New MC9500 rugged mobile computer features superior performance, state-of-the-art design and revolutionary backroom management system

Motorola, Inc. today announced the MC9500 – a premium industrial-class handheld device that takes mobile computing innovation to the next level to further increase productivity, streamline operations and reduce total cost of ownership.

The new MC9500 leverages the features and functionality of the industry’s best-selling Motorola MC9000 mobile computer and introduces new capabilities such as modular 3.5G WAN for a groundbreaking enterprise mobility solution that can change the way organizations do business. Designed to improve operational efficiencies with its extreme ruggedness and superior ergonomics, the MC9500 also redefines backroom management with a unique accessory system and a new approach to battery management.

Researched and field tested to meet the needs of the most demanding customer environments, the Motorola MC9500 mobile computer delivers reliable performance for mobile workforces in the transportation and logistics, parcel/post, direct store delivery, field service and public safety industries. “Motorola has proven leadership in mobile computing – initially changing the market landscape with the introduction of the MC9000,” said Gerald McNerney, vice president of mobile computing product management, Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions. “The new MC9500 is a testament to our commitment to innovation and demonstrates our continued ability to redefine the industry standard with the most versatile solutions on the market.”

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Combines the simplicity of a scanner and the brainpower of a mobile computer in an ultra-ergonomic gun-style form factor

The Motorola MT2000 series of mobile terminals offer highly flexible device capable of streamlining many scan-intensive business processes in a wide variety of industries — from the front to back door in manufacturing plants, retail establishments, warehouses, hospitals and more. The easy-to-use and affordable mobile terminal offers a unique hybrid design, functioning as both a scanner and a mobile computer throughout the business day. Its rugged ergonomic design ensures reliability in almost any environment.

Both the MT2070 series and MT2090 series can be utilized right out of the box as a scanner — either tethered to a point of sale (POS), laptop or other computing system — or as a standalone wireless mobile computer capable of enabling inventory and other scan-intensive applications anywhere in the enterprise. The MT 2090 series also offers integrated 802.11 a/b/g for real-time direct application connectivity. The MT2000 series is available at an entry level price, making this addition a superior value with unmatched ROI.

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ControlDesign.com has an exclusive preview of Microscan‘s upcoming QX Hawk designed for high performance direct park mark reading.

Selection of a proper code reader is critical to a track-and-trace system’s successful implementation. Microscan says its new QX Hawk is the first high-performance reader with the flexibility to read any mark at any distance and speed in any environment.

Continue reading: Microscan’s QX Hawk Code Reader Simplifies Track-and-Trace Implementation

Microscan will be introducing the QX HAWK, at the Assembly Technology Expo in Chicago on September 21-22, 2009.

VersaKey Programmable Keyboard is versatile and flexible in an ever-changing POS environment

ID TECH, the leading manufacturer in custom and standard POS peripherals, has extended its VersaKey product line to provide a programmable function keyboard for POS systems. After a successful launch of the VersaKey keyboards with magnetic swipe readers in 2006, ID TECH is now offering a more flexible and versatile keyboard for its customers.

The VersaKey Programmable Keyboard is a plug-and-play peripheral device that is derived from the same core technologies found in ID TECH’s top selling magnetic stripe reader, the MiniMag. By using the included KeyUtility software, also developed by ID TECH, users can customize up to 60 programmable keys, allowing for fewer keystrokes and greater efficiency. The VersaKey Programmable Keyboard integrates a fully-functional keyboard with an optional touchpad mouse, and both magnetic stripe and smart card readers into a single, compact device.

Product Features and Benefits:

• 124/135 key layout in a compact 14” form
• Up to 60 programmable and re-legendable keys
• Programmable keys and magnetic stripe reader are configured through the utility software provided
• Smart card reader option
• Multiple language keyboard layouts upon request

Motorola has introduced a new series of business-class fixed radio-frequency identification (RFID) readers. The Motorola FX7400 series provides maximum functionality in a sleek package that is less than half the size of traditional fixed RFID readers, making it ideal for retail stores, offices, and other customer-facing or business environments. Motorola’s new cost-effective, high-performance fixed RFID reader is built on a new platform that supports Gen 2 technology and is capable of hosting third-party, customer-driven embedded applications.

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Service Pack 4 for the Socket Mobile SoMo 650 handheld mobile computer is now available on the Socket Mobile secure download site.

