AMREL Introduces ROCKY Mobile: The First Three-Piece Solution With a DVI Interface.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

ARCADIA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 19, 2001

AMREL Systems LLC today announced the release of its ROCKY Mobile, the FIRST three-piece modular mobile computing solution utilizing a DVI cable connection for component-to-component communication.

As a pioneer in ruggedized mobile computing, AMREL developed the ROCKY Mobile in response to a lack of mobile computing solutions having the ability to effectively address the spatial and operational issues of in-vehicle computer applications.

After evaluating products currently in the market, AMREL was able to determine the areas of neglect and deliver a superior product. AMREL's choice to incorporate the DVI cable was made after research concluded that RGB cables stretched beyond five or six feet resulted in signal distortion. Through the utilization of a DVI cable, AMREL has extended the distance that can be placed between the display and system units to 32.8 feet.

Unlike other systems restricted by RGB connections, this allows ROCKY Mobile's system unit to be installed in out-of-the-way locations, such as a vehicle's trunk (trunk placement requires approximately 20 feet of cable -- making trunk placement unfeasible for RGB dependent systems). ROCKY Mobile's distinctive design enables the system unit to support additional DVI cables for the purpose of multiple LCD and keyboard use.

The ROCKY Mobile is also unique in that it consists of three cohesive, yet individually distinct functional units: a System Unit, a Display Unit and a backlit 89-key keyboard (see note). The system unit is equipped with an Intel SpeedStep CPU, a FDD and CD-ROM dual function drive, an internal Mini PCI slot and an assortment of other features. It is also ruggedized to military (MIL-STD 810E) and industrial (IP52) standards.

ROCKY Mobile's Display Unit features self-illuminating LCD control buttons, two standard USB ports for expansion capabilities and AMREL's Alpha-Star(TM) sunlight-readable touchscreen. The Display Unit is available with a swivel platform to accommodate users' personal viewing preferences. Dust and water resistant, ROCKY Mobile's backlit 89-key keyboard features: a layout that emulates the standard desktop keyboard, near standard spaced keys, windows keys and an integrated PS/2 compatible trackpoint.

ROCKY Mobile incorporates AMREL's Open Architecture design that allows for easy upgrading and field fast access, as well as device integration. The latter allows for the integration of the following peripherals: a LAN (Local Area Network) card, a Fax Modem, a COM 3/4 card, a CDPD modem, two internal COM Ports, or a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver.

According to an AMREL spokesperson, "The ROCKY Mobile integrates all of the features and properties that have made `AMREL' and `ROCKY' highly respected names throughout the rugged mobile computing community."

AMREL is enthusiastically anticipating the industry's reception of the ROCKY Mobile and is confident that the system will meet and surpass customer expectations.

Note to Editors: High-resolution images available upon request.

Note: Although ROCKY Mobile will be primarily sold as one unit, all three components are available for purchase separately.