SINGAPORE -- Palm, MobileOne and Microsoft today announced the first Asian availability of the new Palm(R) Treo(TM) 750v smartphone, bringing for the first time to Asia the hallmark Palm experience on Microsoft(R) Windows Mobile(R) 5.0 over a wireless 3G/UMTS network. The new Treo 750v will be available next month through M1, Vodafone's network partner in Singapore.

"Global expansion is a key part of Palm's growth strategy, so I am pleased to announce our Vodafone relationship now extends into Asia Pacific," said John Hartnett, Palm senior vice president, global markets. "With Vodafone in Europe and now M1 in Singapore providing the Treo 750v smartphone, we can deliver a robust, business-ready device featuring the Palm experience, accelerating our momentum in the enterprise market."

Today, only an estimated 3 percent of business email inboxes worldwide are accessed via mobile, according to market research firm The Radicati Group. The new Treo 750v will allow Palm to target this large, untapped market with push email platforms such as Microsoft's Messaging and Security Feature Pack (MSFP), which includes Direct Push Technology and enhanced security features free out of the box.(1) This business-ready solution addresses the need for a robust push-email platform that can be deployed easily by small businesses to global enterprises. In June this year, M1 was the first network in Singapore to offer the Windows Mobile Email solution.

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.(2) Unique to the Treo smartphone on Windows Mobile 5.0 is a suite of software enhancements developed by Palm that underscores its brand promise of fast access, ease of use and simplicity. Examples include the following:

-- Today Screen enhancements, which feature the ability to "dial by name" with a few keystrokes on the keyboard, perform a web search directly from the Today Screen and perform one-touch dialing with personalized photo speed dials;

-- Ability to manage a call directly from the Today Screen and stay on top of voicemail with on-screen, VCR-like icons, such as rewind, delete and fast-forward controls for easy navigation;

-- Ability to ignore a call and quickly compose a text message, such as "In a meeting" or "Can't talk"; and

-- Dedicated messaging application for SMS/MMS that is organized in a "chat thread" so users can reference prior messages and use emoticons for a personal touch.

"M1 is committed to helping our business customers increase productivity and make the most of their business and personal time," said P. Subramaniam, M1's director of Enterprise and Alliances. "We are privileged to be the first telco and Vodafone network partner in Asia Pacific to launch the new Treo 750v with Palm and Microsoft. The unparalleled ease of use offered by the new Treo 750v, together with M1's high-speed 3G network, will provide a compelling mobile-computing solution to M1 customers."

"Mobility today means far more than reading email outside the office. People need to be able to access Microsoft Word, Excel(R) and PowerPoint(R) documents, organize themselves by managing their calendars and contacts, listen to music, watch videos and do much more with a single device," said Barney Lau, managing director, Microsoft Singapore. "The Palm Treo 750v builds on the power and flexibility of Windows Mobile, Palm's innovative design and user experience, and M1's fast 3G network to deliver a winning solution for professionals seeking to enhance their digital lifestyle."

M1, Singapore's most exciting and innovative mobile and IDD service provider, was launched in April 1997. Since then, it has made significant inroads into the local mobile communications market, gaining considerable brand presence and market share. M1 aims to be the leader in personal voice, business and data communications, focusing on value, quality and customer service. More information on M1 is available at www.m1.com.sg

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

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.

(1) MSFP requires Exchange Server 2003 and access enabled by IT administrator.

(2) 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.