Itronix Rugged Computers

12/6/2000
Itronix Announces New Rugged, Wireless Handhelds And H/PCs For Industrial Market Applications

fex21 and T5200 Handheld Personal Computers (H/PCs) Get Significant Performance Upgrades;
Husky FS4 Handheld Debuts Featuring Intel 'StrongARM' 192 MHz Processor

SPOKANE, WA-(December 6, 2000)- Itronix Corporation, a world leader in the design and manufacture of ruggedized, wireless mobile computing solutions, today announced the availability of several new and/or enhanced wireless handheld computing products designed to make field computing faster and more efficient for thousands of mobile professionals in high-demand or extreme user environments.

The three products, all leaders in their respective categories, cover a broad range of applications in industrial, sales, safety, and technical fields, and include the following:

fex21, Itronix' most recent Handheld Personal Computer (H/PC), has been thoroughly upgraded with a new Toshiba 129MHz processor, external graphics controller, SDRAM memory, Intel StrataFlash, longer-lasting lithium ion battery, full wireless support and much more
Husky FS4 Handheld Computer, a new handheld "hourglass" mobile computer, debuts in the U.S. with Intel StrongARM' 192 MHz processor, Microsoft Windows' CE, and superior ruggedized engineering; and
T5200, one of the most popular handheld wireless mobile workstation in the Itronix line, now carries an improved Toshiba 92MHz Intel MIPS R3912 RISC microprocessor.

"The launch of these new products confirms Itronix' position as the only single-source supplier for wireless mobile requirements for all business processes," said Marco Landi, Itronix General Manager for Handheld Products. "From manufacturing, distribution and delivery right through to marketing, sales, and customer support and maintenance, any company looking for one supplier of rugged, wireless mobile solutions need only look to Itronix for total selection and unsurpassed support."

"Research suggests that there is a significant trend towards companies fulfilling their IT requirements with as few suppliers as possible," commented Jack Gold, Vice-President, META Group. "Companies are doing this for reasons of product and service consistency, lower costs through larger purchases, and the overall logistical benefits associated with not having to deal with several suppliers if it is not necessary. For this reason we would agree that a multiple product strategy is a significant and positive differentiator in this market."

fex21-Unequalled Power, Toughness with Integrated Wireless
The Itronix fex21 wireless handheld personal computer has been launched in its latest iteration with a powerful Toshiba 3922 129MHz processor, external MediaQ controller for faster updates, and SDRAM memory for clock speeds twice as fast as the previous EDO RAM. The unit also features Intel StrataFlash, as well as a new lithium ion battery pack for longer life under demanding field applications.

What's more, the fex21 has been redesigned for improved radio performance; the model now offers support for CDPD and Nokia2 GSM wireless protocols in addition to Bell South Wireless Data and Motient (formerly ARDIS) systems, making it one of the true high-performance entries in its category.

Husky FS4 Featuring Windows CE
The new Husky FS4, developed in cooperation with At Work Computers and marketed by Itronix, incorporates the latest in mobile computing technology. The unit includes an Intel StrongARM 192 MHz processor, Windows CE operating system, and a case sealed to IP67 specifications, making it impervious to water immersion, shock, and vibration.

"With Windows CE becoming the standard in vertical enterprise applications, I foresee tremendous potential for a rugged handheld with the powerful processing capability and long battery life of the FS4," said Landi. "The specifications of the Husky FS4, its rugged design, and its aggressive pricing should open many opportunities in applications such as surveying, parking management, asset management, forestry, and agriculture."
The Husky's "hourglass" form factor and over-molded soft polyurethane exterior makes it easy to hold and operate, and offers exceptional environmental protection. It can withstand repeated four-foot drops, and offers up to 40 hours of continuous use on its 4-cell NiMH battery pack.

T5200-The Standard is Faster than Ever
At half the size, half the weight, and half the cost of a typical rugged notebook, the Itronix T5200 handheld personal computer is the ideal choice for dozens of mobile field computing solutions. Newly upgraded with a standard Toshiba 92MHz MIPS R3912 RISC processor, the computer offers superior performance at a remarkably low price. The T5200 offers integrated wireless communications, a touch screen display, and an efficient power management system that keeps field workers connected anytime, anywhere.
For more information about Itronix' wireless handheld computing solutions, or any of the products in the Itronix ruggedized, wireless mobile computing line, visit the corporation's Web site at www.itronix.com/products.

About Itronix:
Itronix designs, manufactures and deploys mission-critical wireless, rugged computing devices that maximize the productivity of mobile applications in markets such as field services, telecommunications, utilities, government, aerospace, public safety, geophysical surveying, and meter reading. Itronix is a subsidiary of Acterna Corporation, a Burlington, MA based global communications equipment provider focused on leading-edge communications technology solutions. Itronix worldwide headquarters are located in Spokane, Washington. The corporation's European operations, Itronix Ltd., are located in Coventry, UK. Additional information can be found on Itronix' Web site at http://www.itronix.com.

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Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Intel and StrongARM are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners.