Itronix Rugged Computers

4/25/2002
Itronix To Outfit Team Dennis Conner with Seaworthy Notebook Computers as a Supplier Sponsor of America’s Cup 2003

GoBook MAX ultra-rugged notebook computers to aid in pursuit of America’s Cup 2003

SPOKANE, Wash. (April 24, 2002) Itronix Corporation, a worldwide manufacturer of mission-critical rugged, wireless computing solutions, announced today its Supplier Sponsorship of the Team Dennis Conner/NY Yacht Club challenge for the 2003 America’s Cup.

Itronix—whose products are typically used by the military, public utilities and in commercial applications—will supply Team Dennis Conner with its new, ultra-rugged GoBook MAX wireless notebook computer.

“An America’s Cup navigator is faced with a real dilemma when equipping his part of the boat,” said Peter Isler, Stars & Stripes Navigator. “On the one hand, a high-powered notebook computer adds strategic value in the areas of boat speed, sail shape analysis, weather forecasting, boat positioning (GPS) and other onboard performance and trim monitoring systems.”

On the other hand, the notebook computer must be able to survive on the Stars & Stripes’ deck – one of the harshest environments on the planet.
“The GoBook MAX is exposed to a continuous spray of salt water, rain, intense sun light and vibrations,” said Matthew Gregory, Stars & Stripes Systems Engineer/Navigator. “I must admit I had my fingers crossed during the first few days of sailing with the GoBook MAX because the brand of notebook computer we used in the last Cup was constantly in the ‘emergency room’ being coaxed back to life,” said Isler. “However, after two months of training, I can say that the GoBook MAX has outperformed our high expectations. We are excited about our Itronix partnership and look forward to winning the America’s Cup with Itronix notebooks on board.”

The features of the GoBook MAX that make it the perfect match for Team Dennis Conner are its totally sealed die-cast magnesium case, a standard ColorVue™ touchscreen for enhanced outdoor viewing, a 20GB shock-mounted hard drive and a 700 MHz Pentium III processor, making the GoBook MAX the lightest and fastest ultra-rugged notebook PC in the world.

“Itronix is extremely proud to assist Team Dennis Conner,” said Jeff Thomas, Itronix Marketing and Communications Manager. “It’s especially thrilling to be part of the team in a year where our country has experienced renewed patriotism – what could be more patriotic than bringing back home the America’s Cup?”
Team Dennis Conner and the New York Yacht Club have partnered to put forth the finest team of American designers, sailors, boat builders and shore side support to win America’s Cup XXXI and return the “Auld Mug” to the United States. The America’s Cup begins in October of 2002 with a four-month challenger elimination series known as the Louis Vuitton Cup. The winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup will challenge Team New Zealand for the right to defend the America’s Cup in a best of nine series starting on February 15, 2003.

Team Dennis Conner's platinum sponsor is Computer Associates International, Inc. (NYSE: CA) – the world’s third largest enterprise software company, delivering software to manage eBusiness (www.ca.com).