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Intermec CK70 Mobile Computer

Ultra-rugged handheld terminal for parcel delivery and similar applications
(by Conrad Blickenstorfer)

Update January 14, 2013: Intermec announced integrated RFID capabilities for its ultra-rugged CK70, CN70 and CN70e mobile computers. The devices now offer a fully-integrated UHF RFID reader without the need of an external antenna by using Intermec's IM11 embedded module along with an internally housed antenna. This way, customers get RFID read performance without changes to the compact form factor of the 70 Series mobile computers. Note: On December 10, 2012, Intermec announced that it will be acquired by Honeywell. [See Intermec press release]

Update January 23, 2012: Intermec announced two enhancements to its 70 Series of rugged handhelds. The first is a switch from the 600MHz TI OMAP 3530 processor, an older 65nm design, to a 1GHz TI Sitara 3715 chip, a newer 45nm design that is fully OMAP architecture compatible. While still using an ARM Cortex A8 core and a POWERVR SGX Graphics Accelerator, the 3715's faster clock speed, up to 2X graphics performance, and lower power consumption mean a considerable step up in performance. The second is that three of the four 70 Series models -- the CN70, CN70e, and CK70 -- can now be ordered with what Intermec calls its "Flexible Network radio" module based on Qualcomm's Gobi 3000 technology and usable on both CDMA and UMTS wireless networks, enabling automatic and seamless "in route" switching between different carrier networks.

On January 11, 2011, Intermec announced the CN70 Series of ultra-rugged computers. The 70 Series initially includes four models, those being the CN70, the CN70e, the CK71, and the CK70 discussed in this article. The reason why Intermec offers four models addressing different applications and industries is what Intermec considers the advantages of a "common platform" approach: same architecture, same peripherals, same docks, same software builds, same technology. This can result in reduced complexity in deployment, updating, management, and also in lower total cost of ownership.

While the four models in the 70 Series address different markets and highlight different functionality, all share common core components:

  • All are based on Microsoft Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 (see Microsoft's release on it), which is sort of a minor evolution of Windows Mobile 6.5.3.

  • All use a 600MHz Texas Instruments OMAP 3530 processor, an ARM Cortex-A8 based chip that Intermec says provides 3X performance, but we're not sure compared to what.

  • All have a 3.5-inch full-VGA 480x640 pixel touch display with LED backlight, light sensor, and Corning Gorilla Glass for vastly increased durability.

  • All feature most impressive ruggedness specs, including a 6-foot drop spec, IP67 sealing, and a very wide -4 to 140 degree Fahrenheit operating temperature range.

  • All include a 5-megapixel autofocus camera with flash, dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, advanced imaging options for just about any scanning application, accelerometer and digital compass, and VoIP and speech recognition support.

  • Of note also a number of Intermec software management initiatives, such as INcontrol asset tracking, SmartSystem device health reporting, etc.

What's unique about the CK70?

The CK70 differs from the CN70/CN70e primarily in that it uses the larger handheld terminal form factor with larger keypads. It's designed specifically for the needs of courier express, parcel and postal environments, with ergonomics that allow all-day single-handed use.

Measuring 3.16 x 9.33 x 1.7 inches and weighing 19 ounces, the CK70 can be ordered either with a 43-key alphanumeric keypad with large keys, or a 59-key alpanumeric keypad with smaller alpha keys and a separate numeric keypad and function keys.

For scanning, the CK70 uses the EA30 high-performance motion-tolerant 2D Imager that features white LED illumination, a red laser aimer optimized for all lighting conditions, a 35 degree downward scan angle, and is capable of scanning all common 1D and 2D barcodes. There is also an integrated 5-megapixel auto-focus digital camera option with flash. When used with Intermec's eMDI software, the camera can capture standard paper documents and convert them into electronic files. There is also an embedded accelerometer used for screen rotation, system suspend, or developers can use it to provide input to custom apps.

On the wireless side, the CK70 has integrated Class II Bluetooth Version 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), dual band 802.11a/b/g/n, and either UMTS/HSUPA or CDMA/EVDO Rev. A wireless WAN. There's also an integrated and network-independent 12-channel GPS.

The battery is a powerful 3.7 Volt/5,200 mAH (versus just 4,000 in the CN70/70e) Li-Ion rechargeable that, per Intermec, yields "the industry's longest battery life." Good thing, too, as VDC Research found that battery life ranks on top of features considered important by rugged handheld users.

It is not immediately clear what all the CK70 will replace in Intermec's product lineup. Judging by its specs, it seems to supercede the CK3, CK31 and CK61 and their variants, which are all roughly the same size and screen size, but are based on older processors and operating platforms, only have QVGA resolution, and are a bit less rugged. However, each of the older units may fill certain special purposes that have not yet been addressed by the new 70 Series. What is clear is that with the new CK70, Intermec has issued a technology refresh of the standard industrial compact handheld terminal, a device class where robust keypad input matters more than smartphone-style interface technologies.

Specifications: Intermec CK70
Added/changed Added 02/2011, updated 01/2012, 01/2013
Form-factor Ultra-rugged (Extended keyboard rugged PDA)
CPU Speed 600MHz OMAP 3530
OS Windows Mobile 6.5.3
RAM/ROM 512MB/1GB
Card slots 1 micro-SD (up to 32GB)
Display type Transmissive TFT with LED backlight and light sensor
Display size/res 3.5"/480 x 640 pixel VGA
Digitizer/pens resistive touch/1
Keyboard/keys 59-key numeric/alphanumeric or 43-key alphanumeric backlit keypad
Navigation onscreen and directional control
Housing Unknown
Operating Temp -4 to 140F
Sealing IP67
Shock 26 6-foot drops per MIL-STD-810G
Tumbles 2000 1-meter tumbles
Humidity Non-condensing, 95%
Size (WxHxD) 9.33 x 3.15 x 1.7 inches
Weight 19 ounces with battery
Power Removable 3.7V, 5,200 mAH Li-Ion
Interface USB 2.0 host and client, EA30 2D Imager, 5.0mp auto-focus camera with flash
Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n dual-band WiFi, WWAN (3.75G UMTS/HSUPA, GSM/GPRS), 12-channel GPS, accelerometer, e-compass
List price inquire
Contact CK70 product page at Intermec
Contact CK70 brochure (PDF)
Windows CE/Windows Mobile Info
  • Windows Embedded Handheld
  • Windows Phone 7
  • Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3
  • Windows Mobile 6.5
  • Windows Mobile 6
  • Windows CE 6.0
  • Windows Mobile 5
  • Windows CE 5.0
  • Windows Mobile Smartphone
  • Windows Mobile 2003
  • Windows CE .Net
  • Windows for Pocket PC 2002
  • Pocket PC intro 2000
  • Windows CE H/PC Pro 1998
  • Windows CE 2.0 1997