EMTEC to announce the GDIUM brand

Press release - June 9, 2008

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Gdium®

Stay online, communicate, learn and play… with style

Communicate anywhere, anytime while surfing the web, share your passions with your friends, live your digital life with style… The IT industry has dramatically changed, users seek today products that are not only reliable and user-friendly, but also attractive and trendy, products that can fulfill user’s day-to-day digital needs.

EMTEC, the European leader in mobile storage solutions and computer peripherals, launches a new brand called Gdium® , a range of ultraportable netbooks, smart and reliable, yet stylish and fit for your mobile digital life.

Gdium®: a personal communicator, intrinsically mobile!

Gdium® is primarily designed for those seeking a personal and mobile product, that can easily be slipped in a handbag or rucksack!

• Mobility – Thanks to its compact size (250 x 182 x 32 mm) and light weight (approx. 1.1 kg), Gdium® can be used while on the move, at school or on the university bench, on the bus or train, or simply at home. Yet, with a 10” screen and 1024×600 resolution optimized for the Internet, Gdium® not only provides a quite unique and comfortable reading experience, but also proves to be ideal for surfing, taking notes, writing documents or posts ! An 8.9’’ version will also be proposed later this year.

• Communication – Stay connected to organize leisure activities on-line, chat with friends, exchange pictures or write to colleagues, and the Gdium® applications and functions are tailored to all needs.
  • Gdium® presents all useful connectivity features: 3 USB ports, SD HC reader storing up to 32GB on a single card, 802.11 b/g WiFi, Ethernet port, integrated Webcam, VGA output, headset and microphone sockets. Mobile in essence, Gdium® can become deskbound for its connection to all USB devices: HDD, DVD player, printer, camera, etc.
  • As for the software application package provided, gathering only Open Source software, it includes all what’s necessary to make Gdium® the absolute must-have communication tool to own: from the Firefox browser to surf the Internet, to Thunderbird email client, instant messaging, VoIP, blog editor, audio/video players (file sharing, MP3 library, on-line radio, podcasts) or security utilities (anti-virus, anti-spam). Of course Gdium® comes with the Open Office suite of applications for all your office work, ideal for creating, reading and modifying standard documents like word processing, spreadsheets or presentations and compatible with other office suites on the market.
• Ligthness of the System – Gdium® integrates an energy efficient processor and operating system (OS). The processor, based on MIPS-64 architecture, is provided by ST Microelectronics. Designed to combine performance and low energy consumption, it runs on a dedicated and optimized version of Mandriva Linux OS, specially developed for the 64-bit processor. Together with a range of “open” technologies, the architecture and the optimized OS provide Gdium® with over 4 hours of battery life

G-Key: the smart key to ingenuity and flexibility

Unique to the Gdium®, the operating system, memory (8 to 16 GB) and applications are stored on a bootable USB key, the G-Key. The G-Key is fully inserted in the front of the Gdium® , without protruding, to turn on and run the system.

• Flexible and Upgradeable – The G-Key provides on-request storage capacity and functions that users can easily extend by buying a new greater capacity G-Key sold on its own. Future G-Keys will provide customized software packages and further functions such as a SIM or Micro SD card reader, for maximal upgradeability.
• Personal and Secure – Gdium® can have multiple users, for family or school purposes, each user owning its personal G-Key with his /her favorite applications, desktop environment and personal documents. With no internal storage space, chances of leaving files about and jamming the host hard drive are nonexistent. Finally, in case of loss or theft, users will be provided with an Internet and local backup system in order to restore key contents.
• Robust and Reliable – Similar to a thin client or “empty” box, Gdium® presents increased robustness, is silent, and guarantees reduced maintenance. As the memory and data are not stored on the netbook, Gdium® is safe from computer crashes and component aging: you can preserve it for as long as possible!

Gdium®: Comfort and style all along the way!

While mobile, Gdium® netbooks do not compromise on comfort and style, featuring an exclusive and sleek design and a whole line of trendy accessories and carrying bags.

• Design – With pure lines and a top finishing quality, Gdium® goes for style and seduction. Launched in pearl white, pink and black, it will also be available in a variety of other colors to match every mood!
• Ergonomic – User-friendly and intuitive, Gdium® User Interface is developed from a Mandriva Linux distribution, a leading European Linux provider and recognized specialist in consumer Linux interfaces. Applications are grouped by category (Work, Internet, Entertainment, Multimedia, etc.), while the most common are easily accessible through large icons on the desktop. Users can customize their desktop by adding their own applications, RSS or widgets from the Internet.
• A world of accessories – Based on EMTEC’s experience in computer peripherals, a complete portfolio of smart, branded accessories will be available as from September to adapt to all situations, whether using Gdium® at home or on-the-go:
  • Storage: increase your storage capacity with additional G-USB keys or SDHC cards, storing up to 32GB on a single media. The external G-Drive will provide even more hard disk storage and enable you to enjoy your favorite films or music on your TV or Hi-FI system thanks to its multimeda docking station.
  • Communication and entertainment: G-Bluetooth micro dongle and G-DVBT dongle offer even more connectivity!
  • Equipment: practical accessories for home-based use of Gdium® will include G-Hub, G-Internet Headset, G-Mobile Speakers and the essentiel G-Mouse.
  • Carrying: a large choice of transport bags will adapt to every occasion and include city, school and business ranges. The G-sleeve will always protect your Gdium® while you are out or travelling!

Gdium®: innovation serving new educational approaches

Affordable and highly talented, Gdium® is much more than just a device. Designed as a technological tool necessary for access to information, knowledge and education, it comes within a ecosystem based on complementary educational content and an online user community meant for net addicts as much as for parents and students!

• Educational content: in the packaged Open Source software suite preloaded on G-Key, about fifty applications are dedicated to school purposes, classified by courses and aimed at fostering the use of Gdium® within an educational framework. Digital map-making, MP3-based language learning or mathematical situation analysis are all examples of how teaching and learning methods can be reinvented with new tools reaching the Schools’ doorstep.
• User Community: The educational content will rely on GayaplexTM, a new online, social environment to be launched in September. GayaplexTM will leverage not only elaborate multimedia resources produced and signed by certified teachers (tutorials, exercises, model answers, work files, on-line assistance, thematic forums…), but also complementary educational assistance to students and their parents as well as cooperative tools to teachers to facilitate the development of student/teacher and teacher/ teacher interactions.
• Moreover Gayaplex™ wants to be the gateway for those users willing to engage into their digital life. Gayaplex™ will provide a range of communication tools and services, from email to chat, social network, blog, forums to dedicated news, in a safe, user-friendly, yet fun environment.

Available in its 10’’ version in September 2008, Gdium® will be the perfect model for students, mobile workers and families looking for a compact, user-friendly, design and affordable product, for less than 399€!

To find out more about Gdium® products and brand, visit www.gdium.com or come and meet us!

• IFA – Consumer Electronics Unlimited: 29th August - 3rd September– Berlin
• SMAU – 45th International Exhibition of Information & Communications Technology: 15 – 18 October – Milan