Announcements
Argonaut Computer, Inc. announces the world's first marine monitor priced below $1,000.
"Cost effective marine display technology is now available for any boat."
La Jolla, CA September 7, 2006: Argonaut™ Computer, a leader in marine and military computer electronics and displays, announced today the world's first waterproof, sunlight readable marine monitor priced at less than $1,000. Production shipments are planned for October 2006.
The all new Argonaut Tflex G615 transflective marine display has effectively broken all price barriers that have kept 15" marine displays out of reach for many boaters at from $2,000 to $8,000 per display. Using state of the art design, manufacturing and materials, Tflex G615 has been cost effectively produced yet is rich in features. The rugged, powder coated aluminum case is water sealed from all sides and only 1 inch thick. Brilliant generation 6 Tflex transflective LCD provides exceptional visibility in all light conditions including bright sunlight and an ultra wide viewing angle for improved vessel operation. As a whole new generation of marine application PC software and black box marine electronics has become available, G615 provides boaters a valuable large screen solution to overcome the limitations of typical smaller screen marine electronics. G615 has also been designed to be easily surface mounted, eliminating large permanent and cumbersome dashboard/bulkhead cutouts. The compact case is considerably smaller than competitive products for installations into tight spaces. It can also be pedestal mounted to a RAM arm for simple angling and removal.
"Argonaut has consistently brought exceptional technology to the marine market and the new, low cost G615 has opened the door for marine displays on practically any vessel," states Gregg Allen of Seattle based Yacht Masters Northwest LLC. "Argonaut has become a key partner in our electronics installations," he further comments.
"It has become increasingly challenging to explain the legitimate high cost of waterproof marine displays to our customers who constantly see consumer flat screen product prices going down. Our mission with G615 was to create a reliable, attractive, easily installed marine display at breakthrough pricing," comments George Kioutas, President of Argonaut Computer, Inc. "We are very proud of this major accomplishment and initial customer response has been a 'home run,'" he further states.
Argonaut has built a name for its direct sunlight readable Tflex displays. The unique Tflex optical system reflects bright light back through the screen image making the screen get brighter as ambient sunlight gets brighter. An astounding 2000+ nits can be achieved in direct sun conditions without the use of high power consuming and heat generating backlight assemblies. The result is long term reliability and lower operational costs compared with traditional high brightness sunlight displays.
About Argonaut
Argonaut Computer, since 1996, develops and markets ruggedized PC systems and displays for government, military, major OEM's, and marine applications, including its industry leading Tflex marine display line. The company introduced, in September 2001, the marine industry's first laptop PC with large format Transflective screen technology, providing for direct sunlight display visibility in the harshest environments. Argonaut began shipping the industry's first standalone transflective marine monitors under the Tflex™ brand in early 2002. Currently installed Tflex displays of 12", 14", 15", 17" and 19" can be found on boats worldwide. In addition, Argonaut has developed a line of "micro-sized" complete PC's, measuring only a few inches square. Argonaut soon plans to release the world's first truly sunlight readable touch screen display, the SunTouch 12", that will forever change the way touch screen can be seen in direct sunlight.
Argonaut Computer, Inc. is a privately held company, based in La Jolla, California. The company's complete line of ruggedized computers, laptops, displays, and peripherals has been developed for the government, military, OEM, commercial and recreational marine markets. The company's products are available through private-label OEM's, and through a dealer network.
Argonaut Laptop Receives ABS and IMO Certification
La Jolla, CA March 13, 2006: Argonaut™ Computer, a leading supplier of marine computers and displays announced today the world's first marine laptop computer certified by the American Bureau of Shipping and compliant with International Marine Organization standards. The new Ranger model 1500T/TXL is a rugged, sunlight readable, high performance PentiumM laptop computer certified for use aboard naval and commercial vessels worldwide.
The Ranger has been designed for durability, compatibility and safety in some of the world's most demanding marine, military and industrial environments. On January 24, 2006, the Argonaut Ranger 1500T/TXL received the prestigious Product Design Assessment (PDA) certification from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). A series of grueling tests were employed for the PDA, including excessive vibration, rolling inclines and temperature extremes, mimicking potential shipboard conditions from engine room or stormy seas, to the world's most extreme climates.
"We have installed countless Argonaut laptops with our yachting clientele over the last several years. Argonaut's sunlight readable displays are incredible both indoors and outside in direct bright sun and long term reliability has been impressive. We are excited about offering the latest ABS and IMO certified Ranger to our clients," states Selig Berman, President of yachtSOFT.com LLC.
"The 1500 performed flawlessly in all stress tests," comments George Kioutas, President of Argonaut Computer. "We have devoted a decade of marine laptop experience to producing the ideal lightweight, powerful and high performance system for both professional and recreational marine use," he further states.
The Ranger laptop was also tested and certified to meet the stringent requirements of the International Marine Organization, rating IEC/EN60945. This standard relates to electromagnetic emission and immunity standards for equipment used on the bridge of commercial and naval vessels.
Ordinary computers emit radio waves that can potentially interfere and cause dangerous malfunctions when placed close to navigational and communication electronics, typically found on the bridge of commercial and naval vessels. The Ranger was specifically engineered to reduce harmful emissions and passed the IEC/EN60945 standard without malfunction. Magnetic interference is also a concern, addressed by the 60945 test procedures to establish that the device is immune from ship borne magnetic energy. The Ranger was determined to be immune and performed without malfunction when exposed to high levels of magnetism.
"Argonaut has effectively addressed the commercial and naval requirement for a full featured, affordable, ABS and IMO certified laptop computer," comments Rich Jamieson of Great Lakes Marine Specialties, a provider of specialty marine products. "Large vessel control and safety at sea must be supported by the right equipment and the new, oceangoing Ranger laptop has proven itself," he further states.
About Argonaut
Argonaut Computer, since 1996, develops and markets ruggedized laptops, PC systems and displays for government, military, major OEM's, and marine applications, including its industry leading Tflex marine laptop line. The company introduced in September, 2001, the marine industry's first laptop PC with Transflective screen technology, providing for direct sunlight display visibility in the harshest environments. Argonaut laptops can be found on boats, military vehicles and industrial shop floors worldwide. Rugged Tflex Laptops have been produced in a variety of screen sizes including 12.1", 13.3", 14.1" and 15". Argonaut began shipping the industry's first standalone transflective marine monitors under the Tflex™ brand in early 2002. The new G515, 15" marine monitor offers high end features and technology at value pricing. In addition, Argonaut has developed a line of "micro-sized" complete PC's, measuring only a few inches square.
Argonaut Computer, Inc. is a privately held company, based in La Jolla California. The company has a complete line of ruggedized computers, laptops, displays, and peripherals. The company's products are available through private-label OEM's, and through a dealer network. More information on Argonaut can be obtained at www.argonautcomputer.com.