Tripod Data Systems (TDS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB), today announced two new modules for the TDS Recon(TM) rugged handheld computer. The AA PowerBoot Module(TM) allows users to run the Recon with two AA alkaline or lithium batteries. The Extended CF-Cap(TM) provides room for large CompactFlash (CF) cards such as GPS, LAN and wireless modems. Equipped with either module, the Recon remains ultra-rugged and water resistant. "Many current and potential Recon users have asked for the capabilities these new modules provide," said Bill Martin, TDS director of marketing. "Military customers in particular have asked for AA battery power, and the extended cap lets users take advantage of the ever-growing number of CompactFlash devices." Like the standard rechargeable NiMH PowerBoot Module, the AA PowerBoot Module includes a standard 9-pin serial port and a USB port for connecting the Recon to a PC for rapid data transfer. At room temperature, the Recon can run for about eight hours with two AA alkaline batteries or 16 hours with two AA lithium batteries. The Extended CF-Cap supports larger CF cards including GPS receivers and 802.11 wireless devices. It features a base piece for connecting to the Recon, along with a mounting and quick-release locking mechanism for the extended cap. The cap is composed of radio-wave-transparent materials to improve the performance of enclosed GPS and wireless devices. As with the standard CF-Cap(TM), the Extended CF-Cap is completely sealed to protect the CF devices from dust, dirt, water and impacts from accidental drops. TDS released the Recon, which runs the Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC operating system, October 7 at the AUSA military trade show in Washington, D.C. The new About the Recon The Recon rugged handheld computer comes with a 200- or 400-MHz Intel XScale processor, 64 MB of SDRAM and up to 128 MB of internal nonvolatile Flash storage. It features two CF slots and a PowerBoot Module with a 15-hour rechargeable NiMH battery, plus a standard 9-pin serial port and a high-speed USB port for connecting to a PC. The Recon runs the Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC operating system. Recon's rugged construction makes it ideal for land surveying, mapping, civil engineering, construction, forestry, utility, facilities and asset management, machine control, law enforcement and military applications. It weighs just 17 ounces, and its rounded edges provide a comfortable grip. Large, widely spaced buttons are easy to use, and its reflective color TFT display is bright and clear in sunlight. The Recon exceeds the MIL-STD-810F military standard for drops, vibration and temperature extremes. It also comes with an IP67 rating, meaning it's dust resistant and can withstand accidental immersion in up to a meter of water.

Source: TDS, Oct. 28, 2003