Motorola Unveils Marco Wireless Communicator at Macworld Conference

Strategic Insights -

Motorola's Wireless Data Group introduced the Marco Wireless Communicator, a revolutionary device that integrates two-way wireless communications into Apple's Newton platform, at the Macworld conference in San Francisco. The Marco device allows users to exchange messages with their workgroups and the Internet, access company or industry-specific information using custom wireless applications, and send wireless messages to fax machines and receive wireless news and stock market updates.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Marco Wireless Communicator is the world's only Newton-based SAN device, integrating two-way, wide-area wireless communications into the Newton platform.
  • The device operates on ARDIS, the industry's premier wireless data communications network, covering 90% of business areas in the United States.
  • Motorola will expand its support to include other networks, such as RAM Mobile Data and CDPD, based on customer feedback.
  • The Marco device allows users to run a growing library of retail Newton applications, including Notion and Money Magazine Financial Assistant.
  • Custom solutions are under development for the Marco device, including SalesMate from KPMG Peat Marwick, SkySales from SkyNotes, SkyDispatch from SkyNotes, and bonds@hand from info@hand, Inc.
  • The Marco Communicator weighs 1.8 pounds and is 7.5 inches high, 5.8 inches wide, and 1.4 inches deep, featuring a portrait screen and a PCMCIA Type II slot for memory expansion.
  • The device provides up to eight hours of run time with a NiCad battery and will be sold through Motorola's Wireless Communicator distribution channel.
  • The street price of the Marco device is likely to range from $900 to $1,400, depending on the system bundle chosen.

Statistics:

  • Motorola's Wireless Data Group covers 90% of business areas in the United States, with ARDIS network coverage offered.
  • The Marco Communicator will be available through Motorola's Wireless Communicator distribution channel, initially partnering with 3-4 organizations.
  • Sales in 1993 were approximately U.S. $17 billion.

Sources:

  • Motorola Wireless Data Group press release
  • Cheryl Beck-Ruff of Motorola, 708-576-7150
  • Karen Magill of Cunningham Communication, 617-494-8202
  • PR Newswire