Measuring 6.65 in x 3.15 in x 1.34 inches and weighing about a pound, the standard CN75 can be ordered either with a 43-key keypad with a large numeric part and 12 function keys that can be programmed for rapid access to frequently used operations, or a 59-key alphanumeric keypad with small alpha keys and numeric keypad and function keys within the QWERTY layout.

There is, however, also a CN75E version that's about an inch longer to accommodate either a larger 43-key numeric keypad or a 59-key alphanumeric keypad with a separate numeric keypad.

For scanning, the CN75 uses the EA30 High-Performance Motion-Tolerant 2D imager with white LED illumination, a red laser aimer and a framer optimized for all lighting conditions. It can scan all common 1D and 2D barcodes (1D as small as 4 mils, and 2D as small as 6.6 mils).

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 CN75 has integrated Class 1.5 Bluetooth Version 4.0 and dual band 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi with CCXv4 compatibility. Optional integrated mobile broadband can switch between UMTS and CDMA radio networks and includes 12-channel GPS. The removable and rechargeable Li-Ion battery packs 16.8 watt-hours (3.7 Volt/4,000 mAH).

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 CN75 is 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.

The big news undoubtedly is the CN75'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" with GMS as an option provides Honeywell AIDC customers with an alternate migration path to the OS that dominates the global smartphone market.