Rugged from the ground up for field-deployed workers, the GoBook MR-1 delivers exceptional durability, performance, multi-wireless capability and outdoor screen clarity in a compact, game-changing form factor

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash.—General Dynamics Itronix announced today a full-featured, fully rugged computer in the “ultra-mobile” category that is designed to meet the portability and durability needs of industrial, commercial, military and government customers. The GoBook MR-1 is a two-pound, full-function rugged notebook measuring 4.3 inches by 6 inches, allowing users to work on a portable, lightweight, reduced-footprint machine, with a superior outdoor viewable display, wherever duty takes them.

“We are seeing market interest in smaller, more portable devices that still have all the functionality of a full-fledged notebook,” said David Daoud, research manager, United States Quarterly PC Tracker and Personal Systems, IDC. "The GoBook MR-1 is likely to find a receptive audience among the highly mobile workforce in segments such as government, utilities, communications, and field services in need of a fully functional PC in a ruggedized ultra-small form factor."

Mike DiBiase is vice president of computing technologies for General Dynamics C4 Systems. “This ultra-mobile notebook was developed with the needs of both defense and commercial users in mind,” DiBiase said. “The development and successful launch speaks to the company's ability to address the rugged computing needs of customers in virtually all conditions and operating environments.”

The 5.6-inch SVGA-W GoBook MR-1 runs with the full Windows XP Pro operating system (and Vista by the end of 2007), which helps to reduce training and support costs by providing users and IT management with a familiar interface. The GoBook MR-1 also features the new patent-pending DynaVue™ touchscreen display technology as an option. This innovative display technology, announced in May, provides dramatically improved outdoor screen viewability while optimizing battery life and processing power for ultra-mobile end users.

“The GoBook MR-1 new notebook form factor provides extreme portability and mobility, without sacrificing any of the features of a full-size rugged notebook, and best of all, it will also run on Vista utilizing the latest in today’s technology,” said John Ball, general manager, U.S. Systems Builder, Microsoft. “I am excited that a key manufacturer is delivering such innovation to users who require computing solutions in many extreme environments.”

GoBook MR-1 Product Features
The GoBook MR-1 packs the capabilities of a full notebook computer into a clamshell notebook small enough to fit into a coat pocket. The GoBook MR-1 is as powerful and rugged as it is ergonomic and portable, sporting the lightest and smallest footprint of any rugged, ultra-mobile notebook. The GoBook MR-1 also provides the user multiple navigational input devices through a touchpad interface as well as a micro joystick for optimal flexibility in cursor navigation and selection.

Performance
The GoBook MR-1 is built with state of the art technology, giving it the power to leverage multi-threaded applications, graphics commonly found in field deployed workforce environments such as public safety and field service, or military, and boost overall speed and performance:

• 1.2Ghz Intel Core Solo™ U1400 Processor (“Napa” chipset).
• 533 MHz front side bus.
• Up to 1 GB of RAM.
• 3D Intel Extreme Graphics with up to 128MB of graphics memory (both shared and dedicated).
• 3- and 6-hour battery life options: 4000 mAH (29W) Lithium Polymer main battery or optional 8000 mAH (59W) Lithium Polymer extended battery pack.

Ergonomics
Built for fully rugged mobility, the GoBook MR-1 features:

• Smallest and lightest rugged notebook form factor—weighs only 2 lbs and comes in an easy to use 1.56” (H) x 6.0” (W) x 4.33” (D) rugged clam-shell device.
• 5.6” wide SVGA outdoor viewable LCD display, built with optional DynaVue patent-pending touchscreen display technology for unmatched outdoor viewability.
• Ergonomically designed, sealed keyboard.
• Dual navigational options include touchpad/micro joystick
• Office dock and vehicle mounting options.
• Standard hard drive heater.
• 16 GB or 32 GB solid state hard disk drive option.

Ruggedness
The GoBook MR-1 provides the highest level of durability, designed to meet or exceed MIL-STD 810F for temperature and drop, as well as vibration testing. The unit is also IP-54 rated for dust and humidity making it suitable for use in harsh and unpredictable environments. The GoBook MR-1 was designed to be rugged from the inside out and meant to survive in harsh, unpredictable environments. The unit features shock-mounted display and key internal components, and is housed in a magnesium alloy clamshell case with impact absorbing bumpers. The GoBook MR-1 will be vehicle-mount crash-tested for in-vehicle safety. Additionally, the GoBook MR-1 will be compliant with Hazardous Locations (HazLoc) UL1604 Class I, Division 2, Group A, B, C & D.

