WalkAbout Computers to Develop Rugged Tablet PC to Meet Microsoft Guidelines

WalkAbout Computers, Inc. announced that they have joined with Microsoft Corp. to be one of the first computer manufacturers to develop a rugged Tablet PC that meets Microsoft's Tablet PC guidelines.

WalkAbout Computers to Develop Rugged Tablet PC to Meet Microsoft Guidelines

West Palm Beach, FL - WalkAbout Computers, Inc. announced today that they have joined with Microsoft Corp. to be one of the first computer manufacturers to develop a rugged Tablet PC that meets Microsoft's Tablet PC guidelines. In support of Microsofts Tablet PC initiative, WalkAbouts highly rugged Hammerhead Tablet PC will run the Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, enabling users to run full Windows-based applications using a pen or speech, annotate documents, and create handwritten documents using digital ink" for later reference or conversion into text. It supports all legacy Windows applications and will take advantage of the powerful pen-based functionality in new Windows applications developed for the Tablet PC platform.

Microsofts Chairman, Bill Gates, cites the Tablet PC as a major example of how the PC platform will continue to evolve and predicts within five years, it will be the most popular form of PC sold in America. Both corporations view the Tablet PC as the future of mobile computing, producing solutions optimized for mobility in a convenient, lightweight and easy to use form factor. Were excited to be part of Microsofts Tablet PC initiative. With Windows XP Tablet PC Edition software, we will further enhance the Hammerheads superb performance and system stability while bringing increased productivity to new industries and environments," said David Grainger, CEO of WalkAbout Computers.

With its lightweight design, built-in wireless connectivity, onscreen keyboard and hot-docking support, the highly rugged Hammerhead will bring the power of the Tablet PC into places where other computers wont dare to go. The Hammerhead performs flawlessly in freezing temperatures, pouring rain and other demanding situations and delivers reliable mobile functionality wherever work gets done - whether its behind a desk, on the road or out in the field.

There is a lot of interest among our customers for a rugged Tablet PC," said Alex Loeb, Vice President of the Tablet PC Division at Microsoft. "WalkAbout has been a leader in pen-based tablet computers and is providing some of the most rugged and dependable mobile computing solutions today. We are pleased WalkAbout is developing a rugged Tablet PC and are looking forward to working together to take the PC platform in an exciting new direction."

About WalkAbout Computers, Inc.
WalkAbout Computers is a leading designer and manufacturer of highly rugged pen tablets for workers in demanding environments. Since 1989, the West Palm Beach based privately held corporation has been providing durable, mobile computing solutions to the utility, telecommunications, transportation, warehousing and public safety/EMS market sectors. Products are sold directly and through certified resellers throughout the US, Canada, Europe and Australia. Additional information can be found on WalkAbouts web site at http://www.walkabout-comp.com.

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