Digital Ocean Announces “All-In-One” PDA
SAN FRANCISCO — January 3, 1995 — Digital Ocean Inc. today unveiled a new Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), named Tarpon, that integrates Apple Computer's Newton MessagePad technology with Digital Ocean's wireless connector, the Grouper, while adding many new innovations such as backlighting, a waterproof ruggedized case, a single integrated powerful battery, and support for RS-232 inputs.
In addition, Tarpon supports forms-based data entry, voice communications and plug-in capabilities for wireless LAN (915 MHz or 2.4 GHz modules), wireless WAN, and Global Position System (GPS). It is compatible with off-the-shelf and third party Newton software. Tarpon will ship 2Q of 1995. Pricing is expected to be $3,000.
Tarpon was developed for industries such as medical, maintenance, service and manufacturing. Tarpon's RS-232 port provides connections to input devices such as laser scanners, digital cameras, as well as output devices such as printers.
Tarpon's voice capabilities include full duplex bi-directional voice communication over WLAN 300-3000 Hz bandwidth.
The initial Tarpon product line will also include an optional communications server that allows a remote Tarpon to collect or retrieve real-time information from the server.
Tarpon's communications server supports metropolitan or wide-area networks, which enable Tarpon to remain continuously connected to a remote server. Tarpon provides a wireless transmission range of up to 800 feet. Greater distances can be achieved with the use of Digital Ocean's Starfish Ethernet Access Point, which features microCellular roaming, or by using a higher output dual density antenna.
The optional internal modem provides data transmission rates from 2400 bps to 28.8 bps with support of the Hayes AT Command set.
Tarpon measures 10 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches and weighs under 35 ounces. Power is supplied by an intelligent NiMH battery, with up to eight hours of operation on a single charge. A cradle charger is also available that allows the internal battery to be charged while providing battery bays for charging spare batteries.
Digital Ocean develops and manufactures state-of-the-art wireless connectivity products for the entire line of Apple's desktop, portable and pen-based devices. The company has numerous patents granted and pending for its development of wireless technologies. Digital Ocean is headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas.
CONTACT:
LF/Hill Communications
Chad Hill or Len Fernandes, 510/945-7910
or 510/538-8916