1997-11-17 , S/IC-734/650

Optimized MIPS RISC-based architecture replaces SH-3 processor and enables desktop-like functionality

COMDEX - Las Vegas - November 17, 1997 - Increasing its stronghold on the handheld PC market, Philips Semiconductors' Handheld Computing Group today announced that Compaq Corporation has chosen the TwoChipHCG* Plus processor to power its PC companion line of handheld personal computers. A replacement to Hitachi's SH-3 processor, Philips' optimized architecture enables Compaq to offer its customers a full breadth of professional software bundles and enhanced hardware-based user options. Additionally, the partnership between Philips and Compaq ultimately gives PC companion owners a balance of higher performance and longer battery life, WinCE 2.0 support, and V.34 modem capabilities.

"The TwoChipHCG* architecture is quickly becoming the optimal selection for many handheld PC manufacturers because it has been specifically designed to fulfill the demands of PDA owners," said Stefan Braken-Guelke, general manager, Philips Semiconductors' Handheld Computing Group. "Compaq delivers some of the most highly regarded PC products on the market because the company wisely selects its technology partners. We recognized that our product needed a 'killer application' to demonstrate its superiority. Compaq's PC companion is one of our 'killer apps' going into 1998."

"Handheld PCs are becoming part of standard issue for mobile workers because they provide easy access to desktop/notebook information," said J. Gerry Purdy, Ph.D., and president of Mobile Insights, Inc. "The TwoChip HCG* Plus from Philips is a second-generation integrated silicon solution for handheld PCs that is designed to provide good performance for WinCE 2.0 and to support new features like color displays, long battery life, peripheral support and fast communications that users want. Philips is one of a few vendors that are developing integrated silicon solutions around customer requirements."

The new Compaq handheld PCs will appeal to a broad group of business professional and consumers who use desktops or portable PCs. Vendor relationships between Compaq and its software developers have enabled computing alternatives such as remote access, desktop organization apps, and two-way pager options to make the PC companion an ideal productivity tool for the small and home office workforce.

PC Companion Features
Compaq's PC companion features a wide array of advanced Internet and communications functionality along with a broad portfolio of business software extensions such as Pocket Carbon Copy, River Run's Mail on the Run and numerous WinCE 2.0-based applications. By providing a full-width mono/color VGA display with screen support up to 640x240 resolution, the PC companion allows users to see more on screen and therefore process information more quickly. Dual brightness backlight provides optimized viewing in a light condition and offers the opportunity for extended battery life if high brightness is not necessary.

The user-friendly touch screen feature replaces the mouse for navigation and integrated record software enables users to record a voice note or idea without having to open PC companion.

TwoChipHCG* Plus
The TwoChipHCG* Plus consists of Philips'  PR31700,  UCB1200 and V.34 softmodem, as well as Windows CE device drivers. The enhancements to the chipset offer end users improved performance (72 MIPS), color LCD support, and integrated touch, phone and audio functions for handheld computers.

The softmodem provides communication capabilities through faster modem speeds, up to 33.6 Kbps. Handheld computers based on the TwoChipHCG* Plus offer end users increased bandwidth for without sacrificing the color quality of the user interface. Cost of the chipset, combined with the software fax/modem, is US$39 in 100,000-unit quantities. For pricing, ordering and availability outside the United States, contact your local Philips Semiconductors Sales Office or Authorized Philips Distributor. For more information call 408-991-2313.

About Philips Semiconductors, Inc.
Philips Semiconductors, Inc., a subsidiary of Philips Electronics North America and an affiliate of Philips Electronics NV, headquartered in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, is the ninth largest semiconductor supplier in the world. Philips Semiconductors' innovations in digital audio, video and mobile technology position the company as a leader in the consumer, multimedia and wireless communications markets. Sales offices are located in all major markets around the world and are supported by regional customer applications labs. Additional information on Philips Semiconductors can be found on the home page at www.semiconductors.philips.com.