Symbol Technologies Handheld Computing Family To Run New Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 Mobile Platform

Symbol Technologies, world leader in wireless mobile computing, announced today that its family of rugged, wireless products will support the new Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 mobile platform, Microsoft Corp's next generation software for personal digital assistants, that was introduced this morning. Designed for the growing mobile workforce which demands anywhere-anytime information, the Symbol and the handheld computer lines, which feature the Intel® StrongArm SA 1100 Processor, the fastest processor for Pocket PC today, are perfect tool for the enterprise professional and for a number of vertical market applications such as field service and route accounting, postal and package tracking.

The highly functional Symbol PDT 8100 and the PPT 2800 Pocket PC handheld computers support the Pocket PC 2002 mobile platform and feature new capabilities for users to deploy the most secure, reliable and robust mobile solutions with improved communications and connectivity. From workers in warehouses tracking inventory, to office executives using PDAs for wireless Internet connectivity, Symbol provides Pocket PC users with the technology to wirelessly view and manage data all along the supply chain.

"Microsoft's commitment to creating mobile PDA platforms to meet evolving customer needs, and Symbol's expertise in designing rugged, application-specific devices, is a powerful combination of complementary technologies," said , President and CEO, Symbol Technologies. "We see a long relationship with Microsoft as it continues to revolutionize handheld computing platforms, and as Symbol continues to service the largest customer base in the world for vertical application devices."

"Symbol is a pioneer and world leader in application-specific mobile computing solutions. The software upgrade being offered for its existing family of handheld mobile computing and wireless networking devices broadens the reach of Pocket PC 2002 into the enterprise, across vertical markets and into the most challenging environments" said Scott Gode, Director of Marketing for the Mobility Group at Microsoft Corp. "Symbol Pocket PC users will enjoy the flexibility, functionality and ruggedness of its high performing devices."

Symbol's Pocket PC Devices

Fully integrated with core technologies including bar code scanning and WLAN and WWAN data communications, the and blend functionality and ruggedness. Both feature the Intel® StrongArm SA 1100 Processor @ 206 Mhz and 32 MB RAM/32 MB ROM. Sealed to IP54 standards, the devices are rugged, durable and designed to withstand real-world usage, including multiple four-foot drops to concrete and harsh environments. The VGA, digitally optimized displays on both the PDT 8100 and PPT 2800 are highly responsive touch-screens for data entry, and the also offers the convenience of an integrated, backlit keyboard to support the data management demands of various vertical markets and applications. The PDT 8100 and PPT 2800 provide robust wireless communication with either WWAN connectivity to a subscriber network, which allows users to send and receive mission-critical data from any location; or , allowing users to share data with a host system when in range of a standard or .

In addition to feature-rich, rugged Pocket PC products, Symbol offers an extensive line of peripherals and accessories to provide complete mobile solutions for customers in virtually every market. Symbol also provides enterprise-level software and services expertise in planning, developing, implementing and supporting Pocket PC-based solutions for mobile computing and wireless networking through its organization. This enables customers to source Symbol as a single provider for large-scale wireless mobile computing implementations. Software upgrades for current PDT 8100 and PPT 2800 customers will be made available.