and stirring up awareness for handheld PCs,” said Phillip Redman of the Yankee Group, a Boston-based computing and communications consultancy. “The Yankee Group believes that this is only the beginning. We forecast future growth in the handheld and portable computing space as more products are introduced that are focused on applications and user-based needs and appeal broadly to both the business and personal consumer.”
“Windows CE-based devices extend the reach of the mobile work force,” said Andy Seybold, editor in chief of The Outlook. “These devices, like cellular phones and pagers before them, enable those who must stay informed and in touch while out of the office. Extending the information reach of those who must conduct business no matter where they are is more important today than ever.”
“As one of the nation’s leading PC retailers, CompUSA delivers cutting-edge technology like Handheld PCs to our customers,” said Larry Mondry, CompUSA executive vice president of merchandising. “H/PCs continue to gain popularity as they offer new features and added value, and we are excited about the future of this category.”
For more information about the PC Companion devices powered by Windows CE, visit http://www.microsoft.com/windowsce/ .
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* Number is based on call-down shipment reports from OEM partners as of Jan. 5, 1998.
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