Subject: [NEXTEL-1] More on The Swiss Army Inspires Nextel's 'Survival' Phone

From: Marcel <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 02 Dec 2002 14:46:57 -0500

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PRODUCT PROFILE:
Swiss Army Inspires Nextel's 'Survival' Phone

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By Jay Wrolstad
Wireless NewsFactor

November 27, 2002

While acknowledging that the device is a gimmick, Yankee Group analyst John Jackson said the Nextel Swiss Army handset is also a prime example of the increasingly creative ways phone and PDA makers are attempting to differentiate themselves.

Okay, all you "Survivor" wannabes. Nextel (Nasdaq: NXTL) now offers a handset that not only lets you phone a friend, but also assists you in getting out of a tight spot while you wait for a little help to arrive.

The limited-edition i90c cell phone from Motorola is the product of a partnership with Victorinox, maker of the original handy pocketknife, and it has a matching translucent red case as well as vibrant red backlighting. To sweeten the deal, Nextel has packaged the US$250 handset with an actual Swiss Army Knife that features a mini-flashlight and a pen.

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<a href="http://click.atdmt.com/RSC/go/nwsfcint00100033rsc/direct/01/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://view.atdmt.com/RSC/view/nwsfcint00100033rsc/direct/01/" /></a>

Survival Apps

All of the i90c's standard features are included: the J2ME (Java 2 Mobile Edition) platform for downloading and running a plethora of software applications,
Nextel's trademark Direct Connect two-way radio capability, voice
recognition , a voice recorder, a built-in speakerphone and always-on Internet access using iDEN technology .

But what makes this phone truly cool, said Nextel spokesperson Margaret
Brown, are the custom, preprogrammed "survival apps" -- such as "85 Ways
to Use a Swiss Army Knife" and "Worst Case Scenarios" -- and a first-aid
guide.

With these practical applications, users will learn, for example, that
the knife can be used to tighten the screws on a kid's bike wheels or to pick
candied fruits out of a holiday cake. Proud owners also have quick
access to tips on what to do if an earthquake hits or an alligator attacks.

Dare To Be Different

"This is an eye-catching phone," said Brown. "It also has the
walkie-talkie function and a microbrowser, and it is fun." At $250,
the handheld is not for everyone, but it does have appeal for
well-heeled, active and possibly adventuresome mobile professionals,
she said.

While acknowledging that the device is a gimmick, Yankee Group analyst John Jackson said the Nextel Swiss Army handset is also a prime example of the increasingly creative ways phone and PDA makers are attempting to differentiate themselves.

"I suppose it could be useful for people like those who buy an SUV -- just
in case they find themselves crossing the savanna or climbing a
mountain," he allowed.

Limited Production Run

Nextel has made available some 50,000 of the special edition phones,
said Brown, and they are sold at the company's retail outlets or
on its Web site. The phone comes with a translucent red belt clip,
while a matching red earbud and an in-vehicle battery charger are sold separately.

Purchasers must sign up for a one-year service agreement with Nextel,
and the phone's cost includes a $125 discount off the regular retail price.
It is a limited-time offer that expires December 31st -- or when the
supply of phones is depleted.

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