Industrial data terminal with VGA display
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

The Casio IT600, introduced in July of 2007, is part of Casio's Industrial Handheld Division which works through a network of value added resellers and distributors.

The IT-600 was originally designed for the retail industry with its rapidly increasing need to gather, analyze, and apply store operations information in real time. The handy new device can perform these activities quickly, easily, and efficiently with state-of-the-art technology and a high-performance CMOS bi-linear image sensor barcode reader that supports UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN8, EAN13, Codabar (NW-7), Code39, Interleaved 2of5 (ITF), MSI, Industrial 2of5, Code93, Code128 (EAN128), IATA, RSS-14, RSS Limited, RSS Expanded, RSS-14 Stacked, and RSS Expanded Stacked. The scanner can be operated comfortably in either hand with the use of trigger keys at the center as well as both sides. A 21-ley keypad allows for rapid data entry and additional functionality.

The IT600 -- which comes in the base M30U version and the M30UC version with a 1-megapixel digital camera -- runs Windows CE 5.0 on a 520 MHz Marvell PCA270 processor. It has 64MB of RAM and 128MB of FLASH, of wich about 60MB is available to users. Like the IT10, the IT600 has a large 3.7-inch transflective LCD with full 480 x 640 pixel VGA resolution. A miniSD Slot provides storage expansion. Connectivity is via USB and IrDA, and there is integrated Bluetooth 1.2 for connection to a wireless printer and other peripherals. The IT600 is powered either by a standard or extended Li-Ion battery that should provide full-shift operation.

The IT600 is a rugged device that can survive 4-foot drops and is sealed to IP54 specifications. It also has a wide operating temperature range of between 14 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

This is a modern, handy industrial computer ideally suited not only for retail but also fields such as market research, inspections, manufacturing, parking violation enforcement, and medical care. With a size of just 3.2 x 6.5 x 1.1 inches and weighing ten ounces it fits almost anywhere.