Wireless Connectivity
Like all GoBook notebooks, the GoBook MR-1 features the ability to manage multiple embedded wireless radios and standards, with upgrade protection to accommodate new wireless standards as they emerge:

• Up to four wireless radios, simultaneous WLAN, PAN, GPS and WWAN (Dec. ’07)
• Leading edge, high-speed data transfer with worldwide 3G and EVDO cellular support.
• Seamless roaming for uninterrupted coverage, even in fringe areas.
• Upgradeable wireless support to accommodate existing as well as future wireless technologies.

Security
The GoBook MR-1 was built to offer unmatched data and asset protection, with support for multiple user and network authentication options. Security features include a user-removable 40 GB or optional 80 GB shock mounted hard drive (with optional solid state hard drives in 16 GB and 32 GB), fingerprint reader, TPM 1.2, and file/folder locking capabilities, and stealth-mode keyboard and display settings for secure environments, as well as configurable access to all input/output devices for data transfer restriction and multiple asset protection features.

Modular flexibility
The GoBook MR-1 is engineered to include modular, innovative stackable expansion module (“slice”) architecture. The stackable expansion module enables users to integrate legacy I/O interface functionality and additional accessories. The stackable expansion module/slice can be customized for additional expansion such as PCMCIA. A stackable expansion module (“slice”) is required for the 80 GB hard drive option as well as the TPM 1.2 security feature.

Availability, Pricing and Service
The GoBook MR-1 base configuration will be generally available in September 2007 at the suggested USD retail price of $4,450. The unit is backed by a three-year warranty and supported by end-to-end customer care services including value programs like “one-call” Mobility Help Desk for enterprise and government customers. The notebook may be purchased through a General Dynamics Itronix channel partner or directly by calling (800) 441-1309.

About General Dynamics Itronix
A world-class developer of wireless, rugged computing systems, applications and technology for mobile workers in a variety of commercial field service markets, the government and military, General Dynamics Itronix exemplifies the computing technologies capabilities of General Dynamics and offers a full range of wireless field computing systems, from handhelds to notebooks to tablet computers, mobile servers and thin clients. General Dynamics Itronix is based in Spokane Valley, Wash., with European-based operations in Coventry, England. General Dynamics Itronix is a part of General Dynamics C4 Systems, a leading integrator of secure communication and information systems and technology. Additional information about products and services is available at www.gd-itronix.com .

About General Dynamics
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 82,600 people worldwide and had 2006 revenues of $24.1 billion. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies.

First semi-rugged notebook optimized for vehicle-deployed workforces with new DynaVue™ all-light viewable display technology

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash.—General Dynamics Itronix introduced today its next-generation semi-rugged notebook computer, the GoBook VR-2, featuring the new Intel® Core™2 Duo processor T7300 at 2.0 GHz and superior ergonomic and wireless features. Designed to meet the demanding needs of mobile workers in a variety of commercial, field service, public safety and military markets, the GoBook VR-2 offers a unique 13.3-inch display featuring DynaVue™—a recently announced patent-pending display technology—that offers superior touchscreen viewability in all lighting conditions, even direct sunlight.

“This next-generation semi-rugged product represents the culmination of our expertise in designed-in ruggedness, integrated wireless capabilities and performance, with cutting-edge display innovation for unparalleled outdoor touchscreen display viewability,” said Ben Thacker, vice president of strategic marketing for General Dynamics Itronix. “Based on customer input, these features were designed to deliver a best-in-class, semi-rugged notebook that is flexible and well suited for vehicle-based and office-based mobile workers,” Thacker said.

