Sony to Launch Handheld Computer with Palm Operating System

Strategic Insights -

New York-based Sony Corp. is poised to release a new handheld computer, dubbed the CLIE, which will utilize Palm Inc.'s operating system. This move aims to expand the market for Palm handhelds beyond the tech-savvy crowd and mobile professionals, said Mark Bercow, a Palm executive. The CLIE will offer multimedia and entertainment features, although its capabilities are relatively modest, with a monochrome screen and inability to play sounds. A color handheld is expected to launch in the middle of next year due to parts shortages.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CLIE handheld computer will run on Palm Inc.'s operating system, marking a significant win for the market leader in its battle against Microsoft's Pocket PC operating system.
  • The device will cost approximately $400, similar to Palm's high-end Palm Vx, and will come with an 8-megabyte Memory Stick for data transfer and storage.
  • The CLIE will have 8 megabytes of internal memory, the same as the Palm Vx, and a storage capacity that can be expanded with the included Memory Stick.
  • The device is approximately the size of a small TV remote and weighs 4 ounces, making it compact and portable.
  • The launch of the CLIE is part of Sony's strategy to widen the market for Palm handhelds beyond the tech-savvy crowd and mobile professionals.
  • The Palm operating system has been licensed by Handspring Inc. for its line of Visor handhelds, further expanding its market share.
  • The combined sales of Palm and Handspring handhelds have reached 7 million units, giving the Palm operating system a significant 66-percent share of the worldwide market for handheld computers.

Statistics:

  • The CLIE handheld computer will cost approximately $400.
  • The device will come with 8 megabytes of internal memory.
  • The CLIE will store data on an 8-megabyte Memory Stick.
  • The global market share of the Palm operating system is 66%, based on the sales of 7 million Palm and Handspring handhelds.
  • The device weighs 4 ounces and measures approximately the size of a small TV remote.

Sources:

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  • Sony Corp. press release (exact date not provided)