Rugged flashlight-style handheld supports WAN/LAN/PAN and Walkie-Talkie
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

The Symbol MC9097 builds on the superb MC9000 platform by incorporating the latest technology updates as well as a number of special features such as always-on voice and data connection to co-workers, clients, and associates as well as business applications and systems.

On the technology side, the MC9097 uses the 624MHz version of Intel's XScale PXA270 processor, the top of the line, and supported by 64MB of RAM andf 128MB Flash. It also has onboard 802.11 a/b/g WiFi, Bluetooth, and PAN connectivity, several alpha and numeric keypad options, various scanner options.

Perhaps most impressive is the unit's WWAN Nextel Nationwide Walkie-Talkie functionality that provides instant, cost-effective, push-to-talk voice communications, broad geographic coverage, guaranteed message delivery on a reliable network. Unlike older models, the MC9097 uses the Windows Mobile 5.0 OS platform. And since this haldheld will be used in demanding environment, it offers IP64 sealing and an impressive drop specification. Symbol also stresses the 2000 "one-meter tumbles" at room temperature. You can drop this thing and it keeps on going.

This platform eventually became the foundation of the Motorola MC9500 that was introduced in September of 2009.