Sony Streamlines Handheld Entertainment With New CLIE Handheld and Optional Camera Module

October 23

Super Slim Palm-Powered(TM) Device Also Functions As A Universal Remote Controller

Adding new functionality to handheld devices while reducing the profile, Sony Electronics today unveiled the CLIE PEG-T415 handheld, which features a slim design with an aluminum case and an enhanced infrared port for controlling audio/video equipment.

Sony also announced an optional Memory Stick(R) camera module (model PEGA-MSC1) that enables consumers to shoot and view digital photos directly from the new CLIE T415 handheld, as well as the currently available N760C and N610C CLIE handhelds.

"Utilizing the Palm OS, CLIE handhelds have always been about fun and entertainment, and the new CLIE T415 model takes that sentiment to another level," said Russell Paik, vice president for handheld marketing at Sony Electronics' Information Technology Products Division. "By enabling the device to act as a remote controller, the CLIE T415 handheld is now the link to one's household entertainment."

The new CLIE handheld will retail for about $300, and the PEGA-MSC1 camera module for around $150. Both devices, expected to be available at retailers nationwide in November, can be pre-ordered online beginning today at www.sonystyle.com/clie. Product specifications can be found at www.sony.com/clie.

Measuring a mere 0.39 inches thin, the CLIE PEG-T415 model has the slimmest silhouette in the industry, while retaining key features found throughout the CLIE handheld line-up, such as the Jog Dial(TM) navigator with Back button and the Memory Stick(R) media slot.

The CLIE T415 handheld features a high-resolution (320 x 320 pixels) monochrome display, ideal for viewing detailed images and crisp system fonts.

For users looking to view and edit text and spreadsheet documents directly on the handheld, the CLIE T415 model comes bundled with Documents To Go(R) 4.0 Standard Edition by DataViz, Inc.

CLIE PEG-T415 Handheld: In Control

Creating a link between handheld and household entertainment, Sony's enhanced infrared port, in concert with the newly bundled CLIE Remote Commander (v. 1.0) application, transforms the new CLIE handheld into a universal remote controller. Capable of commanding system settings on most DVD players, TVs, VCRs and AV receivers -- all from a distance up to 15 feet -- the new CLIE T415 model eliminates the need for multiple remote controllers.

To minimize the headaches associated with programming a universal remote controller, the new CLIE Remote Commander application has preset programs for DVD players, TVs, VCRs and AV receivers from most manufacturers currently available in retail stores.

Users can now choose how they wish to be reminded of a scheduled event or task. The CLIE T415 model also features a built-in speaker and the new Sound Generator feature that enable users to use preset system sounds or create their own with MIDI and WAV files converted on their PC with the bundled Sound Converter (v. 1.0) application. The enhanced sound also intensifies the handheld gaming experience with richer, more engaging sound effects on supported applications.

PEGA-MSC1 Memory Stick Camera Module: Capture the World With the Wave Of A Hand

Putting a face to a name in the address book is now easier with the new PEGA-MSC1 digital camera module, which enables the CLIE T415, N760C and N610C handhelds to take digital photos by inserting the module into the devices' Memory Stick(R) media slot. The new digital camera module can also be used with any CLIE N710C handheld that has been upgraded to Palm OS(R) 4.1 through Sony's authorized OS upgrade program.

"Part of the CLIE handheld's appeal is that it enables users to relive their memories -- whether they be through music or digital photos," Paik said. "In creating the new digital camera module, we wanted customers to not only relive those memories but also to create new ones."

Images taken with the camera module are automatically saved to the CLIE handheld's onboard memory, where they can be viewed with the supplied PictureGear(TM) Pocket application. To preserve memory for new photos and information management applications, images can be archived on a Memory Stick card or PC. Users can select between 320 x 240 or 160 x 120 pixel effective resolution images, the perfect size for e-mailing or Web posting.

PEGA-SA10 Audio Adapter: Musical Inspiration

Users can travel to the tune of digital audio files by connecting the optional PEGA-SA10 Audio Adapter to the serial port located at the base of the T415 handheld model. The module reads MP3 audio files stored on Memory Stick media (sold separately) and also supports stereo sound on gMovie(TM) application video clips. The CLIE SA10 handheld accessory comes supplied with headphones and an installation CD-ROM with supporting applications.

Key Product Specifications

CLIE(TM) PEG-T415 model

-- Palm OS(R) software version 4.1

-- Motorola(R) Dragonball VZ 33MHz processor

-- Jog Dial(TM) navigator with "Back" button

-- Memory: 8MB (7MB available) (DRAM) / 4MB (Flash)

-- Interface: USB (Cradle) / Infrared Port / Memory Stick(R)

media slot

-- Display: High resolution (320 x 320 pixels) backlit EL display

(monochrome)

-- Power: Lithium-ion polymer rechargeable battery (internal)

-- Dimensions: 4.65 (L) x 2.83 (W) x 0.39 (H) inches

-- Lightweight: approximately 4.3 oz. (including stylus)

Some third party applications may display lower resolution.

Bundled Accessories

Protective cover

USB HotSync(R) cradle/charger

Stylus

Estimated Price of Optional Accessories

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