Rugged pistol grip RFID/scanning hybrid handheld for retail and warehousing
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

The full-sized Falcon 5500 Windows CE-based pistol grip-style terminal is what Datalogic calls an RFID Mobile Hybrid Computer. It combines bar code scanning with UHF RFID automated data capture and thus represents a very flexible solution for item level inventories, paallet verification or any other task that both requires tag reading and bar code scanning.

The Intel PXA255-based device can be ordered with either a 26-key standard alphanumeric keypad or a more complete 52-key full alphanumeric keypad, depending on the intended application. The device has a large 3.5-inch QVGA display and can be equipped with various scanner options, including standard, long range, advanced long range lasers, linear imagers and 2D imager.

The 5500 Series, which is nine inches long and 3.5 inches wide and weighs about 2.5 pounds with the pistol grip and the extra battery for the RFID radio. It is sealed to IP52 specifications and can survive 4-foot drops to concrete--less than the Falcon 4400 due to the handle and extra battery. Datalogic points out that the units have the loudest beeper on the market, good for use in noisy environments. Wireless communication is via integrated 802.11b.