CORVALLIS, Ore.—July 18, 2005—Tripod Data Systems™ (TDS) today released the next generation of its popular TDS Ranger™ rugged data collector featuring Survey Pro™. Designed with surveyors in mind, the new Ranger features a faster processor, more storage and expansion-slot capabilities. The Ranger, combined with the recent release of Survey Pro 4.1, gives land surveyors the latest data collection technology, helping them work more productively in the field.

TDS built several upgrades into the next-generation Ranger: a more powerful Intel XScale processor; Bluetooth and 802.11b wireless capabilities; two CompactFlash (CF) slots; and a Secure Digital (SD) slot for additional memory. Along with its new features, the Ranger retains separate navigation, alpha and numeric keypads. And, as with all TDS rugged handhelds, the next-generation Ranger continues to meet MIL-STD-810F military standards for drops, vibration and temperature extremes. It also maintains an IP67 rating, meaning it’s impervious to water and dust.

“When TDS launched the original Ranger in 2000, it was the first Windows-based data collector in the land surveying market to offer military-grade durability,” said Bill Martin, president of TDS. “Surveyors have come to rely on the Ranger to work dependably and keep their data safe in the roughest weather and work environments. After five years and feedback from thousands of surveyors working in the field, we’ve added features surveyors have been asking for to keep the next-generation Ranger first in its field.”

“TDS has been a valued partner in bringing the convenience of Windows Mobile to professionals working in harsh outdoor environments,” said Chris Hill, group product manager, Mobile & Embedded Devices Division at Microsoft Corp. “The next-generation Ranger with Windows Mobile gives users a familiar, easy-to-use platform that can easily adapt to their work applications.”

TDS will offer two base models for the Ranger. The Ranger 300X comes with a 312 MHz Intel XScale processor, 64 MB of SDRAM and a 256 MB Flash disk. The Ranger 500X comes with a 520 MHz processor, 128 MB of SDRAM and a 512 MB Flash disk. Integrated Bluetooth short-range wireless is standard on the Ranger 500X and optional on the Ranger 300X. Integrated 802.11b wireless is optional for both.

Both Ranger models come with two CompactFlash slots and a Secure Digital memory slot, plus a standard 9-pin serial port and a high-speed USB port for connecting to a PC. The standard 6600 mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery can power the Ranger for 30 hours under normal operating conditions.

About Tripod Data Systems
Tripod Data Systems (TDS) develops hardware and software for mobile computing applications. TDS produces rugged handheld computers for extreme outdoor and industrial environments, software for land surveying and construction applications, and GIS systems for field data collection and automation. TDS is also the U.S. distributor for Nikon® survey products.

TDS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Trimble. TDS is headquartered in Corvallis, Ore., and was founded in 1987. For more information about TDS, visit www.tdsway.com, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 541-753-9322.