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Pen Computing
Magazine 2005 Editor's Choice Awards:
Vertical
and Industrial Handhelds
The Pen Computing Magazine Editor's Choice Award is presented to products that score highest in a number of criteria. Among those criteria are overall concept and design, innovation, appropriate application of standard and advanced technology, usability, adherence to industry standards, price/performance, reliability, quality, features and competitive advantage. Each chosen product is, in Pen Computing Magazine's opinion, the best, or among the best, for its intended purpose in the class the award is given.
Casio IT10M20
List price: from US$999
www.casio.com |
EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD
- The Casio IT10 is an example of what US consumers miss out on after
Casio decided to retreat from the consumer market. Positioned
as
a vertical/industrial device, the IT10 has combines advanced PDA
features such as a powerful 416MHz Intel PXA processor and a terrific
3.7-inch diagonal full 480 x 640 pixel transflective VGA display with
the kind of ruggedness expected of a device used in the field. The IT10
sports an impressive IP54 rating and survives drops from 3.3 feet.
It’s running Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition and its
display
can be used both in portrait and landscape modes. There is no built-in
wireless communication, (in the US model, anyway) but it can be added
via either the SD or CF Card slots. A massive 2,300mAH battery lasts up
to 27 hours. Despite its ruggedness, the IT10 is barely larger and
heavier than a standard PDA. |
Form-factor
CPU Speed
OS
RAM/ROM
Card slot(s)
Display Type
Display size/res
Digitizer/pens
Keyboard/keys
Navigation
Housing
Operating temp.
Sealing
Shock
Dimensions (WxHxD)
Weight
Power
Interface
Wireless
Options
Options |
Industrial
PDA
Intel PXA270/416 MHz
Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition
64MB/64MB
1 CF + 1 SD
Transflective color TFT
3.7”/480 x 640
touch/1
on-screen
5-way control
plastic/metal
32 to 104F
IP54
3.3 foot drop
3.16 x 5.5 x 1.0
10.2 oz.
2,300 mAH Li-Ion (“up to 27 hrs.”)
USB, IR
optional via CF or SD
Wireless, chargers, cases
Cradles, CF peripherals |
DAP Technologies CE8640X
List price:US$2,920-3,120
www.daptech.com |
EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD
- DAP Technologies’ Microflex CE8800 fills a market niche
abandoned by some of the earlier Windows CE pioneers, that of a
CE-based slate with a large VGA color display. Almost identical in size
and weight to the keyboard-equipped Microflex CE8640 shown and
described above, the CE8800, powered by a 400 MHz Xscale processor and
Windows CE. Net 4.2, is a traditional slate for those who prefer a full
7.2" VGA display to the 640x240 half-VGA that shares the
CE8640’s
frontside with the keyboard. The transflective STN color display is
bright enough for graphics intensive work inside and out (though
it’s not as bright as a TFT). Like all DAP handhelds, the
CE8800
is ultra-rugged and highly configurable via its two sealed PC Card Type
II slots. You can also order the device with a fully integrated 1/2D
bardcode scanner or equip it with a GPS module. |
Form-factor
CPU Speed
OS
RAM/ROM
Card slot(s)
Display Type
Display size/res
Digitizer/pens
Keyboard/keys
Navigation
Housing
Operating temp.
Sealing
Shock
Dimensions (WxHxD)
Weight
Power
Interface
Wireless
Options
Options |
Ruggedized
pen tablet
Intel PXA255/400 MHz
Windows CE .NET 4.2
64MB/64-128MB
2 PC Card Type II
Transflective color STN
7.2”/640 x 480
touch/1
on-screen
cursor control
plastic/metal
-4 to 122F
IP67
4-foot drop
9.1 x 7.3 x 2.1
2.76 lbs.
Li-Ion (“1 working day”)
USB, LAN, RS232, IR
optional
Integrated scanner and RFID
Cradles, numerous wireless |
Hand Held Products Dolphin 7900
List price: inquire
www.handheld.com |
EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD
- Building on its considerable success with flashlight-style data
terminals (huge contract with the US Postal Service), Hand Held
Products introduced the Dolphin 7900 Mobile Computer for those who
prefer the PDA form factor and Microsoft’s Windows
Mobile/Pocket
PC application development. The 7900 is a thoroughly modern ruggedized
Pocket PC with plenty enough memory for the most demanding applications
(optional RAM is up to 256MB). Depending on their application,
customers have a choice of either a 25-key numeric or a 36-key alpha
keypad, both backlit. The screen is a large 3.8-inch LCD with an
industrial grade touchscreen. The Dolphin 7900 also includes Hand
Held’s trademarked Adaptus image scanning technology that
reads
virtually all codes, captures signatures, takes pictures, and archives
data. |
Form-factor
CPU Speed
OS
RAM/ROM
Card slot(s)
Display Type
Display size/res
Digitizer/pens
Keyboard/keys
Navigation
Housing
Operating temp.
