Modern rugged PDA
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

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

Intermec has a long tradition in offering PDA-style industrial handhelds. The CN2 takes the concept one step farther with a device that not only rugged and state-of-the-art as a PDA, but also handsome and remarkably compact. Its footprint of 3.4 x 5.8 is barely larger than a consumer market iPAQ, and despite its ruggedness and IP64 rating, the CN2 weighs just under 12 ounces. However, this is definitely a tool for commercial and industrial jobs. The CN2 has an integrated 1D linear imager that supports all popular 1D symbologies, and its internal 802.11b/g allows speedy wireless communications. Windows CE .NET 4.2 is supported by tons of software development tools, and, as usual, Intermec offers a slew of accessories to enhance functionality. Finally, customers have a choice of a nav pad or a full numeric keypad.

Customers have their choice of two versions, the CN2A and the CN2B. At first sight they don't look that different except for the keypad, but they are really meant for deployment in different environments. The CN2A uses batch mode or LAN/WiFi connectivity in store operations or management applications, primarily in retail. It's based on Windows CE.Net 4.2, has more RAM (up to 128MB) and IP64 sealing, but lacks Bluetooth. The CN2B runs Windows Mobile, uses Bluetooth, and is perfect for field service, direct store delivery and any applications that run in near realtime even when outside of WiFi range. Both devices use Intermec's advanced and very efficient EV10 linear scan engine.