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        Data collection handheld does RFID, WLAN, WAN

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Oct 30, 2007 | Comments: 1


        CipherLab has introduced a Windows CE-powered data collection handheld that includes barcode scanners and the ability to read and write RFID tags. The 9400 series also offers optional WiFi and quad-band GSM/GRPS/EDGE capabilities, according to the company.



        (Click here for a larger view of the CipherLab 9400 series)

        CipherLab says the 9400 devices are its second product to use Windows CE 5.0. The first was the CPT-9500, introduced last year and still available.

        The four models in the series -- designated 9400, 9470, 9480, and 9490 -- differ only in their wireless capabilities. The 9400 has only Bluetooth 2.0, while the 9470 adds 802.11b/g wireless LAN functionality, said to be power-stingy enough to allow up to 8 hours of operation.

        The 9480 eliminates WiFi in favor of quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE, while the 9490 features both WLAN and WAN radios. The company labels the devices' GSM/GPRS/EDGE capabilities as being "data only." Despite this, however, the devices are described as being compatible with voice-over-IP (VoIP).

        All models in the series use Marvell's familiar PXA270 processor clocked at 520 MHz. They offer 128 MB of RAM and 128 MB of flash, and a miniSD slot permits adding storage.

        The devices have a 3.5-inch VGA touchscreen display and a keyboard with a customer's choice of "28 shared or 59 full alphanumeric" LED-backlit keys, CipherLab says. In addition, there are green, red, and blue LEDs that confirm when a barcode has been successfully scanned, among other functions.

        Imaging capabilities include the barcode scanner and a 2 megapixel camera. The units further feature an RFID reader/writer that operates on the 13.56 MHz band, according to the company.

        Key features and specifications listed by CipherLab for the 9400 series include:
        • Processor -- Marvell PXA 520, clocked at 520 MHz
        • Memory -- 128 MB RAM; 128 MB flash
        • Display -- 3.5 VGA (QVGA also available) touchscreen
        • Keyboard -- 28 shared or 59 full alphanumeric keys, according to customer specification
        • Wireless:
          • WAN -- GSM/GPRS/EDGE quad-band (models 9480 and 9490 only)
          • WLAN -- 802.11b/g (models 9470 and 9490 only)
          • Bluetooth 2.0 (all models)
        • Data input:
          • linear imager/laser/2D scanner
          • 2 megapixel camera
          • RFID reader/writer -- 13.56 MHz; supports ISO 14443A, ISO 14443B, ISO 15693
        • Other I/O: USB host/client via optional charging cradle
        • Expansion -- miniSD slot
        • Dimensions -- 6.7 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches (170 x 90 x 38 mm)
        • Weight -- 14.1 oz (400 g)
        • Operating temperature -- -10 to 50 deg. C
        • Storage temperature -- -20 to 60 deg. C
        CipherLab says the 9400 series is compatible with development tools including embedded Visual C++ 4.0, Visual Studio.NET, Visual Studio 2005, and the Windows CE SDK. The company's own available software solutions are said to include a reader configuration utility, the PowerSuite Forge application generator, Stream wireless studio, and Mirror terminal emulator.

        According to CipherLab, the 9400 will be in production before the end of 2007, and first shipments are expected in Q1 2008. Pricing was not disclosed, but more information is available from the company's website, here.


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