Today’s mobile workforce faces a variety of different challenges when information is spread across multiple devices. The Motorola ES400 EDA allows mobile managers and task workers to be empowered by giving them the tools and access to the applications needed to complete any job from any location. The Motorola ES400 EDA features:

• 600 MHz, ARM 11 processor, MSM 7627
• 256MB RAM/1GB Flash
• Military Standard (MIL-STD) 810G 4 ft. drop specification
• 32º F to 104º F operating temperature
• Meets MIL-STD 810G rain standards and IP42 sealing
• Windows Mobile 6.5.3 Professional

With dual 3.5G broadband WAN connections, devices can be deployed in pools anywhere in the world, on virtually any network. This allows mobile workers to easily capture photos, videos, barcodes and documents instantly, so there’s no confusion over hand-written information.

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Datlogics’ latest Gryphon GBT4100 readers feature Bluetooth® Technology, eliminating the need for cables that can limit operator movement and cause safety concerns in the workplace. The GBT4100 easily transmits data to a host via its base station, in addition to any commercial or embedded Bluetooth® v2.0 compliant device.

The reader can also serve as an imager, being able to be used as a hands-free or presentation style reader. The GBT4100 also has Scan-While-Charging capabilities, eliminating concerns about depleted of dead batteries and thus ensuring constant up-time and increased productivity.

The reader’s batch mode allows more than 1200 barcodes stored in the memory and boasts a whopping 33,000 scans per charge, making for virtually limitless mobility and reliable data collection, even when out-of-range.

To learn more about Datalogic and their product offerings, click here.

Often times, companies will deploy rugged mobile computers and prematurely retire them, not because the devices are physically damaged, but because their processors, software and data capture capabilities are thought to be inefficient or obsolete, costing companies unnecessary money. When the life cycle of a device decreases, reducing the ROI and ultimately the total cost of ownership.

However, there are many ways to future proof mobile devices so that they can fulfill their lifecycle, ultimately saving money. While choosing a rugged device is always good for physical longevity, it’s important to take emerging technologies into consideration.

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If you’ve ever taken your laptop outdoors on a sunny day, it instantly becomes apparent that the screen is unable to be read. Such is the same with a mobile computer. If your mobile computer is intended to be used primarily outdoors, sunlight-readable displays are a must. While some rugged computers come standard with an outdoor display screen, others offer outdoor visibility, some have hi-bright and anti-glare, and others even have a transflective, sunlight-readable display that makes use of ambient light in order to brighten the screen. While hi-bright screens are good, they take up a significant amount of the battery power, so it’s important to pair a hi-bright option with a high-capacity battery option.

Touchscreen displays are becoming quite popular as an option on rugged mobile computers, and come with tablet PC’s since they do not have a keyboard/mouse. Tablet PC touchscreens are offered via finger-touch, or via stylus, which allows for handwriting and signature capture directly on the screen.

Aside from touch and outdoor displays, the size of the display screen can vary and should be taken into consideration based on the intended application.

Resolution is also an important aspect of the screen. The higher the resolution, the more pixels can be displayed, and thus more can be shown on the monitor at once.

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Just as workers need to adjust their outfits to work in a cold storage area, mobile computers must be built to perform in such conditions. Standard mobile computers will deliver less than standard performance if they are consistently used inside freezers or frequently exposed to extreme temperature changes. Let’s take a look at the various conditions caused by the cold that can lead to trouble for some mobile computers.

Frost
Frost can become a big problem for LCD screen visibility and can also cause keys to stick. In addition, if frost covers an image capture devices optical ports, it will not function. In this scenario, workers would have to resort to manual data entry, running the risk of errors.

Condensation
Much like frost, condensation can cause screens and scanners to be unusable. However, condensation is a more serious issue because it can occur inside the screen or scan window, making it difficult to be cleared away and ultimately causing internal parts to corrode or short-circuit.

Cold Air
When the temperature drops below a certain level, batteries are unable to release their energy, causing battery-powered mobile devices to slow down and reduce their overall efficiency. In addition, radio waves travel differently in cold air, so users may experience less range from their wireless LAN systems.

Insulation
The insulation used to keep cold air in can restrict the movement of radio waves because it absorbs RF signals, creating a multipath effect that causes signals to bounce off obstacles and arrive at the access points at different times.

If you take your mobile computer into a freezer or other cold area for a short period of time, your mobile computer won’t stop working. Standard mobile computers will perform with normal function down to approximately -10◦ F. However, the amount of exposure to cold conditions and the frequency of transition from cold to warm need to be taken into consideration for determining if special cold-environment equipment is needed.

This article was based on a white paper from LXE. Download the full version here.