EDEN PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA, August 11, 2003–Fargo Electronics, Inc. (Nasdaq: FRGO) announced today the introduction of the CardJet 410 Photo ID System. The CardJet System is a complete, integrated system for producing full color, professional ID cards. Based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Fargo Card Printer/Encoders create personalized plastic identification cards complete with digital images and text, lamination, and electronically encoded information. The CardJet 410 Photo ID System is the first dedicated plastic card personalization system that uses Fargo’s new CardJet Printing™ technology.

“The CardJet 410 System is a complete, end-to-end solution,” says Joe Wright, Fargo’s Director of Product Marketing, Hardware. “The components are state-of-the-art, tested and compatible. It’s a simple, reliable way to produce IDs for entry-level applications.

“For those customers using a cut-and-paste laminated card system, the CardJet 410 system offers greater ease-of-use, and produces a more professional looking, more functional card,” Wright continued. “For those users considering a digital dye-sub printer, the CardJet 410 System is a strong alternative with its speed, quite operation and print quality. Plus the fact that it’s already fully integrated means the user has a seamless experience.”

The CardJet 410 Photo ID System combines everything needed to produce durable, personalized ID badges:

• Build-A-Badge software: This entry-level software package installs on virtually any Windows®-based computer, allowing the user to create and store customized badge designs, data and photographs in just a few clicks of the mouse. Users can choose from available card templates, or create their own designs. One installer CD contains all necessary system software and drivers, so installation is uncomplicated.

• Digital camera: This hands-free camera is easy to use and makes uploading photos simple and intuitive.

• CardJet 410 Printer: Featuring Fargo’s exclusive CardJet Printing technology, the CardJet 410 is the only desktop printer able to print on plastic cards with highly specialized thermal inkjet technology. The CardJet 410 delivers full-color, over-the-edge printing on a single-sided card in as little as 22 seconds.

• Supplies: The CardJet 410 System also includes a 6-foot USB cable, a 300-print color ink cartridge, a 900-print black ink cartridge and a 100-count card cartridge. CardJet Ink and Card Cartridges feature Fargo’s exclusive SmartLoad™ technology, which utilizes a smart chip at the base of the cartridge to alert the user when the supplies are running low, and when it’s time to install a new cartridge.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the System is $2,895. The hardware components of the system carry a one-year warranty.

“Our target markets–particularly organizations that typically print smaller volumes of cards per year–want a system that’s easy to learn, simple to operate, and requires virtually no maintenance,” said Wright. “The CardJet 410 System can be installed and begin printing cards in under 15 minutes. Plus, the operator can change ink and card cartridges in a matter of seconds, then resume printing, easily and error-free.”

Fargo worked closely with Hewlett-Packard Company’s (NYSE:HWP) Specialty Printing Systems (SPS) Operation to develop the CardJet printer, and PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG) who developed the Teslin sheet-based cards used by the CardJet 410.

About Fargo

Fargo is the world’s leader in innovative technologies for desktop plastic card personalization systems. Based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Fargo is the only manufacturer to offer three distinct technologies in printing systems–High Definition Printing™ (reverse image), traditional Direct-to-Card™ printing (dye-sublimation), and CardJet Printing technology (inkjet)–to personalize plastic identification cards, complete with digital images and text, lamination, and electronically encoded information.

Personalized identification cards provide physical, information, and transaction security for a wide variety of applications and environments including Corporations, National IDs, Drivers’ Licenses, Universities, Schools, Government Installations, Transportation, Casinos, Healthcare Facilities, E-commerce, Retail Stores, Correctional Institutions, Associations, Sports Events and Recreation Sites. More than 70,000 Fargo systems have been sold in the U.S. and in over 80 other countries. For more information, visit Fargo’s Web site at http://www.fargo.com.

For Further Information:

Sharon Steinhoff Smith
952-941-9470, ext. 187
E-mail: ssmith@fargo.com