Apple Offers Coupon For Win2Go Software With MessagePad 130 and Reduces Price to $699; Affordable Apple MessagePad 130 now connects with Microsoft Office for Windows 95 applications, allowing users to access and use data on the go.

CUPERTINO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 24, 1996--You really can take it with you, your Microsoft Office files, that is.

Apple Computer Inc. today announced that it is offering Win2Go(TM) Office Companion for Newton software free with its MessagePad 130 handheld computer between now and Jan. 31, 1997. Purchasers in the United States and Canada will be entitled to one free copy of Win2Go software from PICA Information and Management GmbH, having an estimated retail value of $180 to $190(a).

In addition, Apple has reduced the price of the popular MessagePad 130 from a suggested retail price of $799 to a suggested retail price of $699.

A powerful but easy-to-use program, Win2Go enables users to transfer files between their Apple MessagePad and a variety of Microsoft Office for Windows applications, including Microsoft Word, Schedule, Mail, Access and PowerPoint on a PC running Windows 95.

"This promotion clearly demonstrates the platform agnostic approach of Apple's Newton Systems Group. With Win2Go, Apple MessagePad 130 users will be able to connect easily with the world's most popular desktop computing platform," said Debbie Carlton, director of marketing, Newton Systems Group at Apple Computer Inc. "Power, performance and portability the MessagePad 130 and Win2Go provide it all in one convenient package that's ready to roll today."

Developed, published and distributed by PICA Information and Management, Win2Go Office Companion for Newton consists of these four applications: -0-

-- Win2Go Schedule Companion allows the user to synchronize Schedule appointments, events, to-dos and addresses with those stored on the MessagePad.

-- Win2Go Mail Companion allows the MessagePad to tap into the Microsoft Mail system. Once connected, the user can read, edit and answer e-mails, and create new e-mail messages.

-- Win2Go Access Companion transfers Microsoft Access databases to the MessagePad and generates a convenient user interface to allow data viewing and editing on the PDA.

-- Win2Go Word Companion facilitates the exchange of text documents between the MessagePad and Microsoft Word. -0-

The redeemable coupons will be available from authorized Newton resellers at point of purchase from Oct. 19, 1996 through Jan. 31, 1997 in the United States and Canada. Alternately, customers can have the coupon faxed back to them by calling the Newton Customer Information Hotline at 800/909-0260 or print it directly from the Web on the World of Newton web site (http://newton.info.apple.com).

MessagePad 130 Features

The MessagePad 130 runs the award winning Newton 2.0 operating system software.

Features include: -0-

-- Transflective LCD with EL backlight for on-demand use in any lighting condition.

-- Non-glare more durable writing surface for easier viewing and a more robust mobile forms/data capture tool.

-- Better performance with new IP-based communications applications such as web browsers and Internet email clients and improved multi-tasking.

-- 8MB ROM, 2.5MB RAM (1,361K nonvolatile user RAM)

Pricing and Availability

The Apple MessagePad 130 is available worldwide through Apple authorized resellers, VARs and SIs. Pricing and promotions will vary by country.

About Apple Computer

Apple Computer Inc., a recognized innovator in the information industry and leader in multimedia technologies, creates powerful solutions based on easy-to-use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, online services, and personal digital assistants.

Headquartered in Cupertino, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) develops, manufactures, licenses and markets products, technologies and services for the business, education, consumer, entertainment, scientific & engineering and government customers in over 140 countries.

(a) Contact an authorized Apple dealer to obtain more pricing information -0-

Note to Editors: For more information about PICA Information and Management GmbH, please contact: Wolf Kunert, telephone: [phone], fax: [phone]

Apple, Newton and MessagePad are registered trademarks of Apple Computer Inc. Microsoft, Windows, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Schedule, Microsoft Mail, Microsoft Access, and Microsoft PowerPoint are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Win2Go is a trademark of PICA Information and Management GmbH.

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