Proxim Enables Wireless LAN Connectivity for New Windows CE H/PC Pro Pen Computer From Fujitsu Personal Systems
SUNNYVALE, Calif. — September 20, 1999 — Further meeting the information demands of today's mobile work force by adding remote network connectivity to today's leading handheld devices, Proxim, Inc., (Nasdaq:PROX), today announced that its award-winning RangeLAN2(TM) wireless LAN technology has been tested and approved for use with the new Windows CE-based pen tablet computer from Fujitsu Personal Systems, Inc. (FPSI). This technology will enable users of the new handheld device to have real-time, wireless access to critical networked information.
Announced today in a separate release, FPSI is now shipping the PenCentra 130, the industry's first rugged Windows CE Handheld PC (H/PC) Professional Edition-based pen tablet computer optimized for mobile workforce applications such as field services, route sales, home healthcare and merchandising. Weighing only 2 pounds, the PenCentra 130 features indoor/outdoor color displays, numerous connectivity options, and a rugged ergonomic design. With the RangeLAN2 CE PC Card installed, users of the PenCentra 130 will have instant remote connectivity to information on the server as demanded by today's mobile professional.
RangeLAN2 leads the industry with the smallest form-factor and lowest power consumption for improved battery life. Its driver software is the only wireless LAN technology shipping in Microsoft's Windows CE H/PC Pro operating system. Combining the leading wireless LAN technology with the first industrial-strength Windows CE-based pen tablet device sets a new standard in mobile computing.
"Proxim's RangeLAN2 technology enables mobile workforces to remotely access critical e-mail and information stored on the network, enhancing the functionality of our pen tablets," said Don Grabski, product manager at FPSI. "Adding Proxim's wireless technology to the PenCentra 130 allows people who are away from their desks to access the information they need to make important daily decisions."
Low power consumption is a critical wireless LAN criterion to enable sufficient battery life for devices such as the PenCentra 130, which offers up to 10 hours of battery life. Proxim's RangeLAN2 CE PC Card adapters draw an average of only 5 mA of current while sustaining the network connection — the lowest in the industry by more than a factor of six.
"As the world leader in the pen computer market, Fujitsu once again delivers a small, lightweight, powerful device with a rich color display and durable design unmatched in the industry," said Brian Button, Proxim Sales and Marketing vice president. "Wireless mobility and online access to information are proving to be increasingly important, and we've seen demand for a device such as the PenCentra 130 from companies concerned with working mobility."
The PenCentra 130 features a rugged ergonomic design, rubber handgrips, a durable resistive digitizer, and a 3-year warranty — the longest in its class. It offers a choice of two 8-inch VGA color displays, including a display for indoor/outdoor use — a first for Windows CE-based devices. It also includes two PC card slots; a 56K V.90 modem; PS/2, USB and serial ports; and a built-in speaker and microphone. It comes standard with 24 MB system ROM, 16 MB RAM and 8 MB non-volatile Flash ROM for user storage.
Pricing and Availability
The Proxim RangeLAN2 7410 CE PC Card is available today for $ 295 from the more than 450 Proxim authorized VARs, systems integrators, and distributors. The Fujitsu PenCentra 130 is available through FPSI's worldwide network of certified VARs and system integrators. See www.fpsi.fujitsu.com for more information.
About RangeLAN2
Proxim's RangeLAN2 products operate in the 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) frequency band and utilize frequency hopping spread spectrum radio frequency (RF) technology, which is both highly secure and exceptionally immune to interference. The products are designed to provide the industry's best combination of features for mobile wireless LAN applications, including high speed, long range, low power consumption, network scalability and advanced network management. RangeLAN2's driver software is the only wireless LAN technology shipping in Microsoft's Windows CE Handheld PC Pro Edition, because of its smallest form factor and industry-lowest power consumption for improved battery life. RangeLAN2 is certified and complies with the OpenAir(TM) wireless LAN standard set by the Wireless LAN Interoperability Forum (WLI Forum), a nonprofit organization of more than 20 leading wireless vendors which supports interoperability among members' products.
About Proxim, Inc.
Headquartered in Sunnyvale, Proxim, Inc., has more than 15 years of experience in the wireless LAN market. Today Proxim is the world's leading supplier of spread spectrum wireless LAN products to OEMs and wireless solutions providers. In 1994, Proxim was first to market with its industry-leading RangeLAN2(TM) 2.4 GHz frequency hopping wireless LAN product family, which has attracted more than 100 OEMs and wireless solutions providers worldwide. In 1998, the company introduced its high-performance RangeLAN802(TM) product line, which operates at 2 Mbps and is fully compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard. In 1999, Proxim has established itself as a leader in the emerging home networking market with its award-winning Symphony(TM) suite of cordless networking products for home and small office environments.
Proxim is a founding member of the Wireless LAN Interoperability Forum (WLI Forum), established to deliver and test interoperable wireless LAN products and services (www.wlif.com). Proxim is also a core member of the Home Radio Frequency Working Group (HomeRF), which is committed to providing a broad range of interoperable cordless consumer devices (www.homerf.org). See www.proxim.com for additional information.
Note to Editors: Proxim, RangeLAN2, RangeLAN802 and Symphony are all trademarks of Proxim. All company and product brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
CONTACT:
Proxim, Inc., Sunnyvale
Dan Spalding, 408/731-2619
[email protected]