Durable flashlight-style handheld uses embedded Linux
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

Note: On December 10, 2012, Intermec announced that it will be acquired by Honeywell. [See Intermec press release]

Designed for automated data collection, the CK1 is a ruggedized flashlight-style terminal for those who want their handhelds to be smaller, more economical, and different. Unlike most industrial terminals, the diminutive CK1 (it weighs less than 8 ounces) runs the Linux OS and comes with some preloaded data collection apps for the integrated linear imager in its scanning module. A laser scanner is optional. The CK1 has a small 160 x 160 pixel monochrome display that can show up to 16 lines by 20 characters and needs nothing more than a 67mHZ ARM7 processor to operate swiftly and efficiently. While it can take a beating, this is not a fully ruggedized and sealed device that can take a lot of abuse. However, those looking for a flexible, economic data collection solution may find it in the CK1.