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Socket Mobile Launches Handheld Computer for Public Sector

Business mobility system provider creates a radio-free version of its SoMo 650 for security sensitive and batch-oriented applications

NEWARK, Calif. - December 12, 2007

Socket Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCKT), dba Socket Mobile, Inc., an innovative provider of mobile productivity solutions, today announced a high-security (HS) version of its SoMo 650 handheld computer without built-in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi radio capabilities. Designed specifically for the public sector and other private sector market segments where security takes precedence over real-time data transmission, or a batch-only Windows Mobile device is required, the new configuration of the SoMo 650 offers durability and scalability while maintaining specific non-radio regulatory compliance. Sample devices are available now upon request.

Workers in information-sensitive environments are restricted from using radio-enabled devices to prevent interference with sensitive electrical equipment and for a variety of security reasons. This makes inventory management, IT asset-tracking and other data collection tasks extremely difficult, as there are a limited number of commercially available devices that are radio-free, run a Windows Mobile Operating System and have at least 128MB of available memory. In these cases, workers have been restricted to either using industrial-grade computers that are cumbersome and expensive, or consumer-grade laptops and tablet PCs, which are not as convenient to use and often don’t support the task-specific applications required in these segments.

The high-security, radio-free SoMo 650 is lightweight and durable and is optimized for a wide range of business applications often used in the public sector, including security sensitive and batch-oriented applications, field automation, inventory management and asset tracking. By building this device configuration, Socket Mobile is able to service several new market segments, including the military and other factions of the public sector.

For images of the SoMo 650, please visit http://www.socketmobile.com/images/?Type=Handheld

Executive quote


“The high-security, radio-free SoMo 650 is the result of several requests we’ve received from the public sector, such as Homeland Security and the Department of Energy. By offering a secure, regulatory compliant device, we are focusing on the needs of an underserved market that we believe will benefit from the availability of this product,” said Kevin Mills, CEO and president of Socket Mobile.

Customer quote

"There is a need in the public sector for a fast, durable, memory-rich handheld mobile device that complies with high-security regulatory requirements," said Mike McKee, manager of sales at Mobile Reach. "We've found the high-security, radio-free SoMo 650 to meet the needs of our robust business application, and it's available at a price point that's within reach when working with budgetary constraints. Socket Mobile is responsive to the needs of their ISVs by providing a cohesive and complete solution for the public sector marketplace."

Multimedia

Technical specifications

The high-security, radio-free SoMo 650 features the following:
• Lightweight, PDA-like form-factor making it ideal for customer-facing mobile workers
• A three-to-five year life cycle, enabling customers to gain significant return on their investment
• Windows Mobile 5.0 Professional operating system to ensure the highest level of mobile application compatibility and user familiarity with the computing environment
• Robust features for business mobility deployments, including a 624 MHz processor, a large, bright QVGA display and a high-capacity battery for users who are mobile all day
• 128 MB SDRAM, 256MB FLASH to enable users to run memory-intensive business applications, even multiple programs at once
• Programmable action buttons on the side for ease-of-use when deploying industry-specific mobile applications
• Add-on enhancements, such as bar code scanners and RFID readers
• Plug-in modems and Ethernet cards available for secure transmission of batch data

Pricing and availability

List price for the high-security, radio–free SoMo 650 M-HS is $645.00 including AC charger and sync cable. General availability in Q1 2008.
http://www.socketmobile.com/contact/sales

About the company

Socket Mobile makes mobility computing and productivity work. The company is a one-stop supplier of mobile computing hardware systems, offering a handheld mobile computer specifically designed for business mobility use and an extensive portfolio of essential mobile data collection and networking peripherals that enable mobile automation and productivity increases. The company also offers OEM solutions. Socket Mobile is headquartered in Newark, Calif. and can be reached at 510-933-3000 or http://www.socketmobile.com

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements indicating a new product introduction including details on the timing and distribution of the product and statements predicting trends, sales and market opportunities in the markets in which we sell our products. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from the results anticipated in such forward looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the risk that the product introduction may be delayed or not happen as predicted, if ever, and the risk that market acceptance and sales opportunities may not happen as anticipated once the product has been introduced into the market, the risk that our integrator program and current distribution channels may not choose to distribute the product or may not be successful in doing so, the risk that acceptance of our product in vertical application markets may not happen as anticipated and that anecdotal evidence of success in those markets may not be indicative of a trend, the risk of delays in our ability to design, manufacture, market and sell the new product due to technological, market, or financial factors, including the availability of necessary working capital, and other risks described in our most recent Form 10-K and 10-Q reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Socket and SoMo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc., dba Socket Mobile, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names contained herein may be those of their respective owners.

Contact details

Editorial Contact:
Monica Appelbe
LEWIS PR
415/992-4400
socketmobile@lewispr.com

Socket Mobile Contacts:
Carol Montalvo
Sr. Marketing Communications Mgr.
510/933-3051
carol@socketmobile.com

Investor Relations Contacts:
Chief Financial Officer
David Dunlap
510/933-3035
dave@socketmobile.com

Todd Kehrli or Jim Byers
MKR Group, Inc.
323/468-2300
sckt@mkr-group.com

Related links

http://www.socketmobile.com


Technorati tags: Socket Mobile | handheld computer | durable device | public sector | SCKT |

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