Motorola’s MC55 Enterprise Digital Assistant is a rugged handheld computer designed for enterprise applications such as field service operations, warehouses and healthcare. As such it is larger and heavier than consumer-grade devices, but is designed for a longer lifecycle and ships with vertical-oriented features such as a barcode scanner.

The MC55 is split into two basic models: the 5590 with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for communications; and the 5574 which additionally features a cellular radio for wide-area networks and a GPS receiver. Both models are available with a Qwerty or numeric keypad, and a 1D laser barcode scanner or a 2D imager. Both options are available with or without a 2-megapixel camera with flash.

Motorola MC55 options and pricing

Deciding which barcode scanning technology — laser scanning or digital imaging — is right for your application can be a difficult task. The purpose of this paper is to help in your decision-making process by providing technology overviews, advantages and application uses for each of these options.

Introduction

Over the past few decades, barcode scanning has become the data capture technology of choice, enhancing processes in virtually every industry and market. Low-cost scanning solutions improve performance and reliability in a wide range of enterprise activities, and reap tremendous business benefits, including increased worker productivity, improved task efficiency, and reduced operational costs.

As scanning technology evolves and new barcode symbologies appear, industries have more choices in data capture solutions. This paper discusses two competing, and sometimes complementary, data capture devices: the laser scanner and the digital imager. We will provide an overview of the technology behind each device, list advantages for each, and discuss markets and applications in which they are used.

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Shopping is a lot of work. Regardless of what it is that you are buying, there are numerous things to consider, research, and compare. So what are the things to think about when choosing a mag stripe reader (MSR)?

As with any product, a lot of thought goes into the design of each MSR. From the interface to the cosmetics to the feel of the card swipe, each unit is designed for a specific purpose. Your job is to figure out which one best fits your needs.

Terry Conant, the Executive VP of ID Tech, provides his list of the top things to consider when purchasing a Point of Sale (POS) MSR:

Reading Reliability

The purpose of a card reader, of course, is to read cards. Not just the new cards but real-world cards, and failure to do so can mean extra transaction costs, or even worse, a lost sale. Manually entered card information means additional transaction costs. At an unmanned kiosk, a customer’s unread card can mean a lost sale.

Minimum Number of Card Swipes

A card reader needs to be able to stand up to the rigors of swiping card after card, day after day. If a reader breaks down, it can severely handicap sales. Long warranties are great, but more importantly, look for the amount of swipes the reader is guaranteed for.

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Intermec Continues Momentum Following the Launch of the Game-Changing CN50 and CN4 Mobile Computers

Intermec today announced the addition of three new rugged mobile printers to its PB product family – the PB21, PB31 and PB51. The new printers feature two times more memory, print twenty to thirty percent faster than competing solutions, and are the industry’s only “Smart” rugged mobile receipt and invoice printers. The two, three, and four inch printers enable mobile workforces in route accounting, transportation and logistics, retail and field service applications to print high quality, graphically complex receipts.

The printers’ unrivaled reliability and durability allow customers to decrease maintenance costs resulting from hardware failure and associated support. With a wide temperature range, humidity and IP54 seal ratings, six and a half foot (two meter) drop specification, and 50g shock rating, the new rugged mobile printers can withstand the rigors of the most demanding environments.

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The CT-S801 is the industry’s fastest and most advanced three-inch, 300 mm/sec thermal POS printer with a customizable LCD display that communicates with the user.

LAS VEGAS, NV (July 14, 2009) – Citizen Systems America Corporation, a supplier of world-class printing solutions, announces the CT-S801, the first in a new line of revolutionary “Intelligent” printers, featuring the industry’s first POS printer with a back lit graphic LCD display that communicates with you. It is ideal for a variety of applications from retailers, end users, resellers and software developers in any location or environment, the unit has increased functionality that opens doors to the universe. Out of Paper? The two-line LCD display alerts you: “Paper end” “Please change paper.” Alternatively, if the front cover is open “F cover open” “Please close front cover.” The LCD has an editor to customize, change or edit the display message on LCD. “Roll paper is running out, please call 123-456-7890 for replacement roll order!”

Taking you straight to the cutting edge of technology, this printer moves at a previously unseen velocity of 300mm per second, providing the fastest printing results for customers.

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Many of the handheld mobile computers we carry run Windows Mobile and include Office Mobile.

As part of Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Conference, more information about the next version Office Mobile, Office Mobile 2010 has become available:

Microsoft Office Mobile 2010 will appear in early 2010 and include include new versions of Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, PowerPoint Mobile, OneNote Mobile, and a SharePoint client

The feature rich Apex 4 mobile receipt printer improves accuracy and productivity of the mobile worker without blowing the budget

Waltham, MA: July 1, 2009 – Extech Instruments, a FLIR Systems Company, a leading manufacturer of portable printers for mobile computing applications, introduces their new APEX 4 battery operated portable thermal printer. The Apex 4 is the latest in Extech’s APEX family of lightweight, wearable printers.

The APEX branded printers use a 32-bit Arm 7 micro-controller, a flash based, highly integrated CPU. The processor incorporates FLASH and SRAM memory and provides for improved performance. The internal memory FLASH contains the firmware and resident fonts, rotated fonts, and bar codes while the internal SRAM is used for pre-initialized variable storage and stack. Extech’s engineers designed new modular firmware for easy updating and customization. The print mechanism is a clamshell design from SEIKO with a maximum rated print speed of 3 inches per second.

See all Extech portable thermal printers available from BarcodesInc

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Honeywell’s Dolphin 6100 is a stylish and reliable mobile computer that provides advanced data collection and real-time wireless communication for in-premise applications including price lookup/audits, inventory management, customer assistance, and merchandising. This pocket-sized device provides mobile workers with the tools needed to streamline tasks, improve productivity, and maximize investment protection.

• Ultra-lightweight device provides instinctive data entry and comfortable single-handed use in a stylish form factor
• Integrated 802.11b/g technology delivers real-time network access to critical information and supports advanced wireless security standards
• Combines a new, class-leading microprocessor (Marvell XScale PXA300) with a powerful, familiar and easy-to-use platform (Microsoft® Windows CE 5.0)
• Comprehensive suite of intuitive software utilities simplify device configuration, application development, and remote device management
• Adaptus® Imaging Technology 5.0 reads linear and 2D bar codes, captures digital images, and enables electronic signature capture—enabling workers to do more with a single device
• Constructed for reliable use in light industrial in-premise environments

See our full options and pricing for the Honeywell 6100 mobile computer

Full press release follows.

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The United States Patent and Trademark office has just published a patent from Apple, Inc. (filed December 27, 2007) for “An apparatus for providing radio frequency identification (RFID) and touch sensing capability”

This could show up in Apple products in a number of ways, but one side effect could be to add RFID reading capability to the iPhone. In the same way the camera integrated into the iPhone allows rudimentary barcode scanning capability, an RFID chip inside the next iPhone could turn it into a basic RFID reader.

New from Datalogic Scanning, the PowerScan PM8500 Cordless Area Imager for omnidirectional reading of 1D and 2D barcodes featuring unlimited mobility and versatility with Datalogic’s STAR Cordless System™

• • Optional backlit display and 3-key keypad
  • Proven reliability and flexibility of the Datalogic STAR Cordless System™
  • 3GL Unmatched good-read feedback (Green Spot and Dual Good-Read LED’s)
  • Long lasting, tool-free, removable Lithium-Ion battery
  • Configuration simplicity with Datalogic Aladdin™ software package
  • Batch Mode

See complete options and pricing for the Datalogic PowerScan PM8500 »