HONG KONG --(Business Wire)-- SmarTone-Vodafone, Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq:PALM) and Microsoft (News - Alert) have launched the new Palm(R) Treo(TM) 750v from Vodafone, running on Windows Mobile(R) 5.0, in the Hong Kong market.

"We are pleased to partner with Palm and Microsoft, two industry leaders, in launching the Treo 750v," said Douglas Li, chief executive officer of SmarTone-Vodafone. "The Treo 750v continues to provide the hallmark Palm ease-of-use experience. Together with our Vodafone Business Email, customers can now stay productive while on the go. This is another way we help our customers do business without compromise."




The Treo 750v combines the hallmark Palm experience of a multifeatured mobile phone with email, messaging, web browsing and organization software all in a new compact design.(1) It is also fully compatible with Vodafone Business Email, giving remote access to enterprise and Internet-based email accounts. These business-ready solutions address the need for a robust push-email solution that can be deployed easily by small businesses to global enterprises.

According to market research firm The Radicati Group, only an estimated 3 percent of business email boxes worldwide are accessed via mobile today. The new Treo 750v allows Palm to target this large, untapped market with push-email platforms.

"The Treo 750v is the newest and most sophisticated product in Palm's line of smartphones, and it is ideally suited for Hong Kong professionals, who work in one of the most dynamic and demanding business environments in the Asia region," said Paul Blinkhorn, vice president for Palm Asia Pacific. "The Treo 750v gives professionals in Hong Kong a compelling smartphone choice for productivity, and Palm views Hong Kong as a key hub as we continue our phased rollout of the Treo 750v across the Asia region."

"Mobile users in Hong Kong are among the most sophisticated in the world. They want an enhanced mobility experience that is tailored to their lifestyle and goes beyond voice, text messaging and email. They want to be able to organize themselves by managing their calendars and contacts, listen to music, watch videos and do much more with a single device," said Adam Anger, Senior Director, Business & Marketing Organization, Microsoft Hong Kong Limited. "Building on the power and flexibility of Windows Mobile 5.0, Palm's innovative design and user experience and SmarTone-Vodafone's fast 3G network, the Palm Treo 750v delivers a winning solution for users seeking to enhance their digital lifestyle."

About SmarTone-Vodafone

SmarTone-Vodafone is Hong Kong's leading mobile services brand. Its goal is to better enrich customers' lives by bringing them closer to what matters to them - a world of greater possibilities and achievements. SmarTone-Vodafone is a GSM operator and a 3G services provider in Hong Kong. The commercial launch of 3G-enabled services at the end of 2004 for both consumers and business users is a key milestone in its company's quest for long-term growth through multimedia services. SmarTone-Vodafone is the marketing brand for SmarTone Mobile Communications Limited following the signing of a Partner Network Agreement with Vodafone. Established in 1992, the company has been listed in Hong Kong since 1996. Its major shareholder is Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited (about 52%).

More information is available at www.smartone-vodafone.com

About Microsoft Hong Kong

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq:MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services, and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. The Microsoft Hong Kong office was established in 1991.

About Palm, Inc.

Palm, Inc., a leader in mobile computing, strives to put the power of computing in people's hands so they can access and share their most important information. The company's products for consumers, mobile professionals and businesses include Palm(R) Treo(TM) smartphones, Palm handheld computers, and Palm LifeDrive(TM) mobile managers, as well as software, services and accessories.

Palm products are sold through select Internet, retail, reseller and wireless operator channels throughout the world, and at Palm Retail Stores and Palm online stores (http://www.palm.com/store).

More information about Palm, Inc. is available at http://www.palm.com.

(1) Within wireless service coverage area only. Availability and coverage depends upon carrier and the geographic scope of international roaming agreements. Email, messaging and web access requires data services from a mobile service provider at an additional cost.

Palm, Treo and LifeDrive are among the trademarks or registered trademarks owned by or licensed to Palm, Inc. All other brand and product names are or may be trademarks of, and are used to identify products or services of, their respective owners.


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