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OT: Siemens Introduces Gigaset 4600 SIMpad Mobile Internet Pad at CES

Fun, lightweight device gives consumers in-house mobility via HomeRF wireless networking

http://www.icm.siemens.com/pr/jan_06_01.html

LAS VEGAS — Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Booth #15420 — January 6, 2001— Siemens introduced the Gigaset™ 4600 SIMpad™ mobile Internet pad to the U.S. market this week, giving consumers convenient Internet access and computing mobility around the house without the weight and bulk of a laptop or the limited display of a PDA. Following Siemens' wireless home networking strategy announced at last year's CES, the Gigaset 4600 SIMpad mobile Internet pad represents the first Siemens product to support the HomeRF™ wireless specification.

With its notepad size and light weight, the new Gigaset 4600 SIMpad mobile Internet pad provides all the must-have features for fun, productive Web browsing and emailing, such as an SVGA color touchscreen and the functionality provided by Microsoft Windows CE operating system that includes a rich browsing experience by Internet Explorer 4.0. Weighing in at approximately two pounds, the Siemens device turns on instantly allowing immediate access to its many features.

The Gigaset 4600 SIMpad mobile Internet pad can establish wireless high-speed Internet connectivity anyplace in and around the home via HomeRF's unique protocol. The HomeRF standard is an open specification to deliver a broad spectrum of affordable, interoperable consumer devices capable of both toll-quality voice and high-speed data networking around the home without the complication and expense associated with running new wires. Nearly 100 member companies including such leaders as Compaq, Intel, Motorola, National Semiconductor, Proxim and Siemens support the standard.

"The Gigaset 4600 SIMpad mobile Internet pad is about fun and convenience," said Kevin Duffy, director of business development and product management for Siemens Information and Communication Mobile LLC. "Turn it on, and you're ready to go almost instantly with a simple interface and a big color display. Plus, you can use the pad anywhere in the house, whether you're on the couch or in the backyard."

Consumers easily interact with the Gigaset 4600 SIMpad mobile Internet pad through an intuitive, contact-sensitive color touchscreen using a virtual keyboard or the handwriting recognition tool.

Thanks to the Windows CE operating system, the Gigaset 4600 SIMpad mobile Internet pad is compatible with a multitude of popular PC programs, further shortening the learning curve. Pre-installed software includes Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 browser software, as well as Microsoft Pocket Word for word processing, email client (IMAP4, POP3, SMTP), and the painting program Pocket Paint.

"Windows CE provides a complete Internet experience and rich multimedia support for the next generation of wireless Internet access devices," said Keith White, director of marketing for the Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group at Microsoft Corp. "The Gigaset 4600 SIMpad mobile Internet pad, based on Windows CE, is a great example of how companies like Siemens are taking advantage of this functionality in their new innovative devices to provide users with constant and convenient Internet connectivity."

Additional Features and Benefits
Weighing just about 2 lbs., the Gigaset 4600 SIMpad mobile Internet pad is one of the smallest and lightest wireless Internet pads in its class. The thin Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery lasts for over two hours of operation. Additional key features include:
Low-power consumption Intel StrongARM 1110, 200 MHz 32 bit RISC processor
16MB flash memory and 32MB RAM
Touchscreen features 8.4'' TFT, SVGA (800x600 pixel) 16-bit color
Device measures approximately 7.1"x10.2"x1.2"
Wireless home networking via HomeRF with a range of approximately 150 feet
Microsoft Windows CE 2.12 operating system
System is upgradeable via software download
AC Adapter
Price and availability
The Gigaset 4600 SIMpad mobile Internet pad will be available at select computer and office superstores in 2nd quarter 2001 at a retail price of less than $1,300.

About Siemens Information and Communication Mobile
The Siemens Information and Communication Mobile Group (IC Mobile) offers the complete range of mobile business including devices, infrastructure and applications. Devices include mobile phones, wireless modules, mobile organizers, cordless phones and products for wireless home networks. The infrastructure portfolio includes the complete range of mobile network technologies from base stations and switching systems to intelligent networks services and mobile applications. For fiscal 2000, IC Mobile recorded sales of $8.46 billion. The group has approximately 27,000 employees worldwide.

For further information about this Siemens group, please visit our home page: http://www.icm.siemens.com.