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Media Contact:
Jeff Collins
(St. Petersburg, Florida — January 31, 2003) — Freedom Scientific today announced it began shipment of the PAC Mate BNS, the world's first and only accessible Pocket PC device for those who are blind. This definitive hand-held computer provides access to everyday Windows-based desktop data and software applications via Pocket PC applications including Word, Outlook and Internet Explorer. PAC Mate is available in two models — the BNS with its eight-dot Braille keyboard, and the TNS for users familiar with QWERTY-style keyboards. Both units offer the same great functionality utilizing JAWS® for Pocket PC technology. Freedom Scientific anticipates that the TNS version will begin shipping within the next several weeks. Those who pre-ordered this revolutionary device are now surfing the Internet, sending and receiving email, and managing data with unmatched convenience. PAC Mate allows you to sync up with other PDAs, PAC Mates and PCs for wireless transfer of data. It features CompactFlash™ cards for unlimited storage, and users also can purchase a user-replaceable battery for back up power on the go. The leveling of the playing field is the ongoing theme of early users of this revolutionary device. "The PAC Mate is going to change the entire complexion of assistive technology, as we know it today, and how we use it in the future," said Karl Smith, owner of Axis Technology in Salt Lake City, Utah. "This is the first time a person who is blind or vision impaired will be able to work on the same competitive level with those who are sighted. For my own business, it allows me to transfer and manage my Excel data flawlessly. Whether it is in the professional, educational or home environment, PAC Mate, to me, is the next generation of technology for the blind." Jim Kutsch, a business
professional who works for Convergys Corporation in Pricing for the BNS and the TNS is $2,595. You can offset the cost by trading in an older model Freedom Scientific notetaker. Depending on the trade, you can save up to $800. As a special introductory offer, a customer who purchases three PAC Mate's on the same Purchase Order receives a 10-percent discount. This discount is available for U.S. customers only through March 31, 2003. Some of the options for PAC Mate include a 56K or Ethernet modem. Either modem option is an additional $155. Those wanting a spare battery can order one for $179. An optional Global Positioning System will be available in 2003. Your PAC Mate comes with a one-year warranty on the hardware* and one year of free updates for the software. A Product Maintenance Agreement and Annual Software Agreement can be purchased for your PAC Mate. Discounts are applied when these are ordered during initial product purchase. Contact your local
dealer, or call Freedom Scientific at 1-800-444-4443 or Freedom Scientific is the world's leading manufacturer of technology products for those who are blind and vision impaired, and products for the special education and learning disability markets. * Or, as required by warranty laws in specific countries. All prices are
in U.S. dollars
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