Fargo Electronics Previews The CardJet 410 At NASSP 87th Annual Convention and Exposition In San Diego Feb. 21-23.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 21, 2003

The Fargo Professional Series CardJet(TM) 410 Printer/Encoder will be available in March, Fargo Electronics, Inc. (Nasdaq:FRGO) announced today in Booth 328 at The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) 87th Annual Convention and Exposition here February 21-23 at the San Diego Convention Center.

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 CardJet 410 is the first dedicated plastic card personalization system that uses Fargo's new CardJet Printing Technology(TM).

"School security has never been more important, and Fargo Electronics offers functional, secure, and affordable solutions to identify faculty, staff, visitors and students," said Jon Paradis, Fargo's North American Sales Director. "Fargo is the name educators have trusted for years to provide capable, easy-to-use badging solutions.

"With the introduction today of this innovative technology, Fargo is changing the face of card printing," said Paradis. "Inkjet printers are rugged, durable, and widely used. Our introduction of thermal inkjet printing for ID cards opens the door to many organizations that previously could not afford a dedicated ID card printer/encoder.

"With a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $1,595.00, the CardJet 410 is very competitive with old-fashioned analog 'cut-and-paste' photo-based ID badge systems, particularly when time, labor, and card costs are accounted for," Paradis said. "Features such as convenience, ease of use, virtually no maintenance, cost of supplies, and the professional appearance of the ID badges will make the CardJet 410 a clear winner with end users."

The CardJet 410 offers an optional magnetic-stripe (high-coercivity only) encoding unit, which can be factory installed or upgraded in the field by either a technical end user or Fargo Solution Provider (FSP).

"Our target markets - particularly schools and other organizations that typically print smaller volumes of cards per year - want card printers that are easy to learn, simple to operate, and require virtually no maintenance," said Paradis. "The CardJet 410 operator can change ink and card cartridges in a matter of seconds, then resume printing, easily and error-free."

As the world's leading innovator in card personalization systems, Fargo worked closely with Hewlett-Packard Company's (NYSE:HWP) Specialty Printing Systems (SPS) Operation, which is selling HP's thermal inkjet technology to Fargo on an OEM basis, and PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG), which developed the Teslin sheet-based cards used by the CardJet 410.

"Because Fargo is the innovative leader, principals feel confident that their ID system will serve their school's needs -- both today and tomorrow. Fargo card personalization systems can be customized to meet your school's unique badging, security, and budget requirements by Fargo systems integrators, the most trusted professionals in the business," Paradis said.

"With today's tight budgets and increasing security concerns, every administrator faces the same questions: How can we make our school safer? How can our school run more efficiently?" said Paradis. "With a digital photo ID system from Fargo, you can have ID cards that quickly identify those who belong in school - and those who don't. At the same time, ID cards can control access to facilities and restricted areas, or automate several school operations with one, easy-to-use ID card."

Fargo CardJet 410 Printer/Encoder Features

-- Fargo CardJet Printing Technology and an HP inkjet print engine ensure virtually maintenance-free reliability.

-- Top-loading SmartLoad Card Cartridge eliminates hassles with 100 pre-loaded cards.


-- CardJet Printing Technology delivers full color, durable cards in as fast as 22 seconds.

-- 600 dpi for full-color images, razor-sharp text, and easy-to-scan barcodes.

-- Specially formulated CardJet ink bonds instantly and won't smear.

-- Snap in SmartLoad Ink Cartridges.

-- Over-the-edge printing creates a high-quality, professional appearance.

-- Abrasion-resistant non-glare CardJet Cards are ideally suited for applications that require repetitive swiping such as access control, meal plans, or time cards.

-- Intuitive LED lights and on-screen status message signal when to change cards or ink.

-- Transparent access window allows for viewable printing and easy changing of CardJet consumables.

-- Optional magnetic stripe encoding station provides cards with functionality and security.

-- Hopper access door conveniently flips up when printer is not in use.

-- One year printer warranty

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 is the only manufacturer to offer three distinct technologies in printing systems - High Definition Printing(TM) (reverse image), traditional Direct-to-Card printing (dye-sublimation), and CardJet Printing(TM) technology (inkjet) - to personalize 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 Corporations, National IDs, Drivers' Licenses, Universities, Schools, Government Installations, Transportation, Casinos, Healthcare Facilities, E-commerce, Retail Stores, Correctional Institutions, Associations, Sports Events and Recreation Sites. More than 70,000 Fargo systems have been sold in the U.S. and over 80 other countries. For more information, visit Fargo's Web site at http://www.fargo.com.