Press Release - 032105

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Press Release

Next Generation Wireless Pad Enhances Interactive Classrooms and Conference Rooms

New Pad Brings Educators and Presenters Greater Functionality and Ease-of-Use

March 21, 2005–GTCO CalComp, Inc. announced today the release of the next generation of the widely popular InterWrite™ SchoolPad and MeetingPad, a Bluetooth® wireless device that allows users to interact with their computer from anywhere in the room and create a truly engaging lesson or presentation. The new SchoolPad 400 and MeetingPad 400 provide users a smaller footprint, a longer, 40-hour, battery life, and a rechargeable pen. The new Pads also incorporate Bluetooth® Class I technology to allow users to control their computer from up to 300 feet away.

The InterWrite SchoolPad and MeetingPad are part of a suite of interactive products for the classroom and conference room. The wireless Pads can either be used in conjunction with the InterWrite SchoolBoard and MeetingBoard or they can be used with a projected computer image on any surface to create an interactive whiteboard. In addition, up to seven Pads can be connected to the same computer for even greater audience and class participation.

“Since we pioneered the wireless Pad in 2002, customers around the world have used the InterWrite SchoolPad and MeetingPad to enhance the way they teach and collaborate,” says Rob Meissner, Vice President of Marketing. “We are excited to bring them the latest generation of our wireless pad product line as we continue our development efforts in this market. The new Pads offer a wide array of new and exciting features, as well as maintain the simple management interface that allows users to easily control all of their InterWrite Bluetooth devices within InterWrite Software.”

Features of the InterWrite SchoolPad 400 and MeetingPad 400 include:

	Smaller footprint while maintaining the same active area of 6” x 8”
	Wireless range up to 300 feet
	Rechargeable pen
	Interactive pen that can be used with the InterWrite™ SchoolBoard and MeetingBoard
	Extended Battery Life (up to 40 hours between recharging)
	Optional inking pen inserts
	19 programmable softkeys

Available April 1st, the new InterWrite SchoolPad and MeetingPad include InterWrite Software. InterWrite Software, available for Windows® and Mac® operating environments, allows users to annotate over any computer application to allow users to leverage their existing presentations or lessons. Users can also utilize InterWrite’s background templates and images to enhance the way they teach and present.

For more information on the InterWrite School and Meeting Suite family of products, which includes interactive whiteboards, wireless pads, an audience response system and interactive LCD displays, please visit the GTCO CalComp Web site at www.gtcocalcomp.com.

About GTCO CalComp
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2005, GTCO CalComp is a leader in computer input peripherals, with over one million systems installed worldwide. Founded in 1975, GTCO CalComp pioneered the use of pen-based electromagnetic sensing technology currently utilized in the Company's Interactive Whiteboard and Digitizer product lines. In 2004, GTCO CalComp expanded its line of interactive products with introduction of InterWrite PRS, a classroom response system. GTCO CalComp Inc, a global company, is headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, with offices in Scottsdale, Arizona; and Munich, Germany. GTCO CalComp maintains distribution partners in over 90 countries, providing solutions to professionals in Education, Training, Presentation, GIS, Computer Aided Design, Construction Estimating and Graphic Arts. For more information on the brands and products offered, visit the GTCO CalComp website at www.gtcocalcomp.com.