Middle East's first Intel Mobile Experience Zone to debut at GITEX

With mobility expected to be one of the leading themes at GITEX 2003, the Intel Mobile Experience Zone will be situated on the mezzanine floor overlooking the Sheikh Rashid Hall, creating a platform for trade visitors to test-drive real mobility solutions away from the hubbub of the main halls. The IMEZ concept was launched earlier this year, where zones were setup in world airports such as JFK, Heathrow and Charles De Gaulle.

The wireless infrastructure in the IMEZ will be provided by Emirates Internet & Multi-Media (EIM). Intel's Mobile Experience Zone will be supplied with an extra three access points to ensure that the balcony provides a fully integrated wireless environment. Any visitor wishing to experience the full capabilities of Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology will be provided with half an hour of free trial. HP will provide 40 of its latest Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology based notebook model, the Nx 7000 with a 15.4" wide screen, enabling trade visitors to get a feel of the superior capabilities and extended battery life that this high performance, lightweight new computer offers them, to allow them to use performance-intensive applications and be productive on the road and in an office environment.

"Mobile computing is one of the hottest topics in IT today, and Intel's Mobile Experience Zone will represent a great opportunity for trade visitors to test-drive Intel Centrino Mobile technology, using state of the art infrastructure and notebook computers. The best way to understand mobility is to actually test and experience its versatility," said Gilbert Lacroix, Intel's President for the Middle East and North Africa. "Gitex is all about showing the latest technological breakthroughs achieved by Intel and the usage models that these have for our customers. The Intel Mobile Experience Zone is a great example of how cooperation between different companies and providers brings value in the age of convergence".

The IMEZ will be supported by HP technical consultants throughout the show, to ensure the smooth running of the zone and to offer the best possible experience to visitors.

"As HP continues to expand and develop new products, so the consumer should be able to trial these products in their own time. That's why we are working with both Intel and EIM to produce the IMEZ as a genuine experience of being truly mobile. Gitex is an excellent Middle Eastern forum and it reaches throughout the whole of the region - we are confident that only positive experiences will be generated at the IMEZ, which means even those unable to attend, will get to hear how fantastic our laptops and wireless technology is," said Christoph Schell, General Manager for Personal Systems Group, HP Middle East.

"We truly believe that the IMEZ will represent a great venue for GITEX visitors to engage in a seamless trial of wireless technology. All those who will experience mobile computing in this zone will get an insight on how this new technology will help them gain freedom and increase productivity and in their daily life", commented Maroua Naim, General Manager, EIM.

Launched worldwide in March 2003, Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology includes a new mobile processor, related chipsets and 802.11 wireless network capabilities that have been designed and tested to work together. In addition to wireless networking capability, the technology enables extended battery life, thinner and lighter notebook PC designs, and outstanding mobile performance.

Intel information desks will be placed throughout the exhibition where attendants will direct visitors to the IMEZ.