December 2011

Janam is a new York-based provider of an interesting lineup of rugged handheld computers that all aim to supply tried-and-true functionality in handy, durable packages and employing mature technology, both on the hardware and the software side. On the Windows side of things, Janam offers the Windows CE-based XM60+ and Windows Mobile-based XM66 (see here), and the XG100 with a gun-style handle that includes the unit's battery (see here). For those who seek to continue using Palm OS-based applications, Janam has the XP20 (160 x 160 mono) and XP30 (240 x 320 color) using the Palm 5.4.9 Garnet OS (see here).

Winmate introduces hybrid 4.3-inch rugged handheld with capacitive touch
While most consumer smartphones run Android or the iOS and have capacitive touch screens, most rugged industrial handhelds still use resistive screens and Windows CE/Mobile. Winmate has now introduced the S430T hybrid device, a rugged industrial handheld with a conventional form factor, but equipped with projected capacitive touch and capable of running either Android 2.3.4, Windows CE 6.0 or Windows Mobile 6.5. The IP67-sealed device includes u-blox GPS, and can be equipped with optional WWAN, scanner or RFID. [See description and specs of the Winmate S430T] -- Posted Friday, December 16, 2011 by chb

Motorola Solution introduces MC2100 mobile computer
Motorola Solutions introduced the MC2100, a value-conscious enterprise mobile handheld computer for inventory management and similar tasks. Weighing just 8.5 ounces, the rugged MC2100 runs Windows Embedded CE 6.0 on a 624MHz Marvell PXA320 processor, has a 2.8-inch QVGA display, offers the choice of 1D laser, 1D imager, or 1D/2D imager, and includes push-to-talk. [See description and specs of the Motorola Solutions MC2100] -- Posted Tuesday, December 13, 2011 by chb

Intermec partners with intrinsic safety specialists to create explosion-protected mobile computer product
Intermec and German ecom instruments, a manufacturer of intrinsically safe mobile solutions for over 25 years, have entered a partnership to develop and deliver an explosion-protected mobile computer product for key markets requiring computing solutions for hazardous environments in 2012. In essence, this means that ecom will apply its expertise in modifying mobile devices to meet a variety of intrinsic safety standards to one or more of Intermec's handheld computers. -- Posted Tuesday, December 13, 2011 by chb

AIM/Intermec interview: RFID: Fixed vs. Hand-held Data Collection
AIM (Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility) ran an interesting interview on the issue of fixed vs. handheld data collection with Kurt Mensch, RFID product strategist at Intermec. [Read interview] -- Posted Friday, December 9, 2011 by chb