News

Kyocera Wireless Corp. Announces New Full-Size Portable Keyboard for the Kyocera 7135 Smartphone

Foldable keyboard enables users to do real work while on the go

SAN DIEGO - July 2, 2002 - Kyocera Wireless Corp. today announced a new version of the Kyocera Smartphone Portable Keyboard developed specifically for the Kyocera 7135 smartphone. Developed in partnership with Think Outside Inc., the Kyocera Smartphone Portable Keyboard provides the same size, feel and response as many of the best notebook computer keyboards, while providing seamless operation with special shortcut and command keys.

"The Kyocera Smartphone Portable Keyboard was created with mobile professionals in mind," said Stan Scheufler, corporate vice president for marketing and product management at Kyocera Wireless Corp. "The high speed data capabilities, expandable memory and high-resolution screen of the Kyocera 7135, combined with a full-size but foldable keyboard, creates a lightweight, viable alternative to the laptop when traveling for business."

"In combination with the Kyocera 7135's capabilities for wireless email, in particular, the Kyocera Smartphone Portable Keyboard offers the ability to stay connected and do real work - anywhere and anytime," said Bryan Kerr, vice president of sales and business development for Think Outside. "The combination of the 7135's capabilities and the keyboard's full-sized form factor give mobile users the feel of a desktop PC in two tiny devices."

A new feature of this keyboard is the ability to compose, send and receive email messages with the Kyocera 7135 during both data and voice calls. For the first time it is possible to continue using the keyboard while receiving email messages or talking on the smartphone. In addition to offering quick text entry for emails, the keyboard provides the ability to type meeting notes, memos or other documents, enter contact information, and access and navigate the Internet - all while on the go.

Closed, the Kyocera Smartphone Portable Keyboard measures 3.6 inches by 5.1 inches by 0.8 inches. Open, the keyboard measures 13.8 inches by 5.1 inches by 0.44 inches. Weight is approximately 8 ounces. The keyboard includes a connection cable, and both conveniently fit into a neoprene carrying case. As an added benefit, the smartphone can be charged while typing on the keyboard.

Multiple international language key layouts are included as part of the keyboard software driver. The software, which incorporates a number of new enhancements, is easily loaded onto the Kyocera 7135 via HotSync or infrared beam from one device to another. Minimum computer requirements to load the software are the Microsoft® Windows® 9x, Windows 2000 or Windows NT® operating systems, or Mac OS 7.53 or higher.

U.S. versions of the Kyocera Smartphone Portable Keyboard are scheduled to ship in the fourth quarter of 2002 for a list price of US$99.99 from Kyocera. An upgrade kit for keyboards purchased for the older QCP 6035 smartphone will be available on the Kyocera smartphone Web site (www.kyocerasmartphone.com) and will include a cable, neoprene case and software to use with the existing keyboard. Prices for the upgrade kit will be announced in early fourth quarter 2002.



About Kyocera Wireless Corp.
Kyocera Wireless Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyocera International Inc., which acquired QUALCOMM Incorporated's CDMA consumer wireless phone business in February 2000. Kyocera Wireless Corp. is a leading supplier of innovative, feature-rich CDMA handsets and accessories for customers worldwide. Based in San Diego, the company is ISO-14001 and ISO-9001 certified and has won city, state and federal awards for its environmentally friendly manufacturing and recycling practices. For more information, please visit the Kyocera Wireless Corp. Web site at http://www.kyocera-wireless.com.

Kyocera Corporation, the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of advanced ceramics. By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of telecommunications equipment, semiconductor packages, electronic components, cameras, laser printers, copiers, solar energy systems and industrial ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2002, Kyocera Corporation's consolidated net sales totaled US$7.78 billion (JPY 1,034,574 million) with net income of US$240.25 million (JPY 31,953 million). For more information, visit www.kyocera.com.


About Think Outside
Think Outside Inc., founded in 1998, invents, engineers and manufactures mobile handheld devices. Its flagship product, the Stowaway Portable Keyboard, is the first and only 100-percent full-size, collapsible keyboard for handheld devices. No compromises were made on the keyboard: It combines all the advantages of mobility plus the tactile feel of the best-quality notebook computer keyboards, delivering exactly what people need for touch typing. The Stowaway has received numerous awards for its unique design and functionality and is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. The privately held Think Outside is headquartered in Carlsbad, Calif. More information on the company and its products can be found at www.thinkoutside.com.


Kyocera is a registered trademark of Kyocera Corporation. QCP is a trademark of Kyocera Wireless Corp. Stowaway is a registered trademark of Think Outside Inc. Eudora is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. Palm OS and HotSync are registered trademarks and Palm and Palm Powered are trademarks of Palm Inc. or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks and product names are the property of their respective owners.



CONTACTS:
Rick Goetter, Kyocera Wireless Corp.
1-(858) 882-2722 (ph)
rgoetter@kyocera-wireless.com

John Chier, Fleishman-Hillard for Kyocera Wireless
1-(619) 235-9995 (ph)
chierj@fleishman.com