J. Gerry Purdy, Ph.D., vice president and chief analyst, Mobile and Wireless, at global industry analyst firm Frost & Sullivan, was impressed with the overall feature set of the new semi-rugged notebook; “Companies with mobile workers require attributes in their rugged mobile computing devices such as wireless signal strength and radio choices, overall durability, high performance processing power and outdoor viewability,” Purdy said. “The GoBook VR-2 notebook from General Dynamics Itronix delivers significant functionality in all of these key attribute areas and, for the first time, an astonishing degree of outdoor viewability on a touchscreen. I was amazed at the clarity of the new DynaVue technology as it was displayed on the GoBook VR-2’s touchscreen in bright sunlight. I realized then that to produce a great outdoor viewing solution, it isn’t about generating more backlight power. It’s about reducing reflection and focusing on contrast ratio. General Dynamics Itronix has done just that, and produced a superior outdoor viewing result with its DynaVue display technology.”

GoBook VR-2 Product Features
The GoBook VR-2’s capabilities and features distinguish it as the fastest, most durable semi-rugged, outdoor-viewable wireless notebook available.

Brightness Beyond “Nits”—The DynaVue Difference
The DynaVue display technology virtually eliminates internal reflections that wash out touchscreen displays and DynaVue dramatically improves direct sunlight contrast ratio for improved viewability and fine details definition. DynaVue also helps optimize the notebook’s battery and processor performance without adding extra weight. Prior to DynaVue, computer display manufacturers tried various methods to increase display brightness. Some attempts came with undesirable side-effects—like diminished battery life, distorted colors and reduced contrast. DynaVue employs an innovative approach for inside and outside work environments and provides a proper balance between brightness and contrast ratio.

Performance
The only semi-rugged notebook with external antenna connections and a built-in global positioning system (GPS), the GoBook VR-2 works even in challenging environments. On the motherboard, the Intel Core2 Duo processor T7300 2.0GHz and Intel 965GM Express chip set provide outstanding performance.

“By using the newest Intel Core2 Duo processor, the GoBook VR-2 notebook provides the high level of performance required by public safety professionals, utilities technicians and others who have demanding, mission critical computing needs,” said Erik Reid, marketing director, Intel Mobile Platforms Group.

Ergonomics
At a mere 6.2 pounds, with a full-size, spill-resistant keyboard, the GoBook VR-2 offers more carry and docking options than any other semi-rugged notebook. With a dedicated office dock and an external keyboard, as well as an optional dedicated vehicle dock, the GoBook VR-2 easily makes the transition from the office to the outside, making it ideal as a true dual-purpose laptop for “road warriors” as well as industrial and military users.

Ruggedness
The GoBook VR-2 provides the highest level of drop protection of any semi-rugged notebook, with a published drop spec of 6 drops from 30 inches. Designed from the ground up to be the most rugged semi-rugged notebook, the GoBook VR-2 meets military specifications for temperature, dust and humidity for fully rugged systems (IP 5x), which makes it suitable for use in harsh and unpredictable environments. The GoBook VR-2 is optimized for vehicle-docked applications like those used in law enforcement, public safety and industries with field-deployed service personnel.

Connectivity
The VR-2 includes integrated wireless WWAN that provides wide area wireless coverage across the globe; an integrated five-band antenna for worldwide roaming capability; and Bluetooth Class 2 connectivity, with a range of up to 33 feet (10 meters). The only semi-rugged notebook with external antenna connections, the VR-2 is the first semi-rugged system to include integrated wireless 802.11n-level WiFi connectivity, in addition to 802.11 a/b. The GoBook VR-2 is also the only semi-rugged notebook with integrated GPS for mapping and workforce management applications, and features a quadra-helix antenna for faster and more accurate “fixes.”

Security
The GoBook VR-2 incorporates multiple levels of both physical and software security:

• TPM 1.2 secure micro-controller with added cryptographic functionalities. It works with supporting software and firmware to prevent unauthorized access to a notebook computer. The TPM contains a hardware engine to perform up to 2048-bit RSA encryption/decryption and uses a built in RSA engine during digital signing and key wrapping operations.
• Stealth mode lets the user turn off the screen, audio, LEDs, task light, fan, WWAN, WLAN and Bluetooth to ensure safe performance in critical environments (available August 2007).
• With a “super password,” the user can individually disable hardware that could be used to transfer data and selectively disable PC card slots, CD, DVD, Ethernet, Express, WLAN, WWAN, Bluetooth and the communications and USB ports (available August 2007).
• A BIOS pre-boot password, to keep thieves out of sensitive data by forcing a password prior to Windows boot-up (available August 2007).
• Optional biometric fingerprint reader enables high security and the gradual elimination of numerous passwords.
• Optional vehicle dock includes a three-point locking system that ensures a solid connection and deters theft.

