CROSS UNVEILS THE CROSS :CONVERGENCE WIRELESS SCANNER PEN.

The Cross Pen Computing Group, a division of A.T. Cross, (Amex: ATX) has unveiled its next generation mobile pen-based scanning technology, the Cross :Convergence Pen, which is available in limited quantities at http://www.cross.com.

This innovative, translucent pen features a built-in scanner that will enable users to connect to web sites or web pages, eliminating the need to memorize lengthy URLs or search the web to find specific information. The Cross :Convergence wireless scanner pen stores up to 300 codes which can be uploaded onto a PC for easy, direct navigation.

The Cross :Convergence Pen will read and store virtually all bar code formats found on thousands of products and packages as well as Digital:Convergence Cues which are being included in numerous advertising and editorial portions of print and electronic media. Cross has signed an agreement with Digital:Convergence Inc. as the exclusive scanner pen for the Digital:Convergence platform in the United States. The Cross :Convergence pen offers a mobile alternative to the tethered :CueCat which is being widely distributed by Digital:Convergence at Radio Shack and by mail to subscribers of major newspapers and magazines.

"Print to Internet linkage needs to be mobile and wireless to be truly successful since people will more likely scan magazines, products, catalog information, or parts and inventory when they are away from a PC," explains Dave Whalen, president and CEO of A.T. Cross. "The pen is an ideal form for a scanner as it won't add to the number of gadgets that people normally carry. Clearly, Cross is now at the forefront of an emerging Internet technology with enormous potential for businesses, advertisers, publishers and consumers alike."

Swipe and Scan

The Cross :Convergence Pen is effortless. Simply press the scan-activating button on the pen and drag across any barcode or cue. The red light indicates that the Cross :Convergence is scanning information into the pen's memory. To access the stored codes, once the Digital:Convergence software is loaded, simply touch the :Convergence Pen on the 'OptoLink' pad connected to the PC serial port and URLs for all stored codes appear on screen. Then, click on the desired URL, and the desired page appears. A USB version of the OptoLink will available in the first quarter of 2001.

The pen, OptoLink and Digital:Convergence software are currently available at Cross' website (http://www.cross.com) for $89.99. The product will be sold at retail beginning Q1 2001.

System Requirements

System requirements include a PC with Pentium 90 or higher processor; Windows 95, 98, 2000 or NT 4.0 Operating System; 8 MB RAM (for Windows 95) or 12 MB RAM (for Windows NT); Internet Connection; 10 MB of available hard disk space; a CD ROM Drive; and one 9 or 25 pin communications (COM) port.

The Cross Pen Computing Group (PCG) develops, manufactures and markets innovative pen-based computing products. PCG is a division of A.T. Cross Company, a major international manufacturer of fine writing instruments and pen computing products. The company is headquartered in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

Cross can be found on the World wide Web at http://www.cross.com.

For more information, call 212/290-9540.