Enterprise mobile hardware roundup: Jan. 3-12, 2006

- Gary Thayer, Editor

Jan. 12, 2006 -- (MobileVillage) -- Here is roundup of noteworthy new or updated hardware for mobile business users.

BlueTree Wireless Data has added two new EvDO modems for both mobile data and telemetry applications -- the IP 4600 and the GPS 5600. New to the IP 4600 and GPS is a second cellular antenna connector that improves receiver sensitivity by up to 3dB on both 800 MHz and 1900 MHz bands. The GPS 5600 also features Trimble's new low power GPS receiver, the Lassen iQ module that supports TAIP and NMEA 0183 message protocols. It features 12-channel simultaneous operation with Dual Sensitivity modes and automatic switching for improved GPS accuracy. The IP 4600 and the GPS 5600 modems are available at BlueTreeWireless.com.

DualCor Technologies is at CES this weekend in Las Vegas, previewing the DualCor cPC, a high-end handheld computer that runs either Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 and Windows Mobile 5.0 operating systems. Measuring 6.5" x 3.3" x 1.2", the DualCor cPC has a patented dual processor architecture (1.5 GHz and 400 MHz) and integrated 40GB hard drive allows it to run fully enabled desktop applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, and full versions of enterprise applications. Other features include: 1 GB of DDR2 RAM; a 5" inch, 800x480 resolution, a color touch screen display; three USB Hi-Speed 2.0 ports; a headset and phone jack; integrated Compact Flash Type II; mini-VGA port; speaker, microphone, mouse controls, stowaway keyboard, integrated track-stick navigation, and an adjustable display-angle docking system. The DualCor cPC will retail for US $1,500 and is expected to be available by March.

Iqua, a Finnish company started by ex Nokia designers, is also showing some of its products at CES. Among Iqua's two enterprise offerings are the Smart Badge (at left) -- an identification card holder with wireless call manager that can double as a cellular phone -- and the Iqua UFO -- a portable tabletop Bluetooth handsfree conference speakerphone. The company also makes Bluetooth headsets, including one that attaches to the back of a car seat headrest. Iqua did not provide product pricing. For more information see iqua.com. IPEVO is also at CES showing its new Skype compatible FLY-1 wireless handset and four speaker Xing USB speakerphone. The FLY-1 is designed for use within proximity to the user's PC, and has no WiFi or cellular capability. It has a 2.5" LCD display. No word on pricing or availability; for product details see ipevo.com.

Nordic ID, a Finnish specialist in handheld terminals and data collection, has launched the PL3000 handheld for UHF data collection systems. The company says that its handheld is the first device of its type that can be used on European frequency bands. The handheld supports ISO18000-6 B, UCODE and EPC 1.19 standards. ISO18000-6 A, EPC Class 1 Gen 1 and EPC Class1 Gen 2 versions will be introduced shortly. Nordic ID's PL3000 weighs only 500g and its level of power consumption and ergonomic design allows it to be used for long periods with a single hand.

The PL3000 offers a variety of wireless communication technologies including WLAN and Bluetooth for local environments and GPRS or GSM for remote applications. In addition to the UHF RFID reader, the PL3000 can be equipped with barcode and 2D code readers. For more information, see nordicid.com.

Socket Communications has added the Go Wi-Fi! P500, an 802.11g CF Wireless LAN card for devices running Windows Mobile 2003/SE, Windows Mobile 5.0, and Linux. The Go Wi-Fi! P500 includes software that enables users to find, connect and manage Wi-Fi networks. The card is compatible with both 802.11b and 802.11g standards, supports voice over Wi-Fi, and has an Automatic Power Saving Mode. The Go Wi-Fi! P500 will retail for US $99 and will be available in February at socketcom.com and other distributors.

Symbol added the MC70 rugged mobile computer, with Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 and wireless connectivity including GSM/EDGE cellular voice/data communications, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. See details here.

TRENDnet released its TBW-103UB 802.11g WiFi & Bluetooth Combo USB 2.0 Adapter, which integrates WiFi and Bluetooth. By connecting the adapter to a regular laptop USB port, users can sync contact files, share photos, listen to music or make VoIP calls via their Bluetooth-equipped cell phone or headset. The device also includes an adjustable antenna to help improve signal strength gain and transmission. The TBW-103UB retails for US $70 and includes a three year warranty. For more information, see trendnet.com.

Zebra Technologies introduced the QL Plus mobile printer, an enhanced version of Zebra's QL series. The new QL Plus series comes with a high-speed, 32-bit processor and a large memory capacity for printing complex formats and fonts, such as Kanji (Japanese characters) as well as other Asian character sets. The new QL Plus also features an improved radio design for faster communications and USB 2.0 connectivity for quick file transfers. Customers can choose from several wireless connectivity options, such as wireless local area networks (LANs), 802.11b, and Bluetooth technology with Zebra's QuickLink radio modules. The QL Plus will be available in February at zebra.com.

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