From: ltao@netcom.com (Lilly Tao)
Subject: GRiD Convertible Announcement
Organization: Netcom Online
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 1992 20:32:10 GMT

Below is the text of today's press announcement from GRiD concerning our
new pen computer.  I have been sitting on my hands for weeks to prevent
myself from telling you all about it.  I've used it myself for a few
weeks and it is truly amazing.  When closed, it looks like a tablet pen
computer, and that's it.  But when you press the buttons on the sides,
the screen swings up (this is difficult to describe) to reveal a full
keyboard underneath, and the screen is positioned like your usual notebook
computer screen.  So you have a computer which can be used as a tablet
pen computer or a notebook computer!  I would be raving about this machine
regardless of my company affiliation, and people have been!  Check
out the reviews (there is one in this week's PC Week) and if you're at
Comdex, check out the machine itself.  It is revolutionary and it's
here *today*!!   I'm looking forward to hearing your comments on it.

Lilly Tao						GRiD Systems Corp.
ltao@netcom.com						Fremont, CA
<standard disclaimer "I'm doing this FYI, not for $$, etc etc etc."
------------------------------------------------------------------------


						NEWS RELEASE
	
CONTACT
Kathy Truesdell
GRiD Systems
(817) 491-5200

	GRiD Systems Introduces "Convertible" Notebook / Pen Computer 

LAS VEGAS, November 16--GRiD Systems today announced the industry's first 
pen-based notebook computer designed for people who want the freedom 
and capability to use today's latest PC software anywhere, for any 
application, anytime.  The GRiD ConvertibleTM is a combination notebook 
and pen computer that quickly converts into a state-of-the art notebook 
computer from a state-of-the-art tablet computer.  The GRiD Convertible 
can take full advantage of pen computing functions in its notebook 
configuration.  The new system will be bundled with MS-DOS 5.0 TM 
and Microsoft* Windows for Pens.TM

Bruce Walter, GRiD Systems president said:  "Today, the standards in 
notebook computing changed forever.  Our Convertible notebook with a pen 
interface will make notebook computers truly personal PCs by redefining 
convenience. It is a competitively priced machine that has every feature 
for today's mobile professional, including power, memory, light-weight, 
internal fax modem, pen computing, and the ability to run all today's 
most popular software."

The GRiD Convertible will run all MS-DOSTM and WindowsTM software.  Selected 
software applications recommended by GRiD as uniquely appropriate for the 
GRiD Convertible include mobile fax and receive, contact management, 
scheduling and organizing, personal information management, document 
notation, hand drawn graphics and note taking.

The introduction of the GRiD Convertible is being supported by 
Microsoft Corporation, Slate Corporation, and other major vendors of 
pen computing software in the retail, value-added reseller and GRiD 
sales channels.

William Gates, chairman and CEO, Microsoft Corporation, said:  "GRiD 
has created the most accessible portable notebook to date, by seamlessly 
integrating a pen with full function notebook computer capability.  
This system will bring pen computing into the mainstream and change the 
direction of notebook hardware."

Since the 1989 introduction of the GRiDPADTM, the first successful pen 
computer, the systems have been marketed primarily for specialized vertical 
applications, such as claims reporting, data collection, and route 
accounting.  The GRiD Convertible is designed to be used by everyone who 
currently uses a personal computer and for those needing a tablet computer 
to use while standing or walking, particularly those who also may need 
keyboard capabilities.

The GRiD Convertible is designed to be used unobtrusively by people in 
meetings as a tablet, as a powerful pen-enabled notebook for mobile 
professionals, or as a powerful desktop unit with pen capabilities 
for those who take their computers home occasionally.

"The GRiD Convertible is a viable system design that will really help 
create interest in the pen-based notebook category.  It is the first in 
a category that we expect to become more viable and competitive in 
1993," said Bruce Stephen, director of PC hardware research, International 
Data Corporation.

"The GRiD Convertible is the most versatile and mobile notebook available, 
designed to be used when workspace is at a premium.  Its unique tablet 
design allows it to be used as a pen computer or as a notebook.  As a 
tablet, it is easy to use while standing,  yet will quickly convert 
into a traditional notebook computer for use on a desk, tray table or 
countertop," said Betsy Reagan, vice president of marketing for GRiD.  

"For example, while standing in a phone booth talking on the phone, a sales 
representative, who needs information stored on the units hard disk drive, 
can quickly and easily navigate through data using the pen, with only 
one hand!  Later that day, sitting at his desk and using the keyboard, 
that same user can compose a letter to a client," Reagan added.
 
The GRiD Convertible is a 25 megahertz, Intel386TM SL notebook computer 
that comes standard with two megabytes of system RAM, expandable to 20 
megabytes, a math coprocessor, a rugged magnesium casework, and a 125 
megabyte hard disk drive.  The GRiD Convertible has a PCMCIA version 2.0 
compatible expansion slot, and is bundled with an attachable 3.5" 1.44 
megabyte floppy drive.

The system also is shipped with a backlit VGA screen that is 640 X 480 
pixels and measures 9.5" diagonally.  The system features simultaneous 
video, so that live presentations and demonstrations can be performed 
via a color VGA monitor or video projection system.  The GRiD Convertible 
also supports PenRight!TM, GRiD's DOS-based, pencentric graphical 
application platform. 

To implement pen computing, the GRiD Convertible uses a high resolution, 
400 dots per inch, Logitech digitizer board and cordless pen.  The unit, 
which measures 11.5" X 9.3" X 1.5", weighs 5.5 pounds.

The keyboard is a 79-key industry standard QWERTY.  GRiD offers two 
internal fax modems as options:  a V.22bis 2400 BPS and a V.32bis 
14,400 BPS, both with MNP level 2 - 4 or V.42 error correction and 
MNP level 5 or V.42bis data compression.

Commenting on the inclusion of the PCMCIA release 2 slot, PCMCIA 
Executive Director Brendan McGuire said, "GRiD Systems is on the 
leading edge of notebook computer makers in providing the recognized 
industry standard expansion capabilities which enable the addition of 
memory, software, I/O, and communications capabilities."

The GRiD Convertible is in production.  It is available immediately 
through GRiD's direct sales force, and will be available in quantity 
through mass retail distribution channels in early 1993.  Units also 
are shipping now to key customer sites in volume.  The GRiD Convertible 
has a suggested retail price of $3495.

GRiD designs, manufactures, markets and services laptop, notebook, 
pen and multimedia computers, and pen-based software development tools.  
GRiD is located at 7 Village Circle, Westlake, Texas.  GRiD's products 
are marketed worldwide by GRiD, Tandy GRiD Europe and by authorized 
GRiD distributors and resellers.  GRiD Systems Corporation is a 
wholly-owned subsidiary of Tandy Corporation, Fort Worth, Texas, a 
leading manufacturer and distributor of consumer electronics and computers.




GRiD is a registered trademark of Grid Systems Corporation.  GRiD Convertible, 
GRiDPAD, and PenRight! are trademarks Grid Systems Corporation.  
MS-DOS and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft corporation.


###
Newsgroups: comp.sys.pen