LEUVEN, Belgium – December 5, 2006 – Option N.V. (Euronext: OPTI; OTC: OPNVY), the wireless technology company, today unveiled its first ExpressCard wireless data card, the GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2. ExpressCard technology is the latest hardware expansion based on the PCI-standard for mobile computers. The new product will satisfy the requirements of the notebooks coming into market with this type of data card slot. GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2 is currently sampling and initial shipments to leading network operators are scheduled for January 2007.
Compact and elegant by design the GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2 is also packed with latest technology. Operating on multiple frequency bands, the GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2 is capable of connecting in virtually every country worldwide. The GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2 automatically scans networks for HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE and GPRS in order to establish the fastest possible connection. With 7.2 Mbps HSDPA, the GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2 delivers true wireless broadband performance, while dual-antennae Advanced Receiver Technology sustains faster and more stable connections over wider coverage areas. For launches before availability of HSDPA 7.2 Mbps networks, the product can optionally be provided with HSDPA 3.6Mbps and boosted to 7.2 Mbps via a simple firmware upgrade. In all cases backward compatibility ensures HSDPA connections at lower data rates of 3.6 Mbps and 1.8 Mbps or UMTS connections up to 384 Kbps.
Jan Callewaert Option’s CEO said: “The GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2 builds on Option’s leadership in 7.2 Mbps HSDPA while anticipating customer demand for more compact devices as notebook vendors embrace the ExpressCard format. With the Windows Vista-capable EXPRESS 7.2, Option has created a device that addresses three key drivers of the portable computing market over the next few years: ExpressCard format, Vista capable and fast wireless connectivity.”
In spite of its advanced performance, the GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2 is a truly “plug and play” device. When the EXPRESS 7.2 is inserted into the ExpressCard slot of a laptop, Option’s patented Zero CD® technology automatically loads all necessary software and drivers from the data card itself: no software needs to be installed from a CD-ROM. An optional ExpressCard adapter ensures the EXPRESS 7.2 is compatible with legacy PCs having the Type II PC Card format slots.
Product Highlights
•tCard Type: ExpressCard/34
•tMiniature External Antenna Connection
•tEasy installation with the Plug ‘n’ Play zero CD® installation
•tHigh throughput
otHSDPA and UMTS: up to 7.2 Mbps downlink and 384 kbps uplink
otEDGE/GPRS/GSM: up to 247 kbps
•tGlobal connectivity
otTriple band HSDPA/UMTS (850/1900/2100 MHz)
otQuad Band EDGE/GPRS/GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
•tAdvanced Receiver Technology, incorporating dual-antenna Receiver Diversity and Equalisation, ensures best possible performance at all times, even at the edges of network coverage.
•tCompatible with nearly all modern Desktop and laptop PCs equipped with Microsoft OS (2000, XP, XP Pro and Vista) and MAC OS X
GlobeTrotter Express 7.2 product information
Product Datasheet: https://www.option.com/products/globetrotter_expresscard72.shtml
About Option
Option, the wireless technology company, is a leading innovator in the design, development and manufacture of 3G WCDMA (HSPA and UMTS), EDGE, GPRS, GSM and WLAN technology products for wireless connectivity solutions. Option has built up an enviable reputation for creating exciting products that enhance the performance and functionality of wireless communications. Option’s headquarters are in Leuven, Belgium. The company has Research & Development in Leuven, a Software and Applications development centre in Adelsried (Germany), a Wireless Router development centre in Stockholm (Sweden), an ISO 9002 production engineering and logistics facility in Cork, Ireland. Option also has sales & support operations in the US, Japan and Taiwan. For more information please visit www.option.com
For more information please contact:
Douglas Ros, Vice President Business Development & Marketing Option
Tel +32 (0)16 317 411, E-mail: d.ros@option.com
Frederic Convent, CFO Option
Tel + 32 (0) 16 317 471, E-mail: investor@option.com