Eye-catching is the best way to describe Argox's new PDTs. The PT-Series now comes in a bright yellow housing that immediately catches your eye, no matter where you put it. This vivid new color is more than just a fashion statement. The bright yellow is immediately visible in all types of industrial environments. Now you can spend less time looking for that misplaced PDT.

The Argox PT-Series portable data terminals (PDT) offer superior specifications such as a 32-bit CPU for exceptional processing speed, a 1MB RAM to handle large databases, and 1MB of flash memory for application programs. The PT-Series reads barcodes from distances up to 13 inches (~33cm) with its high-performance long range CCD scanner.

The PT-Series lets you collect barcode data from remote locations and store the data until you can upload it to a computer for analysis. These PDTs help you increase accuracy anywhere in the supply chain. Applications include inventory control at supermarkets, warehouses, restaurants, and hospitals.

The PT-Series features two models: the PT-10 and the PT-12. The PT-10 is powered with two AA alkaline batteries. The PT-12 is powered with rechargeable batteries, and it comes with a charging cradle and rechargeable battery pack. Both models are bundled with an RS-232 cable for uploading data.

The PT-10 and PT-12 have ArgoBuilder software included for developing custom data collection applications. ArgoBuilder is a simulator-based editor package that is as easy-to-use as Frontpage 2000— there's no need for Visual Basic, or Visual C. The software is user-friendly, multi-language, and available for all Windows environments.

The eye-catching, pocket-sized PT-10 and PT-12 are cost-effective, lightweight, and help you increase the speed and accuracy of data entry for your mobile workforce.

From March 18~24 Argox exhibited at the CeBIT show in Hanover Germany. Visitors to our booth were surprised at the breadth of our product line. Argox now offers a total barcode solution from printers, to scanners, to portable data terminals. This was the first year Argox exhibited at CeBit as a comprehensive AIDC supplier.

Even though the European economy has remained flat, Western European visitors looking for products appeared to have increased this year. There also seemed to be two or three times more visitors from Eastern Europe, and they were showing interest in the low- to mid-end products.

We estimate Argox will establish a dozen or more new distributors as a result of the show. Of note was the number of resellers from Turkey who we talked to; this is due to our 70% market share in that country. We are also likely to gain two or three more Indian resellers, and our products seem to be earning greater recognition in that market.

A highlight of the show was our demo for the AS-8130 Long Range Imager. People who stopped by our booth were amazed as the AS-8130 effortlessly scanned barcode from a distance of 5 meters. Some thought it was a trick, but of course we would block or move the scanner around to show it was actually reading at that distance. Best of all, our competitor Denso showed up with their similar product, and our AS-8130 was clearly the stronger performer. The Argox AS-8130 offers unprecedented performance for a long range barcode scanner.

Russia holds much potential, though it needs better support facilities and more technicians for installation and repair. Argox already offers the total solution package that is right for this market, and we will continue to develop and pursue opportunities there.

The Labelexpo show was held from March 23~26. It was our first exhibition in Russia, and we were the only company from Taiwan at the show. The focus of the show was on product labeling and packaging, and there were perhaps a dozen companies with a business focus similar to ours on scanning and printing products.

Argox's entire line of products was on display. Attracting major interest were our AS-8310 Long Range Imager and our barcode printers, including the OS-203, the OS-214, the X-2000+, and the A-200. The inquiries we received point to a definite opportunity in this market.

In mid-March, Argox held its 2nd Annual China Distributor Meeting at the Bailemen Hotel, in Shanghai. Over fifty distributors from various parts of China attended the event. Topics included new projects, strategy, and training. The meeting's product focus was on our newly announced AS-8310 Long Range Imager, the Amigo A-100, and the PT-10 PDT. For barcode products, China is rich in potential, and Argox continues to develop and expand in the world's most dynamic market.