SOFTWARE ALLOWS PORTFOLIO PALMTOP COMPUTER TO COMMUNICATE WITH PAGING SYSTEMS SUNNYVALE, CA (April 24, 1991) -- One of the most exciting Portfolio palmtop computer applications to hit the market has been announced by TekNow!, a Phoenix-based company that specializes in communications and computer messaging products. The firm's new text paging interface permits Atari Portfolio users to send messages to any alpha-capable pager, anywhere in the world. According to TekNow! officials, the SAMpage software and the one-pound Portfolio palmtop computer have combined to produce the industry's first mobile dispatcher. "What makes this technology so exciting is the fact that the applications are almost limitless," said Ralph Tomeoni, TekNow! president. "Users can range from municipal and government employees to business and medical professionals--anyone who needs to quickly communicate with others," he added. The complete paging/communications system consists of the SAMpage software for the Atari Portfolio and AlphaBox or PageRouter, an intelligent alpha front end for paging terminals. Once installed, the system will send a message using the Portfolio's auto-dial speaker, which will generate DTMF tones. The user simply selects the name of the person who is assigned a specific pager from the Atari Portfolio address book, and enters the message. The message is transmitted by holding the handset of any office phone, pay phone or car phone next to the Portfolio's speaker during the transmission of the message tones. The system's communications module then calls the paging system and sends the page. Tomeoni pointed out that a single message can be delivered to one or many alpha pagers and added that the system is even capable of dialing multiple paging systems. "SAMPage and the Portfolio will open up a whole new world of mobile communications and computing," said Tomeoni. "With this system, people will be able to handle business decisions and opportunities more quickly and effectively. We're all spending more time away from our desks and phones," he continued. "With the Portfolio and an alphanumeric pager, people can leave their offices and still be instantly informed when messages are sent to them, rather than having to wait until they return to the office to check their electronic or voice mail." Tomeoni added that the Portfolio is ideal for this type of use because it's small enough to slip into a coat pocket or purse. About the size of a video cassette tape, the MS-DOS file-compatible Portfolio operates on three "AA" batteries or an optional AC adapter. The 16-bit hand-held computer has 128K of working memory and includes everything a business professional needs to enter notes and reminders or to store important addresses and phone numbers. In addition to the Portfolio's built-in text editor and address book/appointment diary, the system also includes a calculator and a Lotus 1-2-3 file-compatible spreadsheet. Priced at only $299.95, the Portfolio has serial and parallel port options, so information can be uploaded and downloaded from almost any personal computer. With the options, information can also be printed out or sent by modem across town or across country. Sold separately, the SAMpage software interface for the Portfolio retails for $89.00, while the AlphaBox addition to any paging terminal starts at $3,295.00. For more information on TekNow! products or services, call or write TekNow!, 1500 South Priest, Suite 101, Tempe, AZ 85281; (800) 899-7262. Atari Computer Corporation is a worldwide manufacturer and marketer of palmtop through desktop computer systems. The company, a division of Atari Corporation (AMEX:ATC), sells its systems, peripherals and software through authorized distributors, resellers and integrators. For more information, contact Portfolio Marketing Department, Atari Computer, 1196 Borregas Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94088; (408) 745-2000, FAX (408) 745-2088. # # #