SEIKO BRINGS NEW, POCKET-SIZED DIGITAL WRITING TOOL TO UK

Seiko Instruments USA Inc. today announced the arrival in the UK of the first deliveries of InkLink, a pocket-sized, digital device, designed to enable handwritten notes and drawings to be digitally recorded and transferred to PDAs and computers.

Seiko Instruments USA Inc. today announced the arrival in the UK of the first deliveries of InkLink, a pocket-sized, digital device, designed to enable handwritten notes and drawings to be digitally recorded and transferred to PDAs and computers.

First unveiled as a concept at CeBIT, in March 2002, InkLink is now being shipped in volume to UK at a suggested retail price of 99 sterling and can be obtained from major retailers and online stores.

This pocket-sized digital device, which supports Palm®, Pocket PC and Windows® Operating Systems, was developed to make it easy for users of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), handheld computers, laptops, and desktop PCs to instantly transfer their handwritten notes from paper to their personal computer of choice.

As users write with the InkLink pen, their handwritten notes and drawings are transferred via the IrDA Transceiver into a PDA or a laptop or PC connected via a USB port (serial option). InkLink's proprietary software, InkNote Manager, gives users the freedom to cut, copy, paste, e-mail and store handwritten notes in digital form.
Packaged in a sleek carrying case, it measures 193mm long (7.6") x 74mm wide (2.9") x 143mm high (1.4"), and weighs 143ml (4.75 ounces) and fits in a pocket or handbag. The carrying case holds the InkLink Electronic Ballpoint Pen, Data Clip, and the IrDA Transceiver.
"As Seiko has enjoyed tremendous success with its SmartPad family of products, that allow users to write with pen and paper and store their notes and drawings in a PDA or computer, the company has decided to expand its product offering with InkLink." said Joerg Welsch, European Sales and Marketing Manager, Seiko Instruments.

"Moving forward, we are marking the next chapter in the accessories category with InkLink, a sleek, pocket-size device that not only incorporates the benefits found in the SmartPad products, but delivers even greater versatility to users,"

InkLink provides a wide range of options to users, such as sketching diagrams, writing formulas and drawing maps. The user can also organize and edit notes using InkNote Manager.

Using InkLink with a PDA

To make InkLink work with a handheld organizer, users simply attach the IrDA Clip over the PDA's Infrared port and plug the cable's mini USB into the InkLink Data Clip. Lastly, the Data Clip is fastened to the edge of a piece of paper and from then on each stroke of the pen is captured and immediately transferred into the PDA. InkLink can be used with any size of paper up to A4. Users can also copy their notes into their desktop PC via the ActiveSync® or the HotSync® process.

How InkLink works with a laptop and desktop PC

In addition to the IrDA Transceiver, InkLink is equipped with a 102mm (4") USB cable. One end of the cable plugs into the computer via its USB port, and the other end of the cable plugs into the InkLink Data Clip via the mini USB port. Identical to the PDA set-up, the Data Clip is attached to a single piece of paper or a full pad of paper.

InkNote Manager

InkLink's InkNote Manager software enables users to view, archive, edit and export files to Windows/Pocket PC and Palm Operating System applications. Users have the freedom to organize their notes according to their personal preferences including, date, time, category names, keywords or other user preferences. Additionally they can enjoy the features that allow them to edit, cut, copy, paste, group/ungroup, undo/redo, draw straight lines and even write or highlight in seven colors. InkNote Manager automatically saves users' notes as .ink vector files, but also allows the files to be exported into .bmp, .png, and .jpg formats.

System Requirements

InkLink, which is powered by three standard 1.5v Button batteries (included) and one AAA battery (included) is compatible with IBM, Pentium® or equivalent running Windows® 95, 98, Me, NT4.0 or XP, and requires a CD-Rom drive 32 MB RAM minimum. Requirements for handheld users are Windows CE 3.0 (Pocket PC 2000) or Palm OS version 3.1 or higher and 1.0 MB available memory.

About Seiko Instruments Inc.

The Business and Home/Office Products Division of Seiko Instruments Inc. develops and markets a line of SmartToolsä, and innovative, compact peripherals for users of personal computing and communication systems. Seiko Instruments is one of three worldwide Seiko group companies. In addition to speciality label printers, Seiko Instruments also manufactures thermal printers, electronic components, and factory automation/robotics systems. The UK offices of Seiko Instruments are located at 44 Waldorf Heights, Hawley Hill, Camberley, Surrey GU17 9JH. Tel: 01276 505776; email matt.dyson@seikosmart.co.uk; Website: www.seikosmart.com

Ends.

For further information please contact

Paul Calderwood
Kingswood Public Relations
Tel: +44 (0)20 8763 2241
E-mail: kingswoodmktg@btinternet.com

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