WyndMail provides only wireless solution for Apple MessagePad and other Newton-based PDAs; WyndMail for Newton 2.5 gives instant access to Web pages, Message Header Preview, starting at $29.95/month.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 6, 1997--WyndMail wireless communications for Newton version 2.5 is now available, bringing wireless capabilities to users of all NewtonOS-based handheld personal computers, including the Apple MessagePad 2000, 120 and 130.

The only wireless service and software currently available for Newton-based systems, WyndMail offers wireless service plans beginning at $29.95/month. An unlimited usage program is available for $149.95/month.

"Together, the MessagePad and WyndMail provide a self-contained, wire-free solution enabling users to stay in touch with co-workers, clients, friends and family," said Dan Luis, vice president of business development at Wynd Communications.

"Newton users can now send and receive e-mail, and send faxes, alpha pages and voice messages right from their handheld devices, without relying on phone lines. They also have immediate access to the contents of any Web page."

WebValet gives Newton users immediate access to any Web page

WebValet, a new service from Wynd Communications, gives users immediate, wireless access to any Web page, without the connection hassles and time drain associated with Web browsing. At the user's request, WebValet retrieves information from any Web page and delivers it in a compact, easy-to-read format. This all-text format is optimized for portable platforms, and downloads quickly, even on small handheld computers, such as the MessagePad.

WebValet is easy to use. It takes only two steps to retrieve the text from any Web page. Simply type "www" in the "to" field of an e-mail message and input the URL of the desired page in the "subject" field. The text-based content from that page will be sent to the user's WyndMail address in about 60 seconds.

Message Header Preview lets Newton users better manage time

WyndMail's Message Header Preview (MHP) feature provides users with a powerful tool for managing their time and resources by allowing them to preview messages before downloading them and incurring wireless charges. Luis said: "If you are on a measured program, it doesn't always make sense to download every message wirelessly. Many times, the user will be sent messages that are not time-sensitive, are very long, or contain file attachments. Message Header Preview lets users choose which messages to retrieve wirelessly."

WyndMail users get messages instantly, without dialing or waiting

WyndMail 2.5 for the Newton MessagePad allows users to stay connected regardless of where they travel. WyndMail delivers messages to the user without dialing in, without waiting and without initializing. "Using WyndMail, you can even send and receive e-mail during meetings without interruption," Luis said.

Users can also forward WyndMail messages to any Internet address.

Because WyndMail is independent of phone lines, messages go wherever the Newton goes. It operates using the RAM Mobile Data Network, which provides coverage in 93 percent of the metropolitan United States and is still expanding. Since it's wireless, users don't need a phone line to access and respond to their messages.

WyndMail eliminates long distance charges, access fees, surcharges

Because WyndMail works with a wireless modem, users can send and receive messages without the long distance charges, access fees, or hefty surcharges imposed on calls made from hotel rooms. While most WyndMail messages cost 30 cents or less, short messages cost just a dime, making it an affordable alternative to wired communications.

The expected e-mail features plus faxing, paging, text-to-speech and more

WyndMail is a fully featured wireless e-mail service with all the capabilities e-mail users have come to expect from their wired e-mail services, including send/receive, carbon copy, blind carbon copy forward, etc. In addition to wireless Internet e-mail, WyndMail enables the user to send faxes, send alpha pages, send text-to-speech messages to any telephone, and receive speech-to-text messages from any telephone.

Pricing & availability

Available directly from Wynd Communications (800/549-9800), WyndMail's basic service plan is $29.95 per month, which includes 200 message units (one message unit equals 150 characters). Modem rental is available at $39.95 per month, on a month-to-month agreement with no long-term commitment. The modem, valued at $500, gives users the ability to try before they buy or to rent on a long-term basis. A software/modem rental package is priced at $69.90 per month. WyndMail software can be downloaded for free from Wynd's Web site at www.wynd.com .

Computer requirements

WyndMail for Newton requires 92K free built-in memory and a wireless modem, and operates on a MessagePad 120 or higher. The wireless modem uses the Newton's built-in PC Card slot.

Company background

Founded in 1994, Wynd Communications is a leading provider of wireless communication services for the computerized mobile professional. Designed and tested for total compatibility with today's best-selling portable platforms, Wynd's services empower mobile users to easily manage and stay connected to people, events, and projects from anywhere on the road. Wynd's product line includes wireless e-mail solutions for all portable and handheld computers using Windows 3.x/95, Windows CE, MacOS, DOS, HP Palmtop and Newton operating systems. -0-

Note to Editors: Wynd and WyndMail are registered trademarks, and Wynd Valet Services and WebValet are trademarks of Wynd Communications Corp. Apple, Newton, and MessagePad are registered trademarks of Apple Computer Inc.

CONTACT: Teri Bruno PR

Teri Bruno, 714/536-8407

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Wynd Communications

Joe Karp, 805/781-6000, Ext. 702

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