Compact rugged large-keypad platform now with 3.5G support
(by Conrad Blickenstorfer)

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

The Intermec CN4e mobile computer was introduced in June 2009 as an extension of the successful CN3 line. Like the CN3, the new CN4e was designed to meet the needs of mobile workers in mission-critical transportation, logistics, and field service applications, and like the CN3 it is a modern, ruggedized handheld computer that combines several functions. It is a conventional PDA, but can also be, depending on options, a scanner, digital camera, phone, and data communications device. However, the CN4 adds advanced 3.5G radio options, enhanced imaging, and somewhat enhanced environmental/ruggedness specs.

Built to survive severe punishment, the CN4e remains fairly small and handy, with a footprint of 3.2 x 8.3 inches, a thickness of 1.3 inches, and a weight of about 1.2 pounds. Compared to the CN3, sealing has been increased to IP64 standards, and the operating temperature range is now a wider -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which means the CN4e can be used just about anywhere.

The CN4e can be ordered with integrated Class II Bluetooth Class, Cisco CCX compatible 802.11b/g WiFi and 3.5G UMTS/HSPA and CDMA/EVDO rev A technology, facilitating very fast download and upload speeds.

For data capture, there is an integrated 1-megapixel area imager with laser framer and aiming that supports omnidirectional scanning and decode of 1D, 2D, composite and postal codes as well as signature capture. The CN4 also supports eMDI (Enhanced Mobile Document Imaging), an optional Intermec software application that lets mobile workers capture full page paper documents with the CN4's imager and convert them into electronic documents right at the point-of-transaction. These high-quality document images can then be transmitted to back office applications in real-time, potentially simplifying workflows, shorten billing cycles, and providing customer service and shipping operations ready access to documents for faster processing.

Also available is an integrated 12-channel GPS with sub-10foot accuracy and an integrated 2-megapixel color camera with LED illuminator.

Compared to the standard CN4, the CN4e has an enlarged numeric 10-Key or Phone Style backlit keypad for mobile in-field applications that demand intensive key-based data entry. Among other accessories are a vehicle dock, single or quad docks that can support LAN, and a magnetic stripe reader. Existing Intermec CN3 customers will appreciate that the CN4 shares system software and a wide range of accessories with the CN3 CN3-series.

The CN4 runs Windows Mobile 6.1 on the 520MHz version of the Marvell PXA270 processor, has 128MB of RAM and 256MB of Flash ROM, a miniSD slot for memory expansion, and a 3.5-inch 240 x 320 pixel transflective display with LED backlight. A full VGA would have been nice.

Unlike the standard CN4 that uses either the standard 8.1 watt-hour battery or an extended 14.8 watt-hour battery, the CN4 only comes with the more powerful extended battery.

Overall, the Intermec CN4e allows mobile workers to switch from carrying a number of devices, such as a cellphone, GPS unit, notebook, digital camera, or scanner, and replace them with just one. And with the advent of the CN4e, they also have access to state-of-the-art 3.5G wireless WAN in a package that facilitates quick and easy data entry in the field.

Below is an Intermec video that describes the new CN4 and CN4e: