November/December 1995
Pen Lab Review
Casio DT-900
Vertical market handheld data collector
And yet another new pen product from the industrious people at Casio, where
the success of US vertical market pen computer manufacturers Telxon, Symbol,
and Norand apparently has not gone unnoticed. In the last issue of Pen Computing
Magazine we featured Panasonic's anticipated entry into the hotly contested
vertical pen market, the JT-900PT. Casio's answer is the innovative DT-9000
series of "handy terminals".
One difference is obvious right away: While the US "Big Three"
offer 486-based processors and Windows capability in relatively pricey packages,
Casio's dynamic duo is smaller yet (0.9 pounds with, 1.2 pounds with integrated
printer), has a 14.4 MHz 8086-class processor, and feels more like a calculator
than a computer. Yet, a computer it is, and a very versatile one at that.
The unit is powered by a standard CR2032 Lithium Ion battery that lasts
for approximately 8 hours of backlit operation (or 15,000 lines of continuous
printing under normal conditions). The system measures 7.7 x 3.35 x 1.25
inches without and 9.5 x 3.35 x 1.25 inches with the fully integrated printer
that can print at remarkable speeds of up to 29 lines per second without
making a sound.
The DT-9000 comes in three varieties: one without printer, one with a 58mm
printer and one with an 80 mm printer. The printers are not snapped on,
they are an integral part of the unit. All versions have a small numerical
keyboard with calculator-style keys, including a function key, and a long
strap that connects to the bottom of the plastic case.
The DT-9000 has one PCMCIA Type II slot that can supply up to 350 milliamps
(250 when the serial port is in use). There are also a round 9-pin and a
jack-type 3-lead RS-232 connectors. The 4.5 x 2.5, 384 x 192 dot FSTN LCD
screen is backlit and very readable.
Since it is designed for vertical market field use, the DT-9000 offers a
variety of scanner options and also the DT-9060-IO docking station that
contains a charger, a "modified ASK" infrared interface, and a
miniature RS-232 connector. Casio expects the DT-9000 series to be available
towards the end of 1995.
Pen Computing Issue #7