Kalidor Introduces Rugged Pen-Based Computer, Docking Station
SAN JOSE, Calif. — August 30, 1993 — Kalidor Inc., a new company focused on integrating rugged mobile computers into enterprise-wide computing environments, today introduced it first two products: an advanced technology pen-based computer and docking station.
The 386-based Kalidor K2000 pen-based computer is uniquely designed to withstand rugged treatment in mobile computing applications, and weighs just 3.5 pounds. The K100 docking station uses infrared technology to allow high-speed communications and data-transfer between the K2000 and other computing resources in the enterprise.
The combination of the K2000, K100, and Kalidor's integration services overcomes two obstacles that enterprises have faced in empowering field personnel: one, a computer that can take the abuse of a truly mobile environment; and two, integration with legacy applications and other computing resources.
"Most mobile computers are kept packed away until the user reaches a safe spot, like a hotel room or a home office," said Scott Hansen, president of Kalidor. "They aren't designed for a utility worker in the field to use while going from job to job. In these environments, the computer is exposed to the elements, and subject to the same conditions as any piece of field equipment."
Kalidor's system integration services set it apart from other mobile and pen computer companies. "Most mobile computer vendors leave the user to their own devices in implementing business solutions," Hansen said. "The answer is to offer integration services to assist and expedite our customers' efforts to improve corporate productivity."
The Kalidor K2000 pen-based computer includes a 6" x 4.5" VGA pressure-sensitive display; local bus video; a tetherless pen; four megabytes of memory (expandable to 16MB) and a nickel metal hydride battery rated for eight hours of operation between charges. It also includes an 85MB ruggedized hard disk drive, and runs MS Windows with Pen Extension.
Optionally, the PenRightPro and PenPoint operating systems are also available. Reliability features, such as Remote Program Load (RPL), have also been included. An array of integrated options are available.
Kalidor's K100 docking station has a two-hour direct, or eight-hour inductive recharging system. The docking station uses a connector-less infrared communications link to integrate the pen-based computer with other enterprise resources.
The technology overcomes the misalignment and bent-pin problems of traditional interconnected docking stations. Multiple docking stations can be daisy chained to allow communications via a single serial port. Each docking station is individually addressable by a host computer, and a variety of network protocols are supported.
In addition to the products, Kalidor specializes in system integration services for linking the K2000 and K100 to enterprise-wide computing resources.
Manufacturer's suggested prices are $3,495 for the K2000 pen-based computer and $965 for the K100 docking station.
Both the computer and the docking station will be available in the fourth quarter of this year. They are manufactured exclusively for Kalidor by Alps Electric, a major multinational electronics manufacturer.
Kalidor, a privately held U.S. company, designs and markets durable portable computing products and provides expert consulting services for integrating the activities of mobile workforces into the overall enterprise. The company is headquartered at Stewart Plaza, 400 N. Mountain Ave., Suite 210, Upland, CA. 91786; telephone 909/931-3888, 800/2-KALIDOR, fax 909/931-3885.
Note To Editors: Kalidor is a registered trade mark of Kalidor Inc. All other names are trade marks or registered trade marks of their respective manufacturers.
CONTACT:
Kalidor Inc., San Jose
Fred Gladney, 800/2-KALIDOR, 909/931-3888
Franson, Hagerty & Associates
Jennifer De Anda, 408/453-5220