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National Semiconductor and eMachines Announce Alliance on MSN Companion Design

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

National Semiconductor Corporation has announced an alliance with eMachines, Inc. to design the MSN Companion by eMachines, a new generation of tethered Internet Appliance devices. The MSN Companion by eMachines provides consumers with easy access to email and Internet services, with features including web surfing, private email, and electronic communities, all at the push of a button. The device is powered by National's Geode processor, which delivers powerful, easy-to-use multimedia technology.

Key Takeaways:

  • National Semiconductor and eMachines have formed an alliance to design the MSN Companion by eMachines, a new generation of tethered Internet Appliance devices.
  • The MSN Companion by eMachines features include web surfing, private email, and electronic communities, all at the push of a button.
  • The device is powered by National's Geode processor, which delivers powerful, easy-to-use multimedia technology.
  • The MSN Companion by eMachines will be priced at $349 and will be available from retailers throughout the United States by the end of October.
  • National Semiconductor reported sales of $2.1 billion for its last fiscal year and has about 10,500 employees worldwide.
  • The MSN Companion by eMachines is based on National's Geode reference platform and represents a new generation of tethered Internet Appliance devices.
  • eMachines' president and CEO, Stephen Dukker, stated that National's Geode reference design platform and products provide the MSN Companion by eMachines with the power and functionality that the customer needs.
  • National Semiconductor's vice president, Michael Polacek, stated that the MSN Companion will give people a great way to get online and write emails, chat, and access the Internet content they want without all the complexity and cost of a PC.

Statistics:

  • Anticipated price of the MSN Companion by eMachines: $349
  • Number of employees at National Semiconductor: 10,500
  • Sales of National Semiconductor for its last fiscal year: $2.1 billion
  • Number of retailers carrying the MSN Companion by eMachines: Circuit City, Office Depot, selected Wal-Mart stores, Micro Center, and Cyberian Outpost
  • The MSN Companion by eMachines will be available by the end of October from retailers throughout the United States
  • National Semiconductor's Geode reference design platform and products provide the MSN Companion by eMachines with the power and functionality that the customer needs

Sources:

  • Business Wire: "National Semiconductor and eMachines Announce Alliance on MSN Companion Design" (Oct. 9, 2000)
  • eMachines Inc.: "eMachines and National Semiconductor Announce Alliance on MSN Companion Design" (Oct. 9, 2000)
  • National Semiconductor Corporation: "About National Semiconductor" (www.national.com)
  • National Semiconductor Corporation: "Geode and WebPAD Trademarks" (www.national.com)

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