Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB) has announced the availability of a new broadband wireless modem for the Nomad™ outdoor rugged handheld computer. The EVDO high-speed cellular data modem, made by Franklin Wireless, allows users to communicate from the field to office or other locations where Sprint cellular connectivity is available in the U.S. Expanding upon the Nomad's current WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities by adding advanced cellular technology, users now have the ability to move about more freely and extend their range while working in the field.

The broadband wireless modem allows the Nomad to send data via the cellular network at broadband speeds up to 1 Mb per second, access the Internet and email, and send/receive information from remote locations. GPS positions, collected field data and other project-related information can be sent in real-time wherever cellular connectivity is available.

"The Franklin Wireless Modem provides our users with advanced cellular technology at their fingertips," said Matthew Cannon, marketing product manager for Tripod Data Systems, a Trimble company. "The addition of the broadband wireless modem to our product line was the next logical step in providing superior field-to-office connectivity to increase our customers' productivity."

Pricing and availability
The broadband wireless modem is available now. Current Nomad owners can purchase the wireless modem bundle which includes the Nomad drivers from authorized Trimble Nomad dealers. The list price is US$349. Users will need to purchase a Sprint cellular data package in order to use the modem. Other Nomad bundles and configurations are also available.

About the Nomad
Since its release, the Nomad has received outstanding reviews from both trade publications and online review Web sites. Conrad H. Blickenstorfer of RuggedPCReview.com said, the Nomad "ranks right up there with the best conceived, designed, and most meticulously executed rugged handhelds we've tested over the past 14 years."

The Trimble Nomad packs an exceptional amount of functionality into one of the most powerful and full-featured outdoor rugged handheld computer available. The Nomad features Windows Mobile 6, an 806 MHz processor, up to 1 GB of Flash storage, a long-life battery and integrated wireless capabilities like GPS, 802.11g, and Bluetooth. The Nomad also features a high-resolution, sunlight-visible VGA display that shows graphics and maps in crisp detail.

The Nomad's design and features make it a powerful mobile computing solution for land surveying, engineering and construction, utility, public safety, field service, mapping, military and other outdoor or service-related applications. The Nomad makes it easy to collect, save and transmit data in the field

Mon Mar 17 10:25:00 CDT 2008