Availability/pricing
The GoBook VR-2 semi-rugged notebook is available for immediate shipment; suggested U.S. list price for a base configuration is $3,500. A custom vehicle dock is available for $499. Through the Corporate Branding Program, customers who order a minimum quantity of 200 systems can have the notebooks customized with their organization’s colors, label and logo.

About General Dynamics Itronix
A world-class developer of wireless, rugged computing systems, applications and technology for mobile workers in a variety of commercial field service markets, the government and military, General Dynamics Itronix exemplifies the computing technologies capabilities of General Dynamics and offers a full range of wireless field computing systems, from handhelds to notebooks to tablet computers, mobile servers and thin clients. General Dynamics Itronix is based in Spokane Valley, Wash., with European-based operations in Coventry, England. General Dynamics Itronix is a part of General Dynamics C4 Systems, a leading integrator of secure communication and information systems and technology. Additional information about products and services is available at www.gd-itronix.com .

About General Dynamics
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 82,600 people worldwide and had 2006 revenues of $24.1 billion. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies.

General Dynamics Itronix Introduces DynaVue™ Touchscreen Display Technology for its Rugged Notebook and Tablet PC Computers

Innovative patent-pending touchscreen display strikes balance between contrast ratio and brightness for superior visibility

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash.—General Dynamics Itronix today introduced a new standard for all-light viewable touchscreen displays: DynaVue touchscreen display technology. With a patent-pending design approach that focuses on contrast ratio and polarization techniques, DynaVue technology optimizes viewability in all lighting conditions, including direct sunlight, and will be featured as the standard touchscreen on General Dynamics Itronix's full line of rugged and semi-rugged notebooks and tablet PCs.

With DynaVue, General Dynamics Itronix has developed an innovative patent-pending touchscreen display technology that balances display brightness and contrast ratio and virtually eliminates the internal reflections that wash out display clarity.

“According to our most recent user research, display quality and daylight viewability rank among the top three purchase criteria for rugged notebooks,” said David Krebs, a senior analyst at Natick, Mass.-based Venture Development Corporation. “The General Dynamics Itronix DynaVue display technology provides a truly impressive solution without compromising battery life or processing power.”

Beyond “NITs”—The DynaVue Difference
The DynaVue touchscreen display technology does not rely on adding light to improve visibility but focuses rather on a patent-pending light filtering technology that achieves a dramatically improved contrast ratio to provide rich color, sharp images and details. DynaVue also optimizes the notebook’s battery life and processor performance. Prior to DynaVue, computer display manufacturers tried various methods to increase display brightness. Some attempts came with undesirable side-effects—like diminished battery life, distorted colors and reduced contrast.

“DynaVue will provide an exclusive benefit to users of our GoBook® rugged notebooks and tablet PCs, especially those who often use the products in and out of their service or public safety vehicles,” said Ben Thacker, vice president of strategic marketing for General Dynamics Itronix. “The DynaVue touch screen technology’s unique focus on contrast ratio provides users with a superior display image and comfortable viewing experience indoors as well as in full sun, even when they are wearing sunglasses. DynaVue must be seen to be appreciated and it’s being received with significant enthusiasm from our customers.”

DynaVue Characteristics & Benefits in Brief

• Provides balance between display brightness and contrast ratio
• Increases contrast ratio to provide rich color and improves visibility of fine details even in bright sunlight
• Provides dynamic color saturation for rich-looking images
• Uses a single cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) to provide brightness control without sacrificing battery performance
• Does not degrade battery life or processor speed
• Eliminates susceptibility to heat damage from extra CCFLs
• Has the same optimal performance on or off dock
• Lighter display keeps overall unit weight down
• Meets MIL-HDBK-87213 Rev A military standard for electronically generated airborne displays for direct sunlight viewability

Availability
DynaVue touchscreen display technology will debut in the next generation of General Dynamics Itronix computers.

