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6-FEB-2003, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tripod Data Systems Introduces Extremely Rugged Mobile Computing Device
Windows CE .NET Platform is Lightweight and Waterproof
Contact:
Amy Urban
Tripod Data Systems
541-753-9322
amyu@tdsway.com
Julia Oliver
Sanda Communications
503-445-2400
jo@sandacom.com
Corvallis, Ore.—February 6, 2003—Tripod Data Systems (TDS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB), today introduced the ReconTM mobile computing device, a rugged handheld designed for all-day operation in extreme environments. The Recon fits in the palm of your hand and weighs just 17 ounces. It is waterproof and exceeds military specifications for drop, immersion, vibration and both high- and low-temperature operation.
"The Recon was designed for applications where portability, data security and battery life are critical," said David Scribner, president of TDS. "It can stand up to the toughest conditions while delivering the computing power users need to do their jobs more productively."
The TDS Recon is ideal for a variety of mobile computing applications including surveying and mapping, civil engineering and construction, utilities, forestry, facilities and asset management, military and law enforcement.
The Recon mobile computing device is available in two models. The Recon 200C includes an Intel® XScaleTM 200 MHz processor and 64 MB of nonvolatile Flash storage. The Recon 400C features an Intel XScale 400 MHz processor and 128 MB of storage. Both models include 64 MB of SDRAM, and sunlight-readable, reflective color TFT displays with rugged LED front lighting for indoor and low-light conditions. Two user-accessible CompactFlash® slots provide memory expansion capabilities.
An innovative modular design gives users the flexibility to easily customize their Recon to suit a variety of mobile applications. The PowerBoot ModuleTM integrates a 3800 mAh battery pack, industry-standard 9-pin serial and USB ports into a single user-replaceable component. The standard CF-CapTM is o-ring sealed to protect the CompactFlash slots, and it supports qualified memory and BluetoothTM cards. Modules that support other technologies-including Global Positioning System (GPS), wireless Local Area Network (LAN) and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)-will be available in the future.
The Recon mobile computing device features the Windows® CE .NET 4.1 operating system, which allows users to view popular desktop documents-such as Adobe® Acrobat® software, Microsoft® Word, PowerPoint® and Excel software programs-in their original formats, without having to convert them to a "pocket" version that loses much of the desktop formatting. Users can upgrade the operating system and firmware, extending the Recon's service life.
"The ever-changing landscape of mobile technology challenged us to create a product that users could easily and economically upgrade," Scribner said. "The Recon's modular design protects our customers' investment by allowing them to integrate future technologies as they become available."
The Recon mobile computing device is available today, starting at $1,499.
Tripod Data Systems (TDS) designs and manufactures rugged handheld computers based on the Windows® CE operating system. These tough mobile computing devices are designed for extreme outdoor and industrial environments in the land surveying, mapping, forestry, utility, machine control, public safety and military markets. The rugged TDS Ranger was the first handheld computer based on the Windows CE operating system to meet military specifications for drop, vibration, immersion, and both high and low temperature operation.
TDS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Trimble Navigation Ltd (NASDAQ: TRMB). The company is headquartered in Corvallis, Ore., and was founded in 1987. For more information about TDS, visit www.tdsway.com/handhelds, email handhelds@tdsway.com or call 541-752-9000.
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Tripod Data Systems, CF Cap, PowerBoot Module and Recon are trademarks of Tripod Data Systems. Microsoft, Windows CE and PowerPoint are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel and XScale are trademarks of Intel Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
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