(10 Apr 1998) Natural Sound

The Japanese electronics giant Seiko is launching what it says is the first wrist watch computer.

Called the 'Ruputer' it has all the features of a personal computer but the size and shape of a wrist watch albeit a large one.

The 'Ruputer' will hit the market in June at a cost of 300 US dollars.

Seiko is already advertising the 'Ruputer' on the Internet a key market place for those interested in the latest in computer technology.

The device took two years to develop and will go on sale in Japan in June at a price of 300 US dollars.

The 'Ruputer' can store two megabytes of information and is compatible with Microsoft's Windows 95 software.

It is bigger than most watches but that is the price for the most portable PC ever.

SOUNDBITE: (Japanese)
"The concept of "Ruputer" is to carry around information as if it is part of your skin. With this device, the necessary information will no longer be detached from your body."
SUPER CAPTION: Jun Hirotomo, Manager of Product Development Section, Seiko Instruments

The 'Ruputer' can be used as a business tool and for fun.

SOUNDBITE: (Japanese)
"I downloaded my family photos on this. When I totally get fed up with my hectic day, I can see my family and kids here. That helps me to boost my motivation to work again."
SUPER CAPTION: Jun Hirotomo, Manager of Product Development Section, Seiko Instruments

The wrist watch computer has only limited battery life a maximum of 120 hours and will only be available in Japan.

You can't surf the Internet or send email via the 'Ruputer' but Seiko are developing a more advanced English language version which will go on sale worldwide.

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