Unitech America, a subsidiary of Taiwanese automatic data collection specialist Unitech, introduced the PA500e as a follow-up and replacement of the PA500.
The PA500e is a Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5-based compact enterprise PDA using the 806MHz Marvell PXA320 processor, the last and most powerful of Marvel's line of XScale application processors. Measuring just 3 x 4.95 inches, the PA500e is an inch thick and weighs just 7.5 ounces. That's thicker and heftier than most of today's smartphones, but for a traditional industrial Pocket PC-style handheld it's very light and compact.
Equipped with an integrated laser bar code scanner, Bluetooth 2.1 and 802.11b/g/n WiFi, the PA500e is designed as a competent, handy communications and data collection device for applications in retail, hospitality and similar. No mobile broadband, however; this is not a phone.
The device has a powerful full-shift battery, 256MB of RAM and 512MB of Flash ROM. Expansion is via a SDHC slot that can handle up to 32GB cards. The touchscreen display measures 3.5 inches diagonally and offers Pocket PC legacy 240 x 320 pixel QVGA resolution. Operation is via touch, stylus, a five-way navigation pad and six function keys.
Despite the "enterprise" designation, the PA500e appears to be fairly rugged. However, except for the 3-foot drop spec and a listed operating temperature range of 32 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, no other relevant ruggedness data is supplied, and an IP rating is missing as well.
All of this makes the Unitech PA500e a handy and nicely designed enterprise PDA meant for scanning and other data collection applications.
