Fargo Electronics Launches New Pro-LX Laminating Printer/Encoder.

Business Editors & Technology Writers

ISC EXPO/West

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 5, 2002

Fargo Electronics, Inc. (Nasdaq:FRGO) today launched its new Pro-LX laminating card printer/encoder. The Pro-LX, with nearly a dozen major design improvements, replaces the Pro-L in Fargo's Professional Series. The announcement came at The International Security Conference & Exhibition /West (ISC EXPO/West) in the Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth 8209. Based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Fargo card printer/encoders create personalized plastic identification cards complete with digital images and text, lamination, and electronically encoded information.

"The Pro-LX incorporates many specific new technical features which offer increased convenience, reliability and ease of use for these printers, which are designed to meet the growing needs of end users in the governmental, educational, corporate, transportation and health care markets," said Gary R. Holland, Fargo's President and CEO.

"Among the enhancements to the Pro-LX are a reject card hopper, which gathers improperly encoded cards or cards remaining in the card path during reboot or cancellation, a new card thickness adjustment slider, and a new card cleaning cartridge with a replaceable cleaning tape, good for up to 1,500 cards per tape.

A new adjustable card flattener roller, card path guide, "high-tack" silicone feed roller, belt-driven print engine and improved laminator advances card flatness, feeding reliability, image quality and encoding reliability, while significantly reducing printer noise. A new auto-calibrating ribbon sensor recalibrates after every fourth print, without wasting ribbon panels, while new slotted optical sensors and digital potentiometers improve accuracy and ease of use.

The new Pro-LX will come with Fargo's exclusive SmartGuard(TM) and SmartShield(TM) as standard features. SmartGuard utilizes a custom "smart card" access control to prevent unauthorized use of the printer, while Fargo's patented SmartShield allows the printing of custom transparent images visible only when viewed at an angle or under an ultra-violet light source. Both are additional printer/encoder security devices available only from Fargo.

The Pro-L, which was launched in March 1998, is the world's best-selling laminating card printer/encoder, and was the printer selected for the Department of Defense Common Access Card project in February 2000. Over 1,500 Pro-Ls are being phased in to print, laminate, and encode the common access card, which will become the standard identification card for approximately 4,000,000 active duty uniformed service personnel, selected reserves, DoD civilians, and eligible contractor personnel.

Professional Series printers are available exclusively in the U.S. through Fargo Solution Providers, and internationally through Fargo's network of Import Suppliers and International Distributors. "The distributors and integrators who carry the Professional Series products represent the best in the industry, said Holland. "They've been hand-picked because of their technical expertise, sophisticated integration abilities, and outstanding customer service."

For further information, printed sample cards, or the name of an authorized FSP, visit Fargo's Web site at http://www.fargo.com, or call FARGO toll-free at 1-800-459-5636. Outside the USA and Canada, call [phone] or FAX [phone].

About Fargo

Fargo Electronics, Inc. (Nasdaq:FRGO) is the world's leader in innovative technologies for desktop plastic card personalization systems. Based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Fargo card printer/encoders create personalized plastic identification cards complete with digital images and text, lamination, and electronically encoded information.

Personalized identification cards provide physical, information and transaction security for a wide variety of applications including retail stores, e-commerce, government installations, schools, sports and recreation facilities, clubs and associations, and correctional facilities. More than 60,000 Fargo systems are currently installed throughout the U.S. and in over 100 other countries. For more information, visit Fargo's Web site at http://www.fargo.com.

Note to Editors: See accompanying news releases for individual stories and artwork on the HDP820 and Pro-LX, or go to http://www.fargo.com/corporate/product_photos.asp for product photos and http://www.fargo.com/corporate/product_brochures.asp for product brochures.