About General Dynamics Itronix
A world-class developer of wireless, rugged computing systems, applications and technology for mobile workers in a variety of commercial field service markets, the government and military, General Dynamics Itronix exemplifies the computing technologies capabilities of General Dynamics and offers a full range of wireless field computing systems, from handhelds to notebooks to tablet computers, mobile servers and thin clients. General Dynamics Itronix is based in Spokane Valley, Wash., with European-based operations in Coventry, England. General Dynamics Itronix is a part of General Dynamics C4 Systems, a leading integrator of secure communication and information systems and technology. Additional information about products and services is available at www.gd-itronix.com .

About General Dynamics
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 82,600 people worldwide and had 2006 revenues of $24.1 billion. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies.

GoBook® XR-1 Earns “Editor’s Choice” Designation from LAPTOP Magazine

The GoBook® XR-1 laptop has earned the highly coveted Editor’s Choice designation from LAPTOP Magazine in the rugged computing category

SPOKANE, Wash.—Feb. 20, 2007—Itronix Corporation, a General Dynamics company, announced that the GoBook® XR-1 laptop has earned the highly coveted Editor’s Choice designation from LAPTOP Magazine in the rugged computing category. The computer, which received a 4-star rating, is featured in the March, 2007 issue of LAPTOP.

The magazine praised the GoBook XR-1 for performance, durability and wireless capabilities. In the review, LAPTOP noted that the computer, “may well be the smallest fully rugged notebook on the market” and that it, “blew away its competition” in the 3Dmark03 benchmark performance test. The full review is available at http://laptopmag.com/Review/Itronix-GoBook-XR-1.htm.

The GoBook XR-1 combines rugged features with high-performance computing, comprehensive wireless capabilities and unmatched security features in a product designed for mobile outdoor environments. The LAPTOP Magazine Editor’s Choice recognition is the latest industry accolade for the GoBook XR-1, which was introduced in August, 2006. An earlier review by Pen Computing noted that the GoBook XR-1 has clearly raised the bar for high-performance rugged notebooks by a considerable margin.

“This 4-star rating further validates our more than 20-year history of expertise in rugged computer development and our commitment to innovation and performance excellence,” said Mike DiBiase, general manager and vice president of computing technologies for General Dynamics C4 Systems, Inc, the parent company of Itronix. “We appreciate this industry acknowledgment of the outstanding performance and capabilities of the GoBook XR-1.”

About the GoBook XR-1
The GoBook XR-1 notebook’s capabilities and enhancements set it apart as the most comprehensive and ergonomically designed wireless rugged notebook on the market today as measured in five distinct categories: performance, ergonomics and size/weight, ruggedness, wireless capabilities, and security. The GoBook XR-1 also meets the international Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) specification, required for all products shipping outside the United States. For more information, please visit www.gobookxr-1.com.

About Itronix Corporation, a General Dynamics company
A world-class developer of wireless, rugged computing systems, applications and technology for mobile workers in a variety of commercial field service markets, the government and military, Itronix exemplifies General Dynamics’ computing technologies capabilities, offering a full range of wireless field computing systems, from handhelds to notebooks to tablet PCs, mobile servers and thin clients. Itronix is based in Spokane Valley, Wash. with European operations in Coventry, UK. Itronix is a subsidiary of General Dynamics C4 Systems, Inc., a leading integrator of secure communication and information systems and technology. Additional information about products and services is available at www.gd-itronix.com.

About General Dynamics
Headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, General Dynamics employs approximately 81,000 people worldwide and had 2006 revenues of $24.1 billion. General Dynamics is a market leader in mission-critical information systems and technologies; land and expeditionary combat systems; armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and business aviation. More information can be found online at www.generaldynamics.com

• a memory boost and better video processing power with up to 1280MB of DDR SDRAM and 128MB of shared video RAM;


• an optional integrated GPS receiver, enabling real-time location of field personnel and assets, making the Duo-Touch an even more efficient tool for field personnel;


• capability to integrate up to four radios into the same unit (WWAN, WLAN Bluetooth, and GPS);


• “dual-mode” touch panel, which provides a passive touch screen to users in addition to the standard digitiser touch screen;


• brighter, easier-to-view display, especially in outdoor environments;


• an all magnesium case for better RF performance, drop/shock durability and user experience;


• an external WWAN antenna switch for improved radio performance in vehicles;


• optional hard-drive heater that extends cold start-up conditions as low as -20 degrees Celsius.