To access the service pack download, your SoMo 650 must be registered.

The service pack addresses the following issues:

• • Included Enhanced WiFi Companion in ROM

• • Added Socket File Store

• • Included SoMo 650 Back Pack software

• • Updated Connect!Agent to version 1.3.11.0

• • Updated Audio and Touch drivers

• • Improved flash write speed

• • Fixed SDIO driver to correct some issues with cradling the device

• • Lowered default screen brightness when on battery power

• • Fized some help files

• • Cleaned up Bluetooth power up/down (suspend/resume and radio on/off)

• • Updated Audio code so unit microphone is turned off when Bluetooth headset is connected

• • Updated Getting Started applets

• • Updated Standard Serial CF Card driver and PCMCIA driver to:

• • • Fix issues with some 3^rd party CF serial products

• • • Ensure power is turned off when COM port is closed

Citizen has made version 2.0 of its receipt printer driver available for free download.

New features introduced in the new Windows driver version 2.0:

• Electronic Journal (Journal Viewer)
• Couponing
• Watermarking
• Upside down printing
• Raw File Sender
• Reprinting
• Launching POS Printer Utility

Supported printer models are CT-S310, CT-S2000 and the CT-S801.

LXE Inc., the rugged mobile computer business of EMS Technologies, Inc., announced today the immediate availability of the MX9, MX9CS, and MX9HL Ultra-Rugged handheld computers, designed for use in a wide array of heavy industrial and outdoor data collection environments.

“The MX9 family of handheld computers further extends LXE’s reach into new markets and outdoor data collection applications.” states Steve Newell, LXE’s general manager. Replacing the popular MX5 series of handhelds, LXE has incorporated improvements and additional functionality requested by its existing customer and partner base. “We have seen a growing demand for ultra rugged computing products. The MX9 computer offers best-in-class performance along with special features such as GPS receivers for positional location applications. Interest in the product for agriculture, forestry and public safety markets, among others, demonstrates the need for high-reliability handheld computing solutions. Adding the MX9 family of computers to our portfolio of products will greatly extend the breadth of LXE products made available to our growing network of partners, for use in their solutions offerings.” Newell added.

The MX9 computer is in a class by itself, offering a host of features, including an outdoor display, multiple scanning and imaging options, back-lit keypads, built-in GPS positional location option, and 802.11 a/b/g, WWAN and Bluetooth communications options. The MX9 computer includes an IP67 rating and rugged packaging designed specifically for harsh outdoor environments. With low-temp batteries and built-in heater control capabilities, the MX9CS version of the handheld computer is ready for a variety of cold storage applications. The MX9HL version is compliant with Class 1 Div. 2 Hazardous Location environments. All MX9 computers ship with a PXA320 processor and industry-leading Windows® CE 5.0 operating system offering an open platform for application development. All versions also include LXE’s Toughtalk technology, supporting voice recognition applications.

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From an economical single-camera system to a sophisticated eight-camera configuration, Microscan’s Visionscape GigE platform contains all the necessary components for a complete machine-vision implementation. PC-based Gigabit Ethernet systems leverage standard network components, such as cabling, switches, and interface cards, while Visionscape software allows rapid deployment of your machine-vision application.

Visionscape GigE works with a full set of Microscan GigE cameras and can be used in applications for precise inspection, identification, guidance, gauging, and measurement. It decodes all standard linear barcodes, 2-D symbols, and stacked symbologies. Minimum PC requirements for Visionscape GigE software include a Pentium P4 class processor (2.4 GHz or higher), Windows XP or Vista, at least 1 Gbyte of RAM, an XGA display, and one open PCIe slot for a network interface card.

The first service release (“SR1”) of BarTender 9.1 was released as build 2617 on July 20th, 2009. The enhancements are summarized here, with more details available on the BarTender 9.1 service release web page:

• Translations of New Features: Many new features that originally shipped with English-only user-interfaces in BarTender 9.1 have now been translated into all 23 languages supported by the BarTender Label Management Suite.
• System Database Support for SQL 2008: The BarTender System database used in the Enterprise editions now supports SQL Server 2008 in addition to SQL Server 2005.
• Version Number Displayed within Setup Manager: When you insert a BarTender CD into your CD drive and the Setup Manager automatically runs, the opening screen will now display the BarTender version number.
• Minor Bugs: A few minor bugs were also repaired with this service release.