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23-APR-2003, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tripod Data Systems to Showcase Data Safety Features of Windows CE .NET 4.2 on Recon Handheld Computer
Microsoft Joint Development Program Partner Highlights New Operating System's Benefits at Embedded Systems Conference
Contact:
Amy Urban
Tripod Data Systems
541-753-9322
amyu@tdsway.com
Julia Oliver
Sanda Communications
503-445-2400
jo@sandacom.com
San Francisco, Calif.—April 23, 2003—Tripod Data Systems (TDS) announced today that it will demonstrate the data safety features available in Microsoft's new Windows CE .NET 4.2 operating system on its ReconTM handheld computer at the Embedded Systems Conference. TDS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB), developed the rugged Recon handheld computer for all-day operation in extreme environments.
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.
"Customers demand the safe and reliable return of valuable data collected in the field," said TDS Research & Development Manager LaVonne Frazier. "With Windows CE .NET, Recon takes advantage of data-persistent features that save all programs, user and registry data to built-in non-volatile flash memory."
Recon prevents files from being inadvertently stored outside of non-volatile memory by the special way it mounts its flash file system, eliminating the volatile RAM file system. In addition, its hive-based registry feature keeps program options and settings safe, eliminating the need for backups in the event of power loss. Other products depend primarily on RAM for data storage, which increases the risk of data loss.
"As a member of our Joint Development Program, TDS has worked closely with us to take advantage of the data integrity and storage features in Windows CE .NET 4.2 for enhanced data protection in the Recon," said Scott Horn, director of the Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group at Microsoft Corp. "Through our collaboration, TDS was able to more rapidly build and deliver a new rugged mobile and small-footprint device to market."
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 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.
Developers and system integrators can see the TDS Recon handheld computer featured in the Microsoft Partner Pavilion, booth #1002, at the Embedded Systems Conference April 22-26 in San Francisco's Moscone Center.
Tripod Data Systems (TDS) designs and manufactures rugged handheld computers based on the Windows CE operating system and is a Microsoft Windows Embedded Partner. 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 (NASDAQ: TRMB). The company is headquartered in Corvallis, Ore., and was founded in 1987. For more information about TDS, visit http://www.tdsway.com/handhelds, email handhelds@tdsway.com or call 541-752-9000.
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Tripod Data Systems, Recon, CF Cap and PowerBoot Module are trademarks of Tripod Data Systems. Intel and XScale are trademarks of Intel Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
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