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2005 EDITOR's CHOICES --> | Industrial handhelds | Tablet PCs | Rugged notebooks | Handhelds and PDAs | MAIN

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