Some hope looms. Using spotlight yields 20 html files so far here is one … hope no one minds the verbatim content. By the way, if you skim through the text you will find all sorts of references to ARDIS, IBM and other companies and products, all of which I will likely go through and scrape in a more organized way using some regex to extract particular files such as (pdf|hqx|sit|dd|pkg|abs|bin|sea|cpt|dmg|txt)
Motorola Launches the Personal Messenger[tm] 100D Wireless Modem Card in the United States
Industry¹s First Wide-Area, Two-Way PCMCIA Type II Single-Unit Wireless Modem Card ‹ Available for ARDIS Nationwide Wireless Communications Network ‹
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. - July 18, 1995 - In its continued commitment to drive the growth of the wireless data market worldwide, Motorola's Wireless Data Group today announced the commercial availability of the Personal Messenger® 100D wide-area, two-way PCMCIA Type II single-unit wireless modem card in the United States.
The Personal Messenger modem card is an easy-to-use, compact and lightweight wireless modem card that inserts into the PCMCIA Type II or Type III slot of many popular portable computing devices and personal digital assistants (PDAs). It provides users of wireless-enabled applications the ability to stay in touch with their business environment, manage business from remote locations, communicate at their convenience and stay ahead of their competition by responding to market demands.
The Personal Messenger 100D modem card is designed for use on the ARDIS nationwide wireless data communications network, which is based on Motorola DataTAC[tm] 4000 wireless packet-data communications system technology. Using the Personal Messenger 100D modem card, mobile users can send/receive e-mail from their office network or the Internet, send faxes and access corporate data bases.
Today, the Personal Messenger 100D modem card is bundled with wireless software from RadioMail. Other wireless applications, such as ARDIS PersonalMessaging, IBM's ARTour and Motorola's AirMobile® Wireless Software for cc:Mail, are available separately.
"Motorola is committed to delivering reliable, portable wireless data communications solutions worldwide. By partnering with the leading public data network carriers, third-party application developers and computer manufacturers, Motorola is working with all key players to contribute to this industry's growth," said Randy Battat, corporate vice president of Motorola and general manager of the Wireless Data Group. "Motorola continues to pioneer the development of the most comprehensive line of wireless communications solutions on the market today. We expect the Personal Messenger 100D wireless modem card to be one of the most widely used wireless data communications tools in the United States and abroad."
The Personal Messenger 100D modem card uses standard 9-volt alkaline, rechargeable NiCad or lithium batteries for self-powered operation; therefore, the modem card does not shorten the battery life of the computing device. Depending on the user's application, the modem card can continue to receive and store messages even when it is not connected to the computing device. With this feature, users will not miss important information. The Personal Messenger modem card also features a built-in lithium battery for memory back-up.
ARDIS Wireless Data Network
The Personal Messenger 100D modem card currently runs on the ARDIS network, the world's leading wireless data communications network. The ARDIS network provides dual 4.8/19.2 kbps operation for the Personal Messenger 100D modem card. ARDIS provides on-street, in-vehicle and in-building coverage to 90 percent of the business activities in the United States. This includes 400 metropolitan areas including 10,700 cities and towns.
"Devices such as the Personal Messenger are essential to the rapid evolution of wireless data markets," said Frank Wapole, president and CEO of ARDIS. "We believe Motorola is a company that will continue to develop new modems to provide application developers and users with economically-priced, reliable data communications tools."
Product Features
The Personal Messenger 100D modem card's ergonomic design offers users a lightweight, shirt-pocket sized device. Specifications include:
Weight: 5.43 ounces including battery On/Off Switch Size: Height at card end 0.2 inches; Self-powered by either a 9-volt battery end 1.18 inches, 2.14 inches wide alkaline, rechargeable NiCad or lithium and 5.75 inches long battery Three status LED indicators Lithium battery for memory back-up High gain flip-up antenna (included in device)
The Personal Messenger 100D modem card currently operates for up to 3 hours on a 9-volt alkaline battery or 1.5 hours on a NiCad rechargeable battery. A lithium battery is included in the product for memory back-up. With either battery, the device can operate connected to the computing device or in the stand-alone mode. A lithium rechargeable battery can also be used to power the Personal Messenger 100D modem card. Using the PowerSave® feature, not currently available, the Personal Messenger card will have an operating battery life 45 times longer than today. ARDIS and Motorola will provide upgrades to existing customers once the PowerSave feature is available in Q1 1996.
