News Releases

10/16/2000

Hitachi Expands ePlate Line With The Release Of The HPW-630ET Handheld Computer

Oct 16, 2000 09:43 AM

-- Addition of Rugged 630ET A Perfect Addition to the ePlate series of Pen Tablet Computers --

BRISBANE, Calif., http://www.hitachi.us/, October 16, 2000 - Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE: HIT), today announced it is shipping the next addition to the ePlate ™ series of tablet-style handheld pen computers. The HPW-630ET is an "indoor" version of the previously announced HPW-630ETR. With the same rugged, yet lightweight design of the HPW-630ETR (Transflective "outdoor" display) - the HPW-630ET has an 8.2" DSTN Transmissive Color LCD designed for indoor usage. With the release of the HPW-630ET, developers and customers can choose from several ePlate family products that best suit their needs.

The range of ePlate products include:

• HPW-630 ETR - Rugged / Transflective Display

• HPW-630 ET - Rugged / Transmissive Display

• HPW-600 Series - Lightweight / Transmissive

The HPW-630ET's advanced features, including the super-bright 8.2" LCD display, ruggedized case, and cradle option, make it an ideal tool for mobile users and developers with a need for a versatile, durable mobile information device. Additionally, the combined performance and ease-of-use of Hitachi's handheld computer technology with the powerful operating system of Windows CE and wireless LAN connectivity delivers on-demand access to information, desktop power and portable convenience.

In making the announcement, Shaw Funami, director, multimedia group, Hitachi America, Ltd., said, "based on feedback from our customers in vertical markets, Hitachi has added the HPW-630ET to complement it's growing line of successful ePlate pen tablet computers. In addition to the superior display, graphics capabilities and speed for its class, the versatility enhancements provided in the HPW-630ET's tablet-style offer a powerful solution for all users."

HPW-630ET - Transmissive DSTN Color LCD assures clear visibility

The HPW-630ET's transmissive DSTN color LCD screen provides sharp, clear images that are easy to see and easy to work with for everyday indoor use. The backlight can be dimmed as required to conserve battery power and assure long-time continuous use. Featuring a robust design and big screen that lets you enjoy handheld convenience without giving up desktop power and versatility, Hitachi's rugged HPW-630ET ePlate is the ideal choice for everyday indoor use.

Rugged anti-shock design - withstands falls from up to four feet

Built tough to withstand the rigors of active use, the ePlate's rugged casing can handle bumps and shocks. Even when dropped from as high as four feet, this tough little computer keeps on working. And since it comes with a non-slip rubber handgrip, it's easy to hold onto.

Incorporating Hitachi's SH-4 high-performance RISC processor running at 128 MHz and a graphic accelerator, the ePlate assures high-speed performance and screen re-draw

Long-lasting battery lasts up to 8 hours The ePlate's high-performance Li-Ion battery provides long-running performance for up to eight hours, making it ideal for active use.

Maximum connectivity

With a built-in high-speed modem, USB interface, and various expandability options, the ePlate makes it easy to plug into your network. There's also a VGA output to connect to an external monitor.

Powered by Microsoft ® Windows ® CE Platform Builder Version 2.12, the ePlate makes an excellent platform for custom application programs. It also comes standard with an IE for Windows CE, Pocket InBox, Pocket Word, Citrix ICA client, and CIC Jot.

Key Features

• Operating system - Microsoft Windows CE Platform Builder Version 2.12

• Software includes IE for Windows CE (IE 4.O Level Browser), Pocket InBox, Pocket Word, Citrix ICA Client, and CIC Jot

• Display - 8.2" color DSTN back-lit Transmissive LCD Screen with Touch Panel (Resistive)

• Resolution - VGA (640x480)

• Dimensions - 9.5 x 6.9x 1.5 inches

• Weight - Approximately 3 lbs.

• CPU - Hitachi SuperH™ SH-4 RISC microprocessor operating at 128 MHz with an additional graphics accelerator chip

• Battery - Rechargeable Li-ion battery (8 Hour Battery Life)

• Modem - Built-in 56 kbps V.90

• Memory - 32MB ROM, 32MB RAM

• Communication & Expandability-PC Type II Card Slot, Compact Flash Type II Slot, USB Port (Host), Serial (RS-232) Port, VGA Out Port, IrDA (Infrared Developers Association) Port, Microphone, Speaker, Headphone Jack (Stereo)

• Cradle option-Provides USB & Serial Connections and Battery Charging

Hitachi's ePlate series products are available through a channel of Master VAR's - Datavision-Prologix; Mobility Concepts; Currie, Peak and Fraizer and through multi-channel direct resellers such as MobilePlanet and Mobilemania.com. The ePlate HPW-630ET has an estimated street price of $1499.99 and will be available through these channels in October 2000.

Hitachi America, Ltd., Computer Division, supplies high-performance computer storage products and multimedia products to OEMs, value-added resellers, system integrators and distributors. The division's products include high-capacity hard disk drives and optical drives, digital multimedia recorders, hand-held computers, LCD projectors, color laser beam printers and flat panel displays.

Hitachi America, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., Japan, markets and manufactures a broad range of electronics, computer systems, consumer electronics and semiconductor products, and provides industrial equipment and services throughout the U.S. Additional information is available at Hitachi America's web site at http://www.hitachi.us/.

Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's leading global electronics companies, with fiscal 1999 (ended March 31, 2000) consolidated sales of 8,001 billion yen ($75.5 billion*). The company manufactures and markets a wide range of products, including computers, semiconductors, consumer products and power and industrial equipment. For more information on Hitachi, Ltd., please visit Hitachi's Web site at http://www.hitachi.com.

*At an exchange rate of 106 yen to the dollar.

About Currie, Peak and Frazier (CPF)

CPF Computer Products Division is a Regional Distributor with national coverage, primarily serving the Southeastern US. CPF's primary focus is Mobile Computing, Wireless Technologies, and High Performance Printing. CPF believes in focusing on specific products and markets. CPF offers special expertise and professionalism to their partners. CPF offers a full array of Technical and Support Services. CPF can be reached at: 800-225-6893 or http://www.cpfinc.com.

Mobility Concepts, a leading provider of mobile and wireless computing products, based in Naperville, Illinois, partners with industry leading hardware and software manufacturers to provide complete "Solutions for the Mobile Workforce". Mobility Concepts specializes in pen based computing, mobile computing, wireless integration, custom peripheral items, and 7X24 Help Desk Support. Mobility Concepts can be reached at: 630-995-9755, tells@mobilityconcepts.com or www.mobilityconcepts.com.

As the nation's leading multi-channel direct reseller of mobile computing and wireless products and a complete resource for mobile professionals, MobilePlanet offers products through its award-winning Web site, www.mobileplanet.com and its catalog by calling 1-800-MPLANET. As a company expressly targeted to the mobile computing industry, MobilePlanet has developed a team of product and solutions experts who work directly with businesses and mobile professionals to help them create efficient and cost-effective solutions to their mobile computing needs.

MobilePlanet is a member of Pinault-Printemps-Redoute (PPR, www.pprgroup.com), a Paris, France-based, international leading specialized distributor with sales of $20 billion in 1999.