Sealing
Shock
Dimensions (WxHxD)
Weight
Power
Interface
Wireless
Options
Options |
Rugged
keypad PDA
Intel PXA255/400 MHz
Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition
64-256MB/64-192MB
1 mini-SD
Color TFT
3.8”/240 x 320
touch/1
25-key num. or 36-key alpha
directional control
plastic/metal
14 to 122F
IP64
5 foot drop
3.2 x 7.3 x 1.7
17 oz.
7.4V, 2,000 mAH Li-Ion
USB, RS232, IR
optional
Laser scanner, wireless, chargers, cases
Cradles, CF peripherals |
Intermec CN2
List price: US$1,145 to 1,595
www.intermec.com |
EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD
- Intermec has a long tradition in offering PDA-style industrial
handhelds. The CN2 takes the concept one step farther with a device
that not only rugged and state-of-the-art as a PDA, but also handsome
and remarkably compact. Its footprint of 3.4 x 5.8 is barely larger
than a consumer market iPAQ, and despite its ruggedness and IP64
rating, the CN2 weighs just under 12 ounces. However, this is
definitely a tool for commercial and industrial jobs. The CN2 has an
integrated 1D linear imager that supports all popular 1D symbologies,
and its internal 802.11b/g allows speedy wireless communications.
Windows CE .NET 4.2 is supported by tons of software development tools,
and, as usual, Intermec offers a slew of accessories to enhance
functionality. Finally, customers have a choice of a nav pad or a full
numeric keypad. |
Form-factor
CPU Speed
OS
RAM/ROM
Card slot(s)
Display Type
Display size/res
Digitizer/pens
Keyboard/keys
Navigation
Housing
Operating temp.
Sealing
Shock
Dimensions (WxHxD)
Weight
Power
Interface
Wireless
Options
Options |
Rugged
PDA
Intel PXA255/400 MHz
Windows CE .NET 4.2
128MB/64MB
1 SD
TransflectiveTFT
3.5”/240 x 320
touch/1
18-key numeric available
directional control
plastic/metal
32 to 122F
IP64
3 foot drop
3.4 x 5.8 x 1.4
12 oz.
3.7V, 2,150 mAH Li-Ion (“8+
hrs.”) USB (others via dock),
1D imager
802.11b/g
Serial adapter, holsters, straps
Cradles, I/O interface |
Intermec CN30
List price: inquire
www.intermec.com |
EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD
- Intermec’s latest and most state-of-the-art model
establishes a new approach and sets new standards. It has a blazing
520MHz PXA272 processor, uses CE .NET 5.0, and features a large
3.7-inch transflective display with full 480 x 640 resolution. The CN30
uses a modular concept that allows customers to change attributes and
configurations based on user preferences or application requirements.
Initially, customers have a choice between a 14-key navigational module
or a 56-key full alphanumeric module. Others will follow, and all can
be changed anytime. The CN30 can also be operated with or without a
pistol grip handle. Wireless communication is via fast 802.11b/g or
Bluetooth. A powerful 18 Watt-Hour battery provides full-shift
operation. Despite its avant-garde electronics and features, the CN30
is also rugged enough to handle plenty of abuse. |
Form-factor
CPU Speed
OS
RAM/ROM
Card slot(s)
Display Type
Display size/res
Digitizer/pens
Keyboard/keys
Navigation
Housing
Operating temp.
