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DT Research DT327CR

Small, light and handy 7-inch POS tablet with encrypted MSR, EMV chip reader and barcode scanner for mobile customer service and logistics
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

Selecting just the right venue, DT Research announced the DT327CR mobile Point-Of-Service tablet at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago on May 23, 2016. The picture below shows the DT327CR on the left, and the larger DT315CR that was introduced at the same time on the right.

The idea here was to create a couple of unique multi-function tablets that provide secure mobile data capture, storage and transmission in handy, durable designs targeted at food ordering, tableside check-out, mobile check-in and efficient inventory management, with Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise OS handling seamless front and back office application integration and advanced security.

Making it all possible are these tablets' many integrated data capture options, which facilitate sales and services on an industrial-grade mobile device instead of only at fixed terminals. These capabilities include (for both tablets):

  • An encrypted magnetic stripe reader (MSR) that can handle single, double, or triple tracks. It can also read AAMVA (American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators) driver's license coding, ISO bank (ISO 7811) coding and various card formats. It supports unencrypted mode, triple data encryption algorithm (TDES) encryption with static/DUKPT (Derived Unique Key Per Transaction) keys management, as well as RKI (Remote Key Injection).

  • An EMV (Europay, MasterCard, and Visa) chip card reader to handle the new cards that are rapidly replacing the older magnetic stripe technologgy.

  • A 2D barcode scanner that can also read 1D codes.

  • An EMV Smart Card reader with Level 1 and 2 certification that also supports TDES and AES encryption algorithms and RKI.

  • An NFC/RFID reader that complies with HF 13.56MHz, ISO standard 15693, 14443A(B) & 18000-3 mode-1.

As for the DT327CR discussed on this page, those who follow DT Research may wonder why the company created another 7-inch tablet device when they already have the DT307 platform. That's because the DT307 is a Windows CE/Windows Mobile device, whereas the new DT327 was designed from the ground up for Windows 10 IoT Enterprise. The DT327CR also has a much faster processor and a much higher resolution display (1280 x 800 vs 800 x 480 pixel). Memory and storage are commensurably higher, too, at 4GB of DDR3L RAM and 64GB of Flash storage, which can be complemented via a full-size SD Card slot. WiFi is at the 802.11g/g/n level and there's Bluetooth 4.0.

Measuring 8.3 x 5.2 inches, the DT327CR has a small footprint that that makes it fit almost anywhere. It's just 0.8 inches thick, and weighs just 1.1 pounds. That makes it lighter and handier than most rugged and semi-rugged 7-inch tablets. The elegantly designed ABS+PC and magnesium-aluminum alloy body with its yellow accent on the front fascia looks modern and professional.

On the ruggedness side, the DT327CR is what DT Research calls "durable." Whereas the larger DT315CR was designed both for indoor and light outdoor use, the 7-inch DT327CR is clearly an indoor device. As such it doesn't have an ingress protection, though it can probably handle the occasional spill. The standard operating temperature range is 32 to 104 degrees, plenty good enough for indoor use.

Overall, the DT327CR is a smart addition to DT Research's lineup of mobile POS devices. Between Windows 10 IoT Enterprise's impressive security and lock-down features (essentially input filters that can intercept key strokes that could lead to unpredictable or unwanted results), the super-efficient new processor, and a full arsenal of data capture options, the DT327CR from DT Research is certain to appeal to a good number of customers.

Specifications DT Research DT327CR
Status Added 05/2016
Form-factor Mobile POS tablet
OS Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise
Processor Quad-core Intel Atom x5-Z8300
CPU Speed 1.44GHz
CPU Burst Frequency 1.84GHz
Thermal Design Power 2 watts
Chipset Integrated
Standard/Max RAM 4GB DDR3L RAM
Disk/drive 64GB Flash
Card slots 1 x SDHX card (up to 64GB), Smart Card reader (half-slot)
Display type TFT with LED backlight
Display size/res 7-inch/1280 x 800 pixel XGA
Digitizer/pens Capacitive touch/1
Keyboard/scale Onscreen and optional mini-USB keyboard
Operating temp. 32° to 104°F (0° to 40°C)
Sealing Not rated
Humidity 0% to 90% non-condensing
EMI and EMC Unknown
Regulatory FCC Class B, CE, RoHS compliant
Housing ABS+PC plastics and magnesium-aluminum alloy
Size (WxHxD) 8.3 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches (211 x 133 x 21 mm)
Weight 1.1 lbs. (0.5kg)
Power 3.7V 8,80mAH Li-Ion (31 watt-hour)
Cameras No camera
Data capture Optional: 1D/2D barcode scanner, mag stripe reader
Interface 1 x USB 3.0, audio in/out; optional: 2D barcode scanner, mag stripe reader, EMV card reader, NFC/RFID reader
Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth v4.0
List price Inquire
Web DT327CR
Spec sheet DT315CR spec sheet (PDF)