Fujitsu Introduces First High-Performance Mobile Computer with Fully-Integrated Wireless LAN
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — May 2, 1994 — Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc. today delivered the 325Point RF, the first high performance mobile computer with fully integrated wireless local area networking (LAN) capability. The 325Point RF is designed for interactive local area network applications.
The new 325Point RF is a fully integrated tablet computer which incorporates Proxim Inc.'s RangeLAN wireless adapter and radio into its enclosed housing. It is completely free of cables, external antenna housings, and mounting hardware. The only evidence of the internal radio is a small retractable antenna in the upper right corner of the housing. The product utilizes spread spectrum technology to give users interference free LAN capability for transparent wireless client/server and peer-to-peer communications.
''We have set the wireless standard in mobile computing,'' said Lou Panetta, executive vice president of Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc. ''The 325Point RF is the only high-performance mobile computer designed to give mobile workers in industries such as healthcare and utilities, the freedom to perform their jobs without being bound by wires. Wireless communications is driving mobile computing and the 325Point RF will give our customers a competitive edge.''
The 325Point RF features a communications range of up to 800 feet made possible by spread spectrum technology. It has a data rate of 242 Kilobits per second (Kbps). Designed to re-transmit undelivered data, users are assured that data is never lost or corrupted. The system is compatible with Novell Netware and other standard network operating systems.
The 325Point RF will operate in any client/server or peer-to-peer LAN system that includes a server or workstation equipped with Proxim's RangeLAN/ISA wireless LAN adapter.
''In today's mobile computing environments, many customers demand truly seamless wireless communications,'' said David King, president and chief executive officer of Proxim Inc. ''This joint development between Proxim and Fujitsu signifies our ongoing cooperation in the development of innovative products that help users realize the potential of wireless mobile computing.''
The 325Point RF features a 25-MHz AMD 386SXLV microprocessor. Its RAM is expandable to 12 MB and the unit has two Type I/II/III PCMCIA version 2.0 slots. The computer has a 9.4 inch (diagonal) transflective or transmissive LCD display with VGA support at 640×480 resolution.
The 325Point RF is designed to be easily adapted for use with various peripherals such as printers, scanners and cradles for vehicle mounting. It offers extensive battery life with a rechargeable NiCad or NiMH battery under an advanced power management system. An enhanced NiCad battery pack that has 2.5 times the MiH of the standard NiCad batteries is available for the 325Point RF with a transmissive display. The device can also be powered by an AC adapter.
The 325Point RF is available in May through Fujitsu's systems integrators and VARs and has a suggested retail price between $2,500 and $3,000 depending on the configuration.
Proxim Inc., headquartered in Mountain View, is a public company which was founded in 1984 to develop and market wireless networking solutions and has shipped over 60,000 spread spectrum radio products to date. Proxim's shares are traded in the NASDAQ National Market System under the symbol PROX.
Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc., headquartered in Santa Clara, is a leader in providing solutions for data collection and decision support applications through the development of super portable palmtop, pen-based and communicating computers. Its solutions are designed to meet the needs of applications where light weight, small form factor and long battery life are essential.
The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Ltd. Fujitsu Personal Systems has North American offices in Santa Clara, Irvine, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Toronto and international offices in England, France, Spain, Germany and Italy. Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc. corporate headquarters can be reached at 408/982-9500; product information at 800/831-3183.
CONTACT:
Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc.
Jeff Tingley, 408/764-9465
Walt & Sommerhauser Communications
Erin Curtis or Cynthia Lempert, 408/496-0900