Company: FieldWorks Inc.
Industry: Local Government

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- FieldWorks Inc.(Nasdaq: FWRX - news), maker of rugged computers for demanding environments, today unveiled its new 2000 Series Mobile Data Server at the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) conference in Minneapolis, Minn.

Developed for police, fire and emergency medical vehicles, the FieldWorks 2000 Mobile Data Server is the first computer system designed specifically for on-board vehicle use, unlike existing systems that are merely mounted, consumer-grade laptops or ``dumb'' terminals within a vehicle.The FieldWorks system, which was developed in consultation with police departments, comes with three modular components -- keyboard, display and server -- that can be placed anywhere in the vehicle, including the trunk.

``Today's mobile systems are a far cry from on-board technology of the past,'' said Police Commander Gary Therkelsen, who recently standardized police vehicles with the FieldWorks system for his Eden Prairie, Minn., fleet.``Having a dedicated server will give our officers the ability to access multiple data bases and the opportunity to write and submit reports from their vehicle, rather than going back to the station.''

The FieldWorks 2000 Mobile Data Server was built to accommodate up to 270 peripherals and a variety of software applications, making it an indispensable companion to an officer -- whether he or she is writing a report, using car- to-car messaging, calling for assistance, mapping a location, fingerprinting, downloading information to another computer, accessing the Internet or other daily functions.

``Police departments are feeling pressure to do more in less time with limited resources and manpower,'' said FieldWorks Marketing Manager Dale Szymborski.``The FieldWorks 2000 Mobile Data Server optimizes an officer's daily routine by giving him or her the tools to communicate, gather or process information right at their fingertips.The system also can be configured for voice recognition, so an officer could, for example, command the computer to investigate a vehicle registration while in pursuit.''

Other officer-friendly features on the FieldWorks 2000 Mobile Data Server include a daylight-readable display, with five to 10 times the brightness of other laptops or notebook computers, and a back-lit, removable keyboard for easy nighttime use.Convenient one-touch, back-lit function keys on the side of the display can be programmed for urgent requests, such as a call for back-up or emergency medical support.The system is also small and compact -- measuring only 13 inches -- so the front seat of the squad car remains comfortable for two people.

As its name indicates, the FieldWorks 2000 Mobile Data Server is a full-fledged computer system, not a ``dumb'' terminal.The system is powered by a 266 MHz AMD K6-2 processor with up to eight gigabyte hard drive and 128 megabyte DRAM memory.Connectivity is optimized with two PC Card slots, two serial ports and one parallel port and dual-channel Universal Serial Bus.Other state-of-the-art features include optional spread-spectrum LAN support, which would enable a stationed officer to remotely transfer reports or other data to or from the FieldWorks 2000 Mobile Data Server to headquarters while the squad car is parked outside.

As with all FieldWorks systems, the 2000 Series Mobile Data Server is built to strict military specifications for shock, vibration, blowing rain, temperature extremes, humidity and windblown water and dust.The system also meets the National Electronics Manufacturers (NEMA) 4X rating for rain, icing, water, dust and corrosion.

The FieldWorks 2000 Mobile Data Server is sold through the company's worldwide network of sales associates and authorized dealers.For the nearest representative, interested parties may inquire toll-free at 888-FIELDWORKS.

FieldWorks Inc., founded in 1992, designs, manufactures and sells rugged computers for transportation, public service, military/government and heavy equipment markets worldwide.FieldWorks provides a complete solution to customers that includes product customization, integration and support services.FieldWorks products are certified under the international ISO9001 quality standard, and have received numerous quality and design awards.The company is based in Eden Prairie, Minn.Its stock is publicly traded on Nasdaq (FWRX).

Forward-looking statements in this news release, if any, are made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.Certain important factors could cause results to differ materially from those anticipated by the statements, including the impact of changing economic or business conditions, the impact of competition, the availability of financing, the success of products in the marketplace, other risk factors inherent in the computer industry and other factors discussed from time to time in reports filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.