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A. T. Cross: Introduces CrossPad XP
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS:
Andrew Lavin Brian Mullins Kristin Wahl
A. Lavin Communications Cross Pen Computing Group IBM
212-354-2266 401-333-1200 650-694-1387
andrewlavin@alavin.com bmullins@cross-pcg.com kwahl@us.ibm.com
NEW CROSSPAD XP OFFERS A LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN WITH HEAVYWEIGHT FEATURES
AND FUNCTIONALITY
IBM Co-developed New Compact, Lightweight Extra Portable CrossPad Expands
PDN Product Category
LINCOLN, R.I. (September 28, 1998) - The Cross Pen Computing Group (PCG), a
division of the A.T. Cross Company (ASE:ATX.A) today introduced the
CrossPad XP expanding the PDN (Portable Digital Notepad) category it
created. Co-developed with IBM, the new product combines a sleek,
lightweight hardware design with software enhancements facilitating
electronic organizing and sharing of handwritten notes or diagrams.
Cross Pen Computing Group and IBM pioneered the development of PDNs. Like
the CrossPad, CrossPad XP transforms how users store, organize and share
notes so they can write in ink on a standard notepad and simultaneously
create a digital copy of these notes. When uploaded to their PC, the
user's "digital notes" can be filed, reorganized, faxed, e-mailed or
printed in handwritten form in virtually all Windows 95, 98 and Windows
NT 4.0 applications.
Also, announced today by IBM is a software developers kit (SDK) that will
enable companies to create forms and applications for use with the popular
CrossPad and CrossPad XP. With this toolkit, developers can create
customized forms for specific industries including legal, medical,
insurance, finance, government and transportation.
"CrossPad XP is a natural extension of the successful CrossPad for users
that prefer a smaller paper size for notetaking and added portability,"
said Robert Byrnes, CEO of the Cross Pen Computing Group. "We know the PDN
offers numerous professional and personal uses and believe the newly
released software development kit from IBM will facilitate the category
growth with exciting new applications."
"Through our joint efforts with Cross, we are able to take our
state-of-the-art technologies and produce a practical solution that has the
potential to redefine how users perceive pen and paper as notetaking
devices," said W. S. (Ozzie) Osborne, general manager, IBM Speech and Pen
Systems Business Unit. "With the availability of a software toolkit, IBM is
enabling other companies to join in this exciting opportunity to create
innovative applications for the popular CrossPad platform."
Responding To Customer Demands For Smaller Form Factor
Responding to customer requests for a product the size of the memo pad, the
CrossPad XP holds a standard 6" x 9" notepad. Built for portability, the
11.875" X 7.75" X .875" CrossPad XP weighs only 1.5 pounds, is more compact
and 30% lighter than the original CrossPad. It contains 1 MB of flash ROM,
which stores over 80 pages of single-spaced notes or up to 160 pages of
loose notes, sketches and diagrams. Both the new CrossPad XP and the
existing CrossPad will now ship with the redesigned CrossWriter II digital
pen, which provides a more natural, quality writing experience.
Additionally, the CrossPad XP will feature a spring-loaded, snap-in
penholder to ensure that the CrossWriter II is always within reach.
Software Features Make It Easier To Organize Notes
CrossPad XP will feature the latest upgrade of IBM Ink Manager software,
Ink Manager 1.5. Among the enhancements are:
- Self-Executable Ink Manager viewer allows users to e-mail notes to other
Windows users, even if they don't have Ink Manager.
- The ability to save notes in .ps, .tif, .jpg, or .bmp formats enables the
user to export notes and sketches to their most frequently used applications.
- Thumbnail view of notebook makes it easier to organize, copy and send
multiple pages of notes. It also offers greater flexibility to sort notes,
select multiple pages, and drag and drop selections into various notebooks.
The new software will be available to existing CrossPad users who can
download the new version of IBM Ink Manager 1.5 from the Cross PCG website.
http://www.cross-pcg.com after October 12.
System Contents
The CrossPad XP package includes IBM Ink Manager 1.5 software, the
CrossWriter II digital pen, four AAA batteries for the pad and one AAAA
battery for the pen, a serial cable that connects to the PC and five
replacement ink cartridges, each with an 80-page capacity. CrossPad XP has
a one-year limited warranty.
System Requirements for CrossPad XP
System requirements include Windows 95, 98 or NT 4.0, Pentium or better
processor, 50 MB of hard disk space during the installation process (30 MB
after installation is complete), 16 MB RAM minimum (32 MB recommended for
Windows 95 and 98, required for NT 4.0), one available 9-pin COM port and a
CD-ROM drive.
Pricing and Availability
In the U.S., CrossPad XP will be available in October for $399 (MSRP) at
major computer retail stores and catalogs including Staples, Comp USA,
Computer City, MicroCenter, Computer Discount Warehouse, Micro Warehouse,
and PC Connection. In Canada, CrossPad is being sold through Tech Data and
Ingram Canada.
Additional replacement ink cartridges and a specially designed leather
CrossPad portfolio are available in retail stores. A new selection of ink
cartridges as well as a wide range of accessories are available
through the CrossPad accessories catalog or via the Cross Pen Computing
Group website (http://www.cross-pcg.com).
IBM's CrossPad (SDK) will be available for developers to download from the
IBM Research Web site http: /www.research.ibm.com/electricInk at no cost.
The final SDK will be released in Q4 1998. Currently a beta version of the
toolkit and information on IBM's Ink Manager software is available on the Web.
Cross Web Site Hosts Discussion Groups, Electronic Store and Extensive
On-line Technical Support
Cross PCG will launch a new website in October. The website will promote
greater interactivity by providing the following enhancements to the
current website (www.cross-pcg.com):
- A "Pen Pals" discussion area, where users can share tips and information
on how they use CrossPad.
- On-line ordering of CrossPad accessories.
- A Technical support discussion area as well as support knowledge base.
About Cross Pen Computing Group
Cross Pen Computing Group (PCG) develops, manufactures and markets
innovative pen-based computing products. PCG is a division of A.T. Cross
Company, a major international manufacturer of fine writing instruments and
pen computing products as well as a distributor of quality timepieces. The
company is headquartered in Lincoln, Rhode Island. For more information on
CrossPad XP and other Cross Pen Computing Group products, visit the web
site at http://www.cross-pcg.com or call (800) 510-9660.
About IBM
IBM, the world's largest software provider, creates, develops and
manufactures the industry's most advanced information technologies,
including computer systems, software, networking systems, storage devices
and microelectronics. IBM offers complete information about the company,
its products, services and technology to Internet users throughout the
World Wide Web. The IBM home page
is located at http://www.ibm.com.
# # #
IBM and Ink Manager are trademarks or registered trademarks of the
International Business Machines Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries. Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT are trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements
relating to the introduction of Cross pen computing products in the third
quarter of 1998. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties, including but not limited to risks associated with consumer
acceptance of the Company's new product lines, and risks associated with
the introduction of new technologies. Additional discussions of factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from management's
expectations are contained in the Company's filings under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.
Ben Tanner
A. Lavin Communications
19 W. 44th St., 9th Floor
New York, NY 10036
212-354-2266
fax 212-354-2272
bentanner@alavin.com
End