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[October 03, 2006]

D-Link Announces Entry Into Mobile Phone Market With V-CLICK(TM), an Unlocked, Dual-Mode GSM / Wi-Fi(R) Phone

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- D-Link, the end-to-end networking solutions provider for consumers and business, today announced a new line of "V-CLICK" dual-mode phones that allow users to switch between cellular and Wi-Fi networks with the click of a button.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061003/LATU009 )
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010327/DLINKLOGO )

When it begins shipping during the first quarter of 2007, the new D-Link V-CLICK line of phones will feature tri-band GSM (900/1800/1900 Mhz) and 802.11 Wi-Fi (2.4Ghz) access. By sliding a cellular service provider's SIM Smartcard or chip into the V-CLICK phone, the user automatically gains GSM access. Stored phone numbers and address books are also automatically taken into the phone via the SIM Smartcard or chip.

With a simple press of the V-CLICK button, the phone activates or deactivates the Wi-Fi connection that allows users to access websites or an Internet phone service, and enjoy the convenience of reduced communication costs, faster transfer speeds and increased productivity resulting from dual-mode phone access.

D-Link V-CLICK phones boast a sleek, polished black compact form factor (h 4.17", w 1.73", d .75"), with additional colors planned to fit any lifestyle. The V-CLICK phones support Opera Mobile(TM), a mobile browser for logging into Wi-Fi(R) hot spots, web surfing and email functionality on the V-CLICK's two-inch (176x220 pixels) bright color screen.

In addition to operating like regular cell phones that communicate within a nationwide wireless network, D-Link V-CLICK phones will significantly reduce cell phone service costs by switching to the 802.11 wireless mode and connecting to lower-cost Internet telephone services. These services are available by way of well-advertised affordable consumer plans or from a cellular service provider network.

"D-Link's involvement in dual-mode technology is the next step to evolving wireless phone communication," said Steven Joe, president and CEO of D-Link Systems, Inc. "Similar to our popular flip-style Wi-Fi(R) phone, the V-CLICK phones are open and unlocked.

"We view the V-CLICK phone model as the ideal way for us to meet the ever-increasing demand from both consumers and business for a mobile device that allows for easy transition from wide-reaching cellular services to the much faster Wi-Fi and more affordable VoIP technologies," Joe added. "The market for dual-mode phones looks very promising, and the more than 10 years we've had in researching and developing 802.11 wireless and VoIP technologies make this a natural extension of our product offerings."

For regular cell phone coverage, the D-Link V-CLICK phones will be "unlocked," allowing users to use their existing SIMs and pre-paid SIMs from traditional GSM cellular service providers anywhere in the world. By pressing the V-CLICK button, users activate a configurable wireless and SIP profile. Multiple profiles are available that make usage between home and office automatic.

The V-CLICK feature is increasingly valuable as many cities continue to invest in metro 802.11 wireless technology designed to turn entire communities into Wi-Fi(R) zones.

As wireless phones become more complex, they also have become more power-hungry. The V-CLICK phone lets users return to normal cell phone operation for increased battery life and increased standby and talk time.

Standards-based wireless encryption (WEP, WPA and WPA2) built into the V-CLICK phone enables enhanced security of transmission.

Key features of the D-Link V-CLICK phone include:

* Wi-Fi(R) profile roaming for uninterrupted service between wireless
zones
* Opera Mobile(TM) browser for hot spot log-in and Web surfing
* Email functionality -- 50 emails can be stored in up to 10 accounts
* Large color screen display with 176 by 220 pixels
* Sleek, compact form factor (height, 4.17", width, 1.73", depth, .75";
weight, 3.32 oz)
* Smart text input
* Talk time -- up to 5 hours GSM, 2 hours 802.11 wireless mode
* Messages -- up to 30 messages can be stored at 459 characters each
* Phonebook -- up to 300 contacts
* Data storage -- up to 24 megabytes for documents, images, music and
video files.
* Tasks -- stores up to 100 entries
* Calendar -- up to 100 events, 160 letters per event
* Charging -- 3 hours, first time charge 8 hours
* Compact design with internal antenna
* Power-saving mode for maximum standby and talk time

D-Link V-CLICK phones will be a "pay-as-you-go" device, allowing users to purchase call time from service providers that will load up the phone's SIM card.

Pricing and Availability
D-Link's first V-CLICK dual-mode, tri-band mobile phone is scheduled to ship early next year through the company's network of value-added resellers, solution providers and distributors, and online at http://www.dlinkshop.com/. Manufacturer's suggested retail price is expected to be $599.99. D-Link also plans to offer accessories for its new dual-mode phone products.

About D-Link
D-Link is the global leader in connectivity for small, medium and large enterprise business networking. The company continues to strive for excellence as an award winning designer, developer, and manufacturer of networking, broadband, digital electronics, voice and data communications solutions for the digital home, Small Office/Home Office (SOHO), Small to Medium Business (SMB), and Workgroup to Enterprise environments. With millions of networking and connectivity products manufactured and shipped, D-Link is a dominant market participant and price/performance leader in the networking and communications market. D-Link Systems, Inc. headquarters are located at 17595 Mt. Herrmann Street, Fountain Valley, CA, 92708. Phone (800) 326-1688 or (714) 885-6000; FAX (866) 743-4905; Internet http://www.dlink.com/.

D-Link, the D-Link logo and V-CLICK are trademarks or registered trademarks of D-Link Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. All other third party marks mentioned herein, ie: WEP, WPA, and Wi-Fi alliance, may be trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright (C) 2006 D-Link Corporation/D-Link Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061003/LATU009http://www.newscom.com/cgi-b
in/prnh/20010327/DLINKLOGOAP
Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

D-Link

CONTACT: Les Goldberg, APR, Media Relations Manager, ext. 6095,les.goldberg@dlink.com, or Michael Scott, Technical Media Manager, ext. 6243,mscott@dlink.com, both of D-Link Systems, Inc., +1-800-326-1688

Web site: http://www.dlinkshop.com/
Web site: http://www.dlink.com/

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