"The Personal Messenger modem card is designed specifically for people on the move who need to keep in constant contact with the office or home base, and those who rely on third-party information services to carry out their work," said Bob Molnar, vice president and general manager of Motorola Wireless Data Group's Wireless Modems Division. "It is ideal for workers in the field who need to keep up with customer calls and leads, and for professionals who need instant access to competitive information, data bases and information services."
"Wireless technology has become an essential part of the role mobile communications plays in an organization. It can give users true freedom for ongoing communications," said Andrew Seybold, editor-in-chief, Outlook on Communications and Computing. "Motorola continues to move in the right direction by delivering new types of wireless products which further enhance this communications' mobility."
Computer Platform Compatibility
Motorola continues to partner with the world's leading computer and PDA manufacturers to develop first-class wireless technology solutions. The Personal Messenger 100D modem card is compatible with leading PCMCIA Type II-and III-equipped laptop and palmtop computers and PDAs from Apple, Compaq, Dell, Hewlett-Packard and Toshiba, running PCMCIA release 2.1 or higher.
"By teaming with Motorola we match our no-compromise, dependable notebook offering with best-in-class wireless communications. Now Dell Latitude XP users can get connected while staying mobile," said John Medica, vice president, Portable Computing, Dell. "Battery life, ease-of-use and communications are key concerns for users. Our relationship with Motorola ensures that Dell users can take advantage of technologies such as the Personal Messenger wireless card that address these areas as soon as they hit the street."
Wireless Applications Support
Wireless applications for messaging, faxing, electronic mail and scheduling are available from many of today's leading software application providers. Some applications available for the Personal Messenger 100D modem card include:
AirMobile Wireless® Software for cc:Mail
With the Personal Messenger 100D modem card, Motorola's AirMobile Wireless Software for cc:Mail for Windows lets users access their LAN-based electronic mail server. While away from their offices, users can wirelessly work with their desktop electronic mail without having to be at their desks. Benefits include the same simple menu-driven interface, cost-effective airtime services, single mailbox convenience, message filtering agents and security.
ARDIS PersonalMessaging
ARDIS PersonalMessaging is a messaging application for Apple Newton, Hewlett-Packard, DOS, Macintosh and Magic Cap platforms that provides peer-to-peer wireless message exchange on the ARDIS network as well as access to paging and fax gateways. It provides cost-effective and reliable communications to workgroups who may not require or want Internet access.
ARTour from IBM
ARTour is a wireless middleware client/server product that provides true TCP/IP wireless connectivity. ARTour enables users to wirelessly connect to data bases and access important, timely information as if they were working from their desktop computer.
RadioMail
RadioMail, bundled with the Personal Messenger 100D modem card, connects users to anyone communicating on the Internet or via public e-mail services such as America Online, CompuServe or Prodigy. In addition to wireless connection and access to many of today's top information services, RadioMail provides wireless fax and paging services for the Personal Messenger 100D modem card.
Pricing and Distribution
The street price of the Personal Messenger 100D modem card is expected to be in the $700$750 range. Prices for peripheral devices, such as wireless modem cards, are set by the channel, and Motorola envisions a wide range of services with different pricing structures.
Motorola's strategy is to work closely with resellers, distributors, VARs, systems integrators and specialty retailers that are interested in providing users with the highest-quality wireless solutions and support. Some of the initial dealers are:
Manchester Equipment, New York, NY
Oakbrook Computer Center, Chicago, IL
Totally Wireless, San Jose, CA
For general information on Motorola's wireless solutions and other Personal Messenger 100D modem card dealer locations, users can call (800) 894-7353.
Service and Support
The Personal Messenger 100D modem card is supported by the dealers as well as Motorola's Help Desk. On-line support is also available through integrated connections to ARDIS, RadioMail and the Help Desk of Motorola. Product information is available at the Motorola WDG Internet World Wide Web site (http://www.mot.com/wdg/).
Motorola Wireless Data Group
The Wireless Data Group is part of Motorola's Messaging, Information and Media Sector and incorporates the company's business activities involved with the design, manufacturing and distribution of wireless data products, infrastructure equipment and systems for worldwide markets. Motorola is one of the world's leading providers of wireless communications, semiconductors, and advanced systems and services. Sales in 1994 were $22.2 billion.
Motorola is a registered trademark, and AirMobile, DataTAC and Personal Messenger are trademarks of Motorola, Inc. Other names of companies and products may be registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.
For more information please contact:
Cheryl Beck-Ruff
Motorola
708-576-7150