DOVER, NJ, March 16, 2004, - Casio, Inc., in conjunction with its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, today announced the release of a new Industrial Data Terminal with high-speed thermal printer. This device, the IT-3000, will run on the Microsoft® Windows® CE .NET operating system, and will go on sale in Q2 of 2004.

The IT-3000 features a built-in high-speed printer, capable of up to 28 lines / second. Its sturdy construction allows it to withstand being dropped from a height of 1.2 meters with the paper roll holder attached. Bluetooth™ and infrared both come as standard, allowing the IT-3000 to communicate with a wide variety of wireless devices. The IT-3000 also comes with a serial connector, allowing it to be connected easily with external peripheral equipment.

In addition, there is a model in the IT-3000 line-up with MCR (Magnetic Card Reader) functionality (M54E) and another that is equipped with both MCR and a C-MOS Imager (M55U) as standard. These greatly reduce the need to carry separate portable printers, MCR and scanner devices, making it possible to easily inspect and issue train tickets, sell duty-free goods inside an aircraft, issue parking tickets, and print out the readings from gas and electricity meters on a single device.

All models in the line-up come with a 2-way TFT color LCD screen offering amazing clarity both indoors and out, with a screen that doubles as a touch panel for direct data entry. For better visibility in dark places, the large keypad also has a backlight. The IT-3000 will use a 400MHz Intel® PXA255 application processor, together with Windows CE .NET operating system offering advanced features, processing power, usability, and an open environment for developers to create new applications. The IT-3000 complies with the IP54 sealing rating for dust and splash resistance, and can be used in conditions from -20°C up to +50°C, making this Industrial Data Terminal ideal for both indoor and outdoor use in extremely cold or hot environments.

*IP5x: Even though the intrusion of dust cannot be totally prevented, dust that might otherwise prevent smooth operation of the equipment does not get in.
*IPx4: No detrimental effect is observed even despite exposure to water splashed from any direction.

Major Features of the IT-3000

• Standard High Speed Thermal Printer
  The Industrial Data Terminal comes complete with a thermal printer that can print up to 28 lines / second. This reduces the need to carry a separate portable printer, contributing to improvements in work efficiency.
  
• Magnetic Card Reader(M54E/M55U)
  The card reader complies with ISO Track1, 2 (ISO/IEC 7811-2 2001) standards.
  
• C-MOS Imager that also captures images (M55U)
  High performance C-MOS imager allows the IT-3000 to read 2-dimensional code and 1-dimensional bar codes in addition to images such as signatures.
  
• Rugged Durability
  The IT-3000 offers rugged reliability. The device, including the printer and paper roll holder (with splash-proof cover) complies with the IP54 sealing rating for dust and splash protection, and can withstand being dropped from a height of 1.2m. Its operating temperatures range from -20°C up to +50°C.
  
• 2-way TFT color LCD for use even outdoors
  2-way TFT color LCD (240 x 320 dots) screen, with improved visibility for outdoor use. Compared with conventional transparent LCDs, the IT-3000's screen uses CASIO's proprietary optical film to effectively reflect outside light that is normally dispersed. The screen offers brilliant clarity in both indoor and outdoor environments.
  
• Ease of Operation and Usability
  The large keypad is backlit, and will not fade (numerals printed on the inside). Data can also be entered using the on-screen keyboard, or via handwriting recognition.
  
• High Speed CPU and Windows CE .NET OS
  High speed processing and superior usability are made possible with the use of a 400MHz Intel® PXA255 application processor, and Microsoft® Windows® CE .NET OS. This open environment makes it easy for software developers to create end-user applications.
  
• Multiple Interfaces
  SD memory card slot, PC Card slot (TYPEI/II) and Bluetooth™ come standard. Data stored within the device can be backed-up to SD memory card if needed, wireless communication is possible, and the device can communicate with other Bluetooth™ enabled wireless devices. The IT-3000 also comes complete with an 8-pin serial connector (not available on the M55U model) on the side and a 14-pin on the back, enabling it to connect easily with external peripheral devices.

Major Specifications of IT-3000

Notes:

1. When the keys are pressed 20 times (30 seconds) and continuous printing of 20 lines (font height 2mm Alphabet and Numeric / 30% of total digits) is carried out at four-minute intervals.
2. Microsoft, Windows and Windows logos are the registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
3. Bluetooth is a trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., U.S.A., and has been used in accordance with a license acquired by CASIO.
4. Other company and product names are generally registered trademarks or trademarks of the respective companies.
5. The specifications in the table above are current as of March 2004, and may change without any advance notice.
   

Casio, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. Casio, Inc., markets calculators, keyboards, digital cameras, mobile presentation devices, portable color TVs, timepieces (Wrist Technology), cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio, the unexpected extra - for more information visit our web site at www.casio.com.