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SUNNYVALE, Calif. and ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 24, 2001 – Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB) and SECO USA announced today that SECO USA’s next-generation Fingertip handheld device platforms will incorporate Trimble’s unique M-Loc MPM Global Positioning System (GPS) module. By including Trimble’s M-Loc MPM module in its reference design, SECO USA – a leading developer of ultra-portable, low-power handheld device platforms for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) – has made it easy for manufacturers to create handheld devices with GPS location capabilities.

Trimble’s M-Loc MPM module combined with the Fingertip platform and SECO USA’s BatterySmart system software will deliver handheld device platforms that are unprecedented in their level of integration and ability to reduce power consumption.

“The M-Loc MPM module’s unique design is intended to provide a GPS solution that dramatically reduces size and power consumption,” said Dennis Workman, vice president of Trimble’s Component Technologies Division. “Fingertip – which has exactly the same design goal – and the M-Loc MPM module are a natural combination for OEMs wishing to field next-generation, location-enabled handheld devices.”

Andrew Girson, CEO of SECO USA, said, “We’ve always had tremendous interest in GPS from our customers, but until recently, OEM GPS solutions were more expensive, bulky, and power-hungry as compared to Trimble’s M-Loc MPM module. Combined with our BatterySmart power management system software suite and Fingertip, we expect the M-Loc MPM module to bring new levels of integration and reduced power consumption to our customers.”

To facilitate integration of the companies’ technologies, SECO USA has entered into a licensing agreement to use Trimble’s FirstGPSO software technology. SECO USA and Trimble are working to port the FirstGPS software to Microsoft’s Windows CE 3.0 operating system for the Fingertip platform, which is based on Intel’s StrongARM CPU. Development platforms based on Fingertip with the M-Loc MPM module are expected to be available from SECO USA in the fourth quarter for $3,995.

Trimble’s M-Loc MPM module
The M-Loc MPM module is a tiny measurement platform module using Trimble’s innovative, host-based FirstGPS technology. It allows OEMs to easily integrate GPS location in mobile devices-cell phones, pagers, PDAs, laptops, smart phones, digital cameras and car navigation systems-for less power, less space and lower cost than previously possible.

Trimble’s M-Loc MPM module requires less integration time than a basic chipset and allows customers to get products to market faster-and with less initial risk and expense.

SECO USA’s Fingertip Platform
Fingertip is a complete, low-power platform for developers of next-generation handheld devices. At less than three inches on a side and with SECO USA’s BatterySmart system software suite, Fingertip provides OEMs a comprehensive hardware/software solution for their handheld device designs. Handheld device designs based on Fingertip and BatterySmart are highly-integrated and offer sub-watt power consumption.

About SECO USA, Inc.
SECO USA, Inc. is an ultra-portable handheld platform provider to Original Equipment Manufacturers. The company provides commercial off-the-shelf developer’s kits that are industrial-strength and power-efficient, for uses in the military, medical technology and telecommunications industries among others. The platforms accommodate standard wireless, data storage and data acquisition plug-ins. Fingertip, Elf, BatterySmart, and OmniMeter are built on the industry’s leading technologies including Intel’s StrongARM and XScale RISC chips and the Windows CE operating system. The company’s headquarters are in Rockville, Maryland. For more information please view the company web site at seco-usa.com.

About Trimble
Trimble is a leading innovator of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. In addition to providing advanced GPS components, Trimble augments GPS with other positioning technologies as well as wireless communications and software to create complete customer solutions. Trimble’s worldwide presence and unique capabilities position the Company for growth in emerging applications including surveying, automobile navigation, machine guidance, asset tracking, wireless platforms, and telecommunications infrastructure. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Trimble has more than 2,000 employees in more than 20 countries worldwide. For an interactive look at company news and products, visit Trimble’s Web site at www.trimble.com.

Contacts:
Rebecca Mettler Lea Ann McNabb
Hill and Knowlton Trimble
202-944-1938 408-481-7808
rmettler@hillandknowlton.com , leaann_mcnabb@trimble.com

• By: admin
• Published: Sep 24th 2001
• Categorized: Press Release
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