RoHS-compliant Rugged flashlight-style handheld for retail and warehousing
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

Since its inception in 1969, PSC has established and maintained a leadership position by building innovative, reliable, and performance-oriented data-capture equipment. One of PSC's current thrusts is to comply with the EU RoHS directive and to make available compliant products. One such product is the Falcon 4400 Series of Windows Mobile or CE-based flashlight-style terminals, introduced in September of 2006. The Intel PXA255-based devices can be ordered with a 26-key, 48-key, or 52-key keypad for different applications, have a 3.5-inch QVGA display, and can be equipped with various scanner options, including standard, long range, advanced long range lasers, liner imagers and 2D imager. The 4400 Series is sealed to IP54 specifications and can survive 5-foot drops to concrete. PSC points out that the units have the loudest beeper on the market, good for use in noisy environments. A powerful 2,000 mAH Li-Ion battery provides full-shift operation. Wireless communication is via integrated 802.11g. Available are powered vehicle docks designed for easy insertion and removal of the unit.

Update January 8, 2006: PSC announced the expansion of the Falcon 4400 line to include Bluetooth, 128MB RAM/128MB Flash memory, full alpha-numeric numbers-up keypad, and a high-density 2D scan-engine. A new 52-key numbers-up keypad designed for single-handed operation complements the keypad suite of 26-key, 48-key, and 52-key keyboards for application customization. Customers can also choose between Windows Mobile 5.0 or Windows CE 5.0 operating systems.