Xplore Technologies Corp. (TSX: XPL), an international developer,
producer and distributor of rugged wireless Tablet PC computer systems,
has introduced the industry's first rugged Dual Mode Tablet PC, the
iX104RD Renegade Dual Mode, a durable mobile computer that offers users
both active stylus and finger touch input in a single product offering.
The combination of both digitizers provides customers both the
accuracy and digital inking capabilities of an active digitizer and the
convenience of a true finger touch resistive input panel. Additionally,
complementing Xplore's recently introduced iX104R Renegade Tablet
PC, the iX104RD Renegade Dual Mode offers a new level of value based
durability that matches the growing mobile computing needs of enterprise
and industrial customers worldwide. With a Manufacturer's Suggested
Retail Price of US $3,145, the iX104RD offers enhanced dual mode
functionality along with the optimal blend of durability, reliability,
performance and value for Tablet PC customers. More challenging
requirements for fully rugged Tablet PCs are met by Xplore's
iX104TD All Terrain Dual Mode model which has a Manufacturer's
Suggested Retail Price of US $4,145.
The iX104RD provides multiple benefits to enterprise and vertical
market clients seeking to implement Tablet PC systems. As an increasing
number of job functions and tasks are handled by mobile based personnel,
the functionality of mobile computing tools needs to keep pace. The
iX104RD provides users the ability to use either an active stylus for
applications that require digital inking or greater accuracy and finger
touch input for more utility-centric input requirements. As an example,
many customers want the ability to use Finger Touch while the iX104RD is
docked or vehicle based to assist with navigation and dispatch tasks and
then be able to use the active Stylus/Pen once they leave the vehicle
and carry out a mobile application such as data gathering, location
mapping and information sharing requirements. The iX104RD provides both
options thereby providing the best of both abilities to users extending
the value equation for the Tablet PC.
The second advantage the iX104RD Dual Mode offers is its ability to
be adapted to the needs of large companies that seek tablet PCs but are
faced with multiple computing standards. The iX104RD Dual Mode system
ships standard with the Windows Tablet PC XP operating system; however,
it can be pre-configured with Windows 2000 Professional. This allows
enterprise clients, whose current corporate standards mandate Windows
2000 as their operating system, to upgrade to the Windows Tablet PC
operating system at some point in the future, without repurchasing or
investing in additional hardware or software. Effectively, enterprise
clients buy one piece of hardware that is compatible with both present
day and future needs with a single investment.
In addition, many vertical market and enterprise clients with
mission critical applications want to have the insurance of two
digitizers so in the event of the loss or damage to the active digital
pen, a user can easily convert to touch input and maintain operational
status.
Andrew Dixon, director of marketing for Tablet PC at Microsoft,
believes Xplore's rugged Dual Mode system will assist customers in
advancing their adoption of Tablet PC as a company standard. "Many
of our customers, specifically in the areas of manufacturing, law
enforcement and the military, will see immediate benefits from being
able to deploy rugged dual functionality Tablet PC systems. Effectively,
they have the choice of their preferred input method while at the same
time expanding the functionality of their systems as they deploy into
varying sub-applications within their organization."
Brian Groh, president and chief executive officer of Xplore, noted
that Xplore's introduction of the Dual Mode Tablet PC is in direct
response to feedback from vertical market and enterprise customers
seeking expanded functionality and insurance against the potential of
misplaced active pens. "Users simply toggle between the active and
resistive/touch digitizer via the onboard keypad for instant
availability. This system is the first rugged Dual Mode available in the
industry and we believe customers will derive immediate operational
benefits. The introduction of the iX104RD Dual Mode continues our
strategy to develop and deploy systems that allow 'Mobile Computing
Warriors' to operate optimally in their work applications while at
the same time being rugged matched to meet the durability demands, as
these workers are typically mobile and/or expose their portable
computing systems to a range of challenging environmental or application
conditions."
The iX104RD Renegade Dual Mode product ships standard with
Intel's Pentium M Ultra Low Voltage 866 MHz processor; an active
and resistive digitizer, 256 MB of RAM; 20GB Hard Drive; 4500mAh
battery; meets MIL-STD-810F; IP54 Rated; and a one-year warranty. MSRP
on the iX104RD Renegade is US $3,145. Build-to-Order options such as
wireless WAN, LAN and GPS options are individually priced and can be
added to the basic iX104RD Renegade) Dual Mode at the time of order.
The iX104RD Renegade Dual Mode and iX104TD All Terrain models are
currently available to order. In order to address the expanded customer
set for Xplore's rugged Tablet PC systems, Xplore is currently
growing its distribution relation ships and is evaluating qualifying
distributors and systems integrators worldwide.
About Xplore Technologies
Xplore Technologies Corp, founded in 1996, is a provider of the
rugged pen-based mobile wireless computer. Xplore, which is traded on
the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol TSX: XPL, has offices in
Austin Texas, Toronto Canada and Helsinki Finland. Xplore's diverse
customer base comes from the public safety, retail and wholesale
warehousing, utility, military, field service, marine and transportation
industries.
Xplore Technologies can be found on the World Wide Web at
http://www.xploretech.com.
For more information, call 312/943-1100.
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