|
16-JUN-2003, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tripod Data Systems Adds Bluetooth Wireless Technology to Recon Rugged Handheld Computer
Wireless Short-Range Communications Makes Jobs in the Field Easier and Faster
Contact:
Amy Urban
Tripod Data Systems
541-753-9322
amyu@tdsway.com
Julia Oliver
Sanda Communications
503-445-2400
jo@sandacom.com
CORVALLIS, Ore.—June 16, 2003—Tripod Data Systems (TDS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB), today announced the addition of Bluetooth® wireless technology to the TDS ReconTM handheld computer made for extreme outdoor and industrial environments. Bluetooth wireless technology is an international standard for personal-area networks using low-power radio signals with a range of 30 feet. Using a Socket Communications CompactFlash® card with Bluetooth wireless technology, the Recon handheld computer can now communicate without cables to Bluetooth-enabled cell phones, computers, printers, networks and other devices.
"Using this card, the TDS Recon can now communicate with any device that presents itself as a Bluetooth serial port," explained, Bill Martin, TDS director of marketing, "which means you now have worldwide access to computer systems anywhere. In addition, with the low power consumption of Bluetooth chips users won't experience a significant drain on the Recon's battery, which typically lasts 15 hours."
With the Bluetooth card installed in one of the Recon's two CompactFlash slots, the Bluetooth card is protected by a fully sealed CF-CapTM, which shields the slot from dust, dirt or water. This design gives the user wireless communications in harsh environments. The Socket CompactFlash card with Bluetooth wireless technology allows the Recon to communicate with a variety of peripherals, including:
- Bluetooth-enabled cell phones such as the Sony Ericsson T68i, providing an anywhere, anytime connection to the Internet and e-mail;
- Battery-operable Bluetooth printers for hard copy on the move;
- Computers with Bluetooth connectivity for wireless ActiveSync data transfer; and
- Networks through Bluetooth access points.
"By using Socket's CompactFlash card with Bluetooth wireless technology, Recon owners can easily get connected while on the go," said Peter Phillips, vice president of marketing for Socket Communications. "The technology will enable Recon users to cordlessly communicate with devices such as PCs, printers and mobile telephones without requiring a cable."
Recon users can also easily access local area network (LAN) systems and wireless terminals inside buildings, as well as instantly print to both full-sized printers or portable units such as public safety officers use in their vehicles for printing reports, tickets, receipts and more.
Bluetooth works with the new TDS Recon version 4.1.6 operating system, which offers a Recon performance increase of up to 40 percent.
All Recons shipped since early June have the necessary hardware to support these Bluetooth capabilities. Current Recon owners can visit www.tdsway.com to update their Recon (registration required). Socket Communications CompactFlash cards with Bluetooth wireless technology are available from Socket Communications and many computer retailers.
The Recon handheld computer 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 Recons to suit a variety of mobile applications. The PowerBoot ModuleTM integrates a 3800 mAh battery pack, an industry-standard 9-pin serial port and a USB port into a single user-replaceable component. The Recon features the Windows® CE .NET operating system.
Tripod Data Systems (TDS) designs and manufactures rugged mobile computing devices based on the Windows CE operating system. These tough handheld computers 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 RangerTM 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 541-753-9322.
# # #
Tripod Data Systems, Recon, PowerBoot Module, CF-Cap and Ranger are trademarks of Tripod Data Systems. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
|
