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Honeywell CK75

Honeywell introduces updated ultra-rugged data collection handheld for supply chains productivity
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

On February 17, 2017 Honeywell launched the CK75 ultra-rugged mobile computer as part of a products and solutions lineup geared towards increasing efficiency and productivity across supply chains. The CK75 is a flashlight-style data collection handheld available with either Windows Embedded Handheld or Android.

Something old, something new

The CK75 is, of course, not an entirely new product, but a new version of Intermec's venerable 70 Series of ultra-rugged data collection handhelds that premiered in January 2011 (Intermec was acquired by Honeywell in 2012). Apart from a few tech updates, the primary difference is that the platform is now available with Android as well.

Measuring 3.16 x 9.33 x 2.0 inches and weighing about 20 ounces, the CK75 can be ordered either the 59-key alpanumeric keypad with small alpha keys, a separate numeric keypad and function keys, or a special 43-key keypad with a large numeric keypad and 12 function keys that can be programmed for rapid access to frequently used operations.

Honeywell's 2017 promo highlights the CK75 as 31% smaller and lighter than competing devices, but its size and weight really haven't changed since the original introduction.

For scanning, the standard CK75 uses either the EX25 Near/Far 2D imager with an extended scanning range of about half a foot all the way to 50 feet (see EX25 spec page), or the N5603ER high-performance 2D imager with Adaptus Imaging Technology. The latter replaced the EA30 2D imager available in the predecessor CK71.

There is also an integrated 5-megapixel auto-focus digital camera option with flash. An embedded accelerometer is used for screen rotation, system suspend, or developers can use it to provide input to custom apps.

On the wireless side, the CK75 has integrated Class 1.5 Bluetooth Version 4.0 and dual band 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi with CCXv4 compatibility. Gone, compared to the predecessor CK71, are mobile broadband and GPS. The 3.7 Volt/5,200 mAH Li-Ion battery is unchanged.

Also unchanged is the small 3.5-inch 480 x 640 pixel display that, however, is plenty sharp with 229 pixels per inch. The new version will be significantly quicker, though, thanks to switching from a 600MHz TI OMAP 3530 processor to a faster 1.5GHz OMAP 4470.

The CK75 is certainly a very rugged device. We're talking an 8-foot drop spec, IP67 sealing, and a very wide -4 to 140 degree Fahrenheit operating temperature range. That means operation in cold storage and freezer environments is possible thanks to an optional heater.

As in the past, the CK75 is accompanied by the CN75 and CN75e models see here) which are geared towards the needs of courier express, parcel and mobile workers. CN models use the EA30 2D imager and can be equipped with UMTS/CDMA (switchable) mobile broadband radio.

The big news undoubtedly is the CK75's ability to run Android as well. That's significant as the still available Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 is now decidedly legacy. Its official replacement is Windows 10 IoT Mobile Enterprise, but that is still in its early phase and not everyone is ready to migrate just yet. So having Android 6 "Marshmallow" as an option provides an alternate migration path to the OS that dominates the global smartphone market.

Specifications Honeywell CK75
Added/changed Added 05/2017
Form-factor Ultra-rugged mobile computer
CPU Speed Texas Instruments OMAP 4470/1.5 GHz
OS Microsoft Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 or Android 6.x.x Marshmallow with GMS
RAM/ROM 2GB/16GB
Card slots 1 x Micro SD Card Slot (up to 32GB)
Storage 16GB eMMC Flash
Display type Transmissive LCD with LED backlight and hardened Gorilla Glass
Display size/res 3.5-inch/480 x 640 pixel (229 ppi)
Digitizer/pens Resistive touch
Keyboard/keys 59-key numeric/alphanumeric or 43-key alphanumeric backlit keypad
Navigation onscreen and directional control
Housing Impact-resistant plastic
Operating Temp -4° to 140°F (-20° to 60°C)
Sealing IP67
Drop 8-foot drop to concrete per MIL-STD 810G
Shock MIL-STD-810F, 514.4 Process II
Vibration Unknown
Tumbles 2,000 1-meter tumbles per IEC 60068-2-32 speci cation
Regulatory Safety: cULus Listed, BSMI; EMC: Class B - FCC/ICES/EN, GOST-R Radio: FCC w/HAC, Industry Canada, CE, A-tick (AU), NCC, IDA, ICASA, POSTEL, NTC, ETA, SIRIM, ANATEL
Size (WxHxD) 9.33 x 3.16 x 2.0 inches (237 x 80 x 50 mm)
Weight 20.6 oz. (584 grams) with battery
Power Removable, rechargeable 3.7V, 5,200 mAH 19.24 whr Li-Ion
Sensors G-sensor
Camera 5MP camera with autofocus, LED flash
Data collection EX25 near/far high-performance 2D imager or N5603ER high-performance 2D imager
Interface USB 2.0 Host and Client, 3.5mm stereo headphone jack, optional 1D CCD bar code scanner or 2D imager, optional 13.56MHz RFID reader/writer
Wireless Dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi, Class 1.5 Bluetooth 4.0
List price Inquire
Brochure Honeywell CK75 data sheet (PDF)
Web page Honeywell CK75 web page