RoHS-compliant Rugged flashlight-style handheld for retail and warehousing
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

The full-sized Falcon 4400 Series of Windows Mobile or CE-based flashlight-style terminals, was introduced in September of 2006 as a PSC product. Now part of the Datalogic lineup, the Intel PXA255-based devices can be ordered with a 26-key, 48-key, or 52-key keypad for different applications, have a large 3.5-inch QVGA display with anti-reflective coating, and can be equipped with various scanner options, including standard, long range, advanced long range lasers, linear imagers and 2D imager.

The 4400 Series, which is nine inches long and 3.5 inches wide and weighs 23 ounces, is sealed to IP54 specifications and can survive 5-foot drops to concrete. Datalogic points out that the units have the loudest beeper on the market, good for use in noisy environments. A powerful 2,400 mAH Li-Ion battery provides full-shift operation. Wireless communication is via integrated 802.11b/g. Available are powered vehicle docks designed for easy insertion and removal of the unit.

In January of 2007 the Falcon 4400 line was enhanced to include Bluetooth, 128MB RAM/128MB Flash memory, full alpha-numeric numbers-up keypad, and a high-density 2D scan-engine. A new 52-key numbers-up keypad designed for single-handed operation complements the keypad suite of 26-key, 48-key, and 52-key keyboards for application customization. Customers can also choose between Windows Mobile 5.0 or Windows CE 5.0 operating systems.