Geode Products

National Semiconductor Introduces New Conceptual Product at Comdex

The Geode Extended Office is Designed for Road Warriors Who Need Wireless "Anytime Access" to Office Data, Business Applications and Video Conferencing

COMDEX, Las Vegas -- November 17, 2002 --National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE:NSM), the leading silicon and systems provider for information access devices, today unveiled a new conceptual device for mobile office workers who need easy wireless access to all their office data and applications, including Windows XP and video conferencing.

The Geode™ Extended Office (GXO), created in collaboration with Citrix Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CTXS), a global leader in virtual workplace software and services, combines key Internet, office and video-conferencing applications in a compact portable about the size of a framed 5 x 7 photograph. Incorporating both Bluetooth™ and 802.11b wireless capabilities, the GXO is smaller, lighter and easier to carry than laptops. It also provides a brigh 6-inch TFT display with 1024 x 768 resolution. The screen is four times the size and offers five times the resolution of a high-end PDA.

The GXO extends National's tradition of introducing conceptual consumer products at Comdex with National's key technology partners.

"The Geode Extended Office takes the concept of worker mobility to a new level of functionality and productivity," said Mike Polacek, vice president of the Information Appliance Division at National Semiconductor. "Today's PDA's suffer from small displays and are incompatible with software, content and corporate security requirements. The GXO integrates PC-compatible software, ultra-low-power processing and wireless connectivity to ensure seamless interfaces to existing business infrastructure. This small, full-featured package is easy to deploy, easy to use, and fun," Polacek said.

The GXO is a wireless thin client that uses 802.11b connectivity to access corporate wireless LANs and Bluetooth to access web-based and other information sources through cellular connections. Utilizing technology from Citrix, the GXO can remotely run enterprise applications and access data that are stored on a server.

The GXO is based on National's SC2200 Geode™ integrated system-on-a chip. Embedded inside this chip is a fully PC-compatible x86 processor that ensures software compatibility with Windows XP and other PC software. The device is also enabled for both Citrix™ MetaFrame XP™ application delivery and management software and NFuse Elite Access Portal software. In addition to running virtually all software applications, the GXO has more features than a PDA and more functional mobility than traditional notebooks.

GXO Provides Instant Access on the Go
Armed with a GXO, an account manager en route to a customer meeting could use the device to get driving directions via on-board mapping software and GPS navigation. At the location, he or she could connect to web-based data at headquarters using a wireless 802.11b connection. Before starting a meeting, he or she can check email, contact information and meeting details. At the meeting, the account manager could connect to a projector and present the sales presentation using PowerPoint and use the GXO to print a copy of the presentation on a Bluetooth printer. Finally, he or she could open an Excel spreadsheet and conduct a videoconference with the home sales office to confirm shipping, delivery and pricing.

Key Features of the Geode Extended Office
The GXO is 7.3 inches wide, 5.8 inches high and 0.9-inches thick. Weighing one pound, nine ounces, National Semiconductor's GXO packs a world of functionality into a compact, easy to travel form factor.

GXO Features:

SC2200 Geode processor
Full Windows XP operating system
On-board digital camera for video conferencing
6-inch TFT display with 1024 x 768 resolution
10-gigabyte Toshiba hard drive
802.11b and Bluetooth connectivity
Enabled for both Citrix MetaFrame XP and NFuse Elite

"Easy-to-use multifunctional products are sure to be popular with a large portion of the computer-literate market," said market analyst Tim Bajarin, president of Creative Strategies. "The inclusion of standard protocols such as Bluetooth, 802.11b and the Windows XP OS, could transform National's conceptual device into a mainstream tool that can be used easily with existing systems and applications."

National's Technology Partners for the GXO
Working with world-class partners. National Semiconductor continues to create enabling technology for information access devices that connect consumers and corporate users to information and entertainment. Citrix Systems, Inc. is a global leader in virtual workplace software and services that provide access to applications, information, processes and people on any device, over any network, anywhere, anytime.

"Citrix is working closely with National Semiconductor to develop a server-based computing solution that provides mobile professionals with real-time remote access to business-critical applications and data so they can be productive at the office or offsite," said Keith Turnbull, vice president and general manager of Citrix's mobility business unit. "National's high-performance Geode processor and integrated analog chipsets continue to drive the market for thin client systems that enhance mobility, manageability and security, while providing lower total cost of ownership."

Other National partners in the GXO project include CoCom International, which provided platform board and mechanical design; and Studio RED, which provided industrial design and prototyping.

About National Semiconductor
National Semiconductor is the premier analog company driving the information age. Combining real-world analog and state-of-the-art digital technology, the company is focused on the fast growing markets for wireless handsets; displays; information infrastructure, and information appliances. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $1.5 billion for its most recent fiscal year and has about 10,000 employees worldwide.