Samsung Electronics Unveils Q1 Ultra Mobile PC at U.S. Launch Event
3 May 2006
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the official U.S. launch of the company's new Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC), the Q1.
The company made the announcement at a San Francisco press event, where it also announced that the Q1 will be available at Best Buy's e-tail outlet, http://www.bestbuy.com/ultramobilepc, beginning May 7, and in select Best Buy stores later this summer as part of a collaboration between the two companies.
Samsung's media briefing included a live demonstration of the Q1, highlighting the ultra-portable product's performance, which is comparable to full-sized notebook PCs and makes up for certain shortcomings of PDAs and other handheld devices currently available. Mobility is what drives the Q1. With a wide 7-inch LCD with touch-screen capability and a weight of just 1.7 lbs., the device was one of the most talked-about new products in March at CeBIT 2006, the world's largest IT show.
"The Q1 is a good companion PC for the mobile professional that is looking for the freedom and flexibility of a small mobile device without having to sacrifice functionality," said HS Kim, executive vice president of Samsung Electronics Computer System Division. "This product marks the beginning of a revolution for PCs and PC use."
The Q1 is a collaborative project among Samsung, Microsoft and Intel Corporation and is the next generation of mobile devices to incorporate the functionality of a conventional PC with diverse mobile features.
"UMPCs such as Samsung's Q1 represent the beginning of a new era in mobile computing," said Bill Mitchell, corporate vice president of the Mobile Platforms Division at Microsoft Corp. "The Q1 Ultra Mobile PC is an easy-to- carry device with the convenience of a touch screen interface running Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. It's a great product for anyone on the go to stay connected, entertained, and informed with the full power of the PC."
Bluetooth and wired/wireless LAN come standard and provide the user with easy Internet access. Samsung's AVS function also allows users to enjoy a variety of multimedia -- movies, music, still photos, video and navigation -- without booting up Windows.
In addition to the ultra-low-power Intel CPU, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition and standard PC functions, the Q1 supports an "inking" function that enables the user to input data directly through the monitor screen, similar to a handwritten note. The data is then stored as an image file.
"The Samsung Q1 Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC) platform is a good example of the collaborative innovation between Samsung and Intel. This companion platform allows users to communicate, access information, be entertained and stay productive on the go," said Gadi Singer, vice president and general manager of Intel's Low Power Technologies Group. "We are aggressively driving low power technologies to enable this exciting new UMPC category."
The Q1 is expected to generate synergy for Samsung as it begins bundling the UMPC with its award-winning line of printers, monitors and other IT products in the American market, and examines ways to seek diverse solutions through its more than 15,000 IT resellers. It offers a unique, practical alternative for mobile professionals whose needs continue to expand daily.
"Successful businesses are beginning to see their communication needs moving far beyond what their wireless phones have to offer," said Scott DeTota, a director of Product and Partner Development at CDW Corporation, a leading provider of technology products and services to business, government and education. "Particularly in the real estate, legal and health care industries, deploying ultra-mobile devices such as the Q1 can provide organizations with competitive advantages by enabling them to securely and efficiently access, input, exchange and present corporate data."
The Q1 will retail for $1,099 in the U.S. Various options are available for purchase, including a USB keyboard, organizer, extended battery and additional band external optical disc drive.
About Samsung's Information Technology Division
Samsung Electronics America's Information Technology Division (ITD), located in Irvine, Calif., is a division of Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), a U.S. subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Company, Ltd. (SEC). ITD markets a complete line of award-winning TFT and CRT display products, color and monochrome laser printers, fax machines and multifunction devices for professional, corporate and SOHO users. ITD also markets large-screen plasma displays designed specifically for the professional and commercial markets.
SEA oversees the North American operations of Samsung's Consumer Electronics Division (CED) and Information Technology Division (ITD), as well as its subsidiaries including Samsung Telecommunications America. LP (STA) and Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. (SSI).
About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2005 parent company sales of US$56.7 billion and net income of US $7.5 billion. Employing approximately 128,000 people in over 120 offices in 57 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and Telecommunication Network Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones, and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit http://www.samsung.com.
Media Contact:
Bob Silver
MWW Group for Samsung Electronics
206-689-8505
bsilver@mww.com
Source: prnewswire
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