Cross Pen Computing Group Ships the CrossPad -- the World's First Portable Digital Notepad.

LINCOLN, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 31, 1998--

Co-Developed With IBM(R), the New CrossPad Transforms

How Users Store, Organize and Share Notes by Instantly

Capturing Handwriting for Transfer to a PC

The Pen Computing Group of A.T. Cross Co. (ASE:ATX.A) today began shipping its innovative CrossPad(TM) portable digital notepad (PDN), which bridges the gap between paper and the PC.

CrossPad transforms how users store, organize and share notes by writing in ink on a standard pad and uploading their handwriting directly to the PC. As a PC file, the user's "digital notes" can be filed, reorganized, faxed, e-mailed or printed in handwritten form or converted to standard ASCII text for use in virtually all Windows(R) 95 applications.

"The Cross Pen Computing Group and our technology partner, IBM(R) (NYSE:IBM), are extremely pleased to have reached this important milestone with the introduction of a new product category, the portable digital notepad," stated Robert Byrnes, CEO of the Cross Pen Computing Group. "For A.T. Cross, it is the most important to date in our line of pen-based computing products that combine the simplicity of the pen with the power of the PC. Consumers will find the CrossPad is a powerful note management tool that lets them write naturally on a pad."

"As computing plays a more predominant role in our daily lives, it is imperative that the industry make it easier for people to interact with technology," said W.S. (Ozzie) Osborne, general manager, IBM Pen and Speech Systems. "In partnership with A.T. Cross, IBM is bringing cutting-edge technology from its research labs to the public in the form of unique, natural interface products like the CrossPad."

The CrossPad will be available for $399 at major computer retail stores and catalogues including Staples, Comp USA, Computer City, MicroCenter, Computer Discount Warehouse, Micro Warehouse, and PC Connection.

Take Notes on Standard Paper

Using a specially designed Cross digital pen equipped with a radio frequency (RF) transmitter, users take notes, naturally, on a standard 8.5" x 11" notepad affixed to the CrossPad's digital notepad. Simultaneously, signals from the digital pen are stored as digital notes in the memory of the pad. The keyword feature enables users to circle a word, press the "keyword" button, and search for the word later as a simple and convenient way to retrieve their notes. Changing digital pages by pressing the "page change" button is as easy as flipping the page over. The CrossPad stores up to 50 pages of handwritten notes.

Transfer Notes to PC

To upload digital notes from the CrossPad to the PC, simply connect the included serial cable to the COM ports on the CrossPad and the PC and press the two buttons. IBM Ink Manager(TM) software displays the notes on the screen in seconds.

Organize, Search, Convert or Send

With IBM's Ink Manager, users can for the first time store all their handwritten notes in one place -- the PC. Notes can be searched by creation date, upload date, keywords and "bookmarks."

Selected handwriting can even be converted to text so that the user can edit, revise and export it. Notes or sketches can be cut and pasted into virtually any Windows 95 application and sent anywhere, quickly and easily from the PC.

CrossPad Specifications

The CrossPad's dimensions are 14" long x 9.8" wide x .75 inches high and weighs approximately 2.2 lbs. It contains 1 MB of flash ROM, which stores over 50 pages of notes, sketches and diagrams. The CrossPad package includes IBM Ink Manager software, four AAA batteries for the pad and one AAAA battery for the pen, a serial cable that connects to the PC and five replacement ink cartridges, each with a 50 page capacity. Ink cartridges and pen replacements are available by contacting Cross Pen Computing Group at 800/510-9660. The CrossPad has a one year limited warranty.

System Requirements

System requirements include Windows 95 Pentium or better processor, 20 MB of hard disk space, 16 MB RAM minimum (32 MB recommended), one available 9-pin COM port and a CD-ROM drive.

For more information on the CrossPad and other Cross Pen Computing Group products, visit the web site at http://www.cross-pcg.com or call 800/510-9660.

IBM, the world's largest software provider, creates, develops and manufactures the industry's most advanced information technologies, including computer systems, software, networking systems, storage devices and microelectronics. IBM offers complete information about the company, its products, services and technology to Internet users throughout the World Wide Web. The IBM home page is located at http://www.ibm.com.

Cross Pen Computing Group develops, manufactures and markets innovative pen-based computing products. PCG is a division of A.T. Cross Co., a major international manufacturer of fine writing instruments and distributor of quality gift products. The company is headquartered in Lincoln. -0-

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the introduction of Cross pen computing products in the first quarter of 1998. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to risks associated with consumer acceptance of the company's new product lines, and risks associated with the introduction of new technologies. Additional discussions of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from management's expectations are contained in the company's filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

CONTACT: Cross Pen Computing Group

Robert Byrnes, 401/333-1200

[e-mail]

or

A. Lavin Communications

Andrew Lavin/Syd Steinhardt, 212/354-2266

[e-mail]