Sealing
Shock
Dimensions (WxHxD)
Weight
Power
Interface
Wireless
Options
Options |
Ruggedized
PDA/flashlight
Intel PXA272/520 MHz
Windows CE .NET 5.0
64MB/64MB
1 SD
TransflectiveTFT 3.7”/480 x 640
touch/1
14 or 56-key module
directional control, triggers
plastic/metal
14 to 122F
IP54
5 foot drop
3.3-3.5 x 6.8-9.5 x 1.35
NA
7.4V, 2,400 mAH Li-Ion (“8+
hrs.”) USB, RS232, EV15 linear
imager
802.11b/g, BT
Pistol grip, replaceable keyboard modules
Cases, holsters |
LXE MX6
List price: US$3,300
www.lxe.com |
EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD
- LXE designed the MX6 for those who’d like most of the power
and functionality of the big MX5, but whose application requires a
smaller, lighter package. The MX6 uses the same 400MHz PXA255
processor, but is a bit more modest in all other aspects. There is 64MB
RAM and 32MB flash to support the friendly WinMobile 2003 for Pocket PC
platform, a single SD Card slot for expansion, and a slightly lesser
IP64 rating. However, the MX6 is handier and weighs considerably less
than the MX5, and it doesn’t give up much in functionality.
It comes with either a 35-key numeric or 56-key alphanumeric keypad, an
integrated 1D laser scanner or a 1D/2D area imager with image capture
capabilities, and plenty of onboard connectivity. This is a perfect
device for warehouse and distribution data collection
applications. |
Form-factor
CPU Speed
OS
RAM/ROM
Card slot(s)
Display Type
Display size/res
Digitizer/pens
Keyboard/keys
Navigation
Housing
Operating temp.
Sealing
Shock
Dimensions (WxHxD)
Weight
Power
Interface
Wireless
Options
Options |
Rugged
flashlight-style handheld
Intel PXA255/400 MHz
Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC
64MB/32MB
1 SD
Color TFT
240 x 320
touch/1
35/52-key keypad
directional control
NA
-4 to 122F
IP64
5 foot drop
3.45 x 9.6 x 1.7
1.25 lbs.
14.8 Watt-Hour Li-Ion (“8+
hrs.”) USB, RS232, IR, 1D/2D
scanner
802.11b
Scanners, desk/vehicle dock
LAN, Interface cables |
Panasonic Toughbook 01
List price: inquire
www.panasonic.com/toughbook |
EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD
- Panasonic’s “Toughbook” line of
reliable, ruggedized notebook computers includes a hardened PDA, the
Toughbook 01. The 01 merges full Pocket PC 2003 functionality with a
heavily reinforced case and a 38-key RIM-style thumb-type keyboard. The
P1 has been available for over three years, so it is a reliable and
field-tested device. Panasonic has also kept it technologically
up-to-date: the current model includes a 400MHz PXA263 processor, twice
the RAM and Flash, and a more powerful battery. An internal CF Card
slot allows for protected expansion, and the P1 can also accommodate
various radio options (including SIM-based) as well as a 2D bar code
scanners. The P1 uses Panasonic’s experienced
magnesium construction. It’s larger and heavier than a
consumer class PDA, but still small enough to carry the workload in
tough jobs in the field. |
Form-factor
CPU Speed
OS
RAM/ROM
Card slot(s)
Display Type
Display size/res
Digitizer/pens
Keyboard/keys
Navigation
Housing
Operating temp.
Sealing
Shock
Dimensions (WxHxD)
Weight
Power
Interface
Wireless
Options
Options |
Rugged
keypad PDA
Intel PXA263/520 MHz
Windows Mobile 2003 Pocket PC
64MB/64MB
1 CF Card, 1 SD
ReflectiveTFT
3.5”/240 x 320
touch/1
38-key backlit QWERTY
directional control, triggers
magnesium
-4 to 122F
“Dust and moisture resistant”
“drop-shock resistant”
3.9 x 6.8 x 1.6
1.2 lbs.
7.4V, 2,100 mAH Li-Ion (“8
hrs.”) Expansion/IR
optional WiFi, BT
Integrated laser, GPS, USB
Charger, holster |
Fujitsu Stylistic CT2000
List price: inquire
www.fujitsupc.com |
EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD
- The Stylistic CT2000 continues the proud tradition of
Fujitsu’s earlier Pen Centra line of Windows CE-based
tablets. The CT2000, however is a larger device with a full 10.4-inch
1024x768 touchscreen. It looks and feels like a very compact Tablet PC,
but is powered by a 400MHz PXA255 processor. The device has built-in
802.11b/g and is primarily meant to be used in a Windows-Based Terminal
environment as a thin client. Users can access their desktop computer
and even enter and edit data. The CT2000, however, can also be used as
a free-standing Windows CE device. Its numeric keypad makes for rapid
data entry, and there’s even a special port for a barcode
reader peripheral. Weighing just 2.2 pounds and running up to six hours
on a charge, the slender CT2000 slate fills an important niche. |
Form-factor
CPU Speed
OS
RAM/ROM
Card slot(s)
Display Type
Display size/res
Digitizer/pens
Keyboard/keys
Navigation
Housing
Operating temp.
Sealing
Shock
Dimensions (WxHxD)
Weight
Power
Interface
Wireless
Options
Options |
Durable
pen tablet
Intel PXA255/400 MHz
Windows CE .NET 4.2
128MB/128MB
1 PC Card Type II, 1 CF
Transmissive TFT
10.4”/1024 x 768
touch/1
20-key keypad
cursor control
plastic/metal
32 to 95F
NA
NA
11.4 x 8.1 x 1.0
2.2 lbs.
10.8V, 4,400mAH Li-Ion (“6 hours”)
USB, LAN, RS232
802.11b/g
Cradle, bump case
Desk stand, barcode reader |
Symbol Technologies MC50
List price: US$926-1,200
www.symbol.com |
EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD
- The MC50 is a thoroughly modern durable Pocket PC for
enterprise-level applications. It was designed to perform as well or
better than consumer Pocket PCs while offering superior durability and
expandability for advanced data capture applications. And although the
MC50 is built around the same state-of-the-art technology found in
consumer Pocket PCs, it is much tougher and much less likely to break
though it weighs barely more than a consumer device. Unlike consumer
PDAs, the MC50 can be equipped with a 2D imager, a linear CMOS, a CCD
camera, or even a snap-on magnetic stripe reader. There’s
also an extended battery and industrial strength peripherals and
accessories. Finally, the MC50 comes in two versions, one with the
traditional PDA form factor, the other with a brilliantly designed
37-key QWERTY thumbtype keyboard. |
Form-factor
CPU Speed
OS
RAM/ROM
Card slot(s)
Display Type
Display size/res
Digitizer/pens
Keyboard/keys
Navigation
Housing
Operating temp.
Sealing
Shock
Dimensions (WxHxD)
Weight
Power
Interface
Wireless
Options
Options |
Industrial
PDA
Intel PXA270/520 MHz
Windows Mobile PPC 2003 SE
64MB/64MB
1 SDIO
Transflective color TFT LCD
3.5-inch/240 x 320
touch/1
37-key version available
nav controls, stylus
impact-resistant plastic
32 to 155F
NA
3 foot drop
4.8/5.3 x 2.95 x 0.95
6.4/6.8 oz.
3.7V, 1,560mAH Li-Ion
USB, IR
802.11b
Imager/CMOS/CCD, larger battery
Cradles, chargers, mag stripe reader |
Symbol Technologies MC3000
List price: inquire
www.symbol.com |
EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD
- The MC3000 is a lightweight (under a pound), compact flashlight-style
rugged mobile computer designed specifically for scan-intensive
environments. Despite its small size, the MC3000 has a 320 x 320 color
TFT (a mono LCD version is available) that is perfect for the Windows
CE .NET 4.2 application development environment. Built around a
state-of-the-art 520MHz Intel PXA270 processor, the MC3000 is a speedy
performer. 28, 38, and 48-key keypads are available depending on
intended use. There is also a SDIO slot and internal 802.11b/g
wireless. The MC3000 comes either in a laser or an imager configuration
which are slightly different in size and weight (and battery power).
With impressive environmental specs, the handy and ergonomically
designed MC3000 is perfect for light to medium industrial use. |
Form-factor
CPU Speed
OS
RAM/ROM
Card slot(s)
Display Type
Display size/res
Digitizer/pens
Keyboard/keys
Navigation
Housing
Operating temp.
Sealing
Shock
Dimensions (WxHxD)
Weight
Power
Interface
Wireless
Options
Options |
Rugged
flashlight-style handheld
Intel PXA263/520 MHz
Windows CE .NET 4.2
64MB/64MB
1 SDIO
Mono or TFT
3.8”/320 x 320
touch/1
28/38/48-key keypads
directional control, triggers
impact-resistant plastic
14 to 122F
IP54
4 foot drop
3.2 x 7.4 x 1.76
15 oz.
3.7V, 4,400 mAH Li-Ion
RS232, USB, integr. scanner
802.11b/g
1D lasers/2D imagers
Charger, cradles, printers |
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