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        Windows handheld collects in-flight payments

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Oct 27, 2010 | Comments: 1


        GuestLogix announced a Windows-powered handheld computer that lets airline flight attendants sell goods and accept payments via credit or debit cards. The Avata-m includes a 3.5-inch touchscreen for PIN entry and other functionality, an MSR (magnetic stripe reader), a 1D/2D barcode scanner, plus local and wide area networking, the company says.

        GuestLogix's previous handheld for the airline industry, the OnBoard PowerSeller 2, included a numeric keypad and integral thermal printer, and was touted as a "next-generation" device because it allowed customers to enter their own PINs. The handheld's high-security PED (pin entry device) subsystem was said to comply with ECBS (European Committee for Banking Standards) and a variety of other certifications.

        The new Avata-m (right) again includes such a subsystem, allowing airline customers to use either credit cards or debit cards to pay for duty-free goods, in-flight entertainment, and other items. This time, however, the unit has been styled to look and work like a smartphone, along with all-around hardware upgrades (though a printer has been omitted).

        The Avata-m includes an MSR, a 1D/2D barcode scanner, and a 13.56MHz RFID reader, according to GuestLogix. The device is also said to pack a 3.1 megapixel camera with LED flash, a GPS receiver, a miniSD slot, and a SIM slot.

        A primary means of control is the Avata-m's 3.5-inch, 320-by-240-pixel touchscreen, but there are also directional, menu, and OK keys. The handheld additionally includes a USB client/host port and an IrDA port, says GuestLogix.

        Compared to the earlier PowerSeller2, the Avata-m upgrades to a faster 806MHz Marvell PXA320 processor, gets double the memory (now 256MB), and has twice the storage (512MB of flash, upgradeable to 1GB or 2GB). The operating system can be either Windows CE 5.0 or Windows Mobile 6.5, GuestLogix adds.

        The Avata-m is equipped with 802.11b/g wireless networking, Bluetooth 2.0, and GSM/GPRS/EDGE cellular capabilities, GuestLogix says. A standard battery offers 2000mAh, and an extended battery delivers 4000mAh, though run times were not cited.

        Finally, the device is said to be spill-proof and to withstand a five-foot drop onto a concrete floor. While concrete is an unlikely ingredient in aircraft construction, the PowerSeller 2 no doubt copes admirably with turbulence, too.

        Tom Douramakos, president and CEO of Toronto-based GuestLogix, stated, "We believe this new POS device will enable our customers to further maximize the sales in their onboard stores as well as at other travel touch points such as the airline lounge and the departure gate. It delivers smartphone-like simplicity without sacrificing industrial-strength security, functionality, or durability."

        Features and specifications listed by GuestLogix for the Avata-m include:

        • Processor -- Marvell PXA320 clocked at 806MHz
        • Memory -- 256MB of RAM and 512MB, 1GB, or 2GB of flash
        • Display -- 3.5-inch touchscreen with 320 x 240
        • Expansion -- miniSD and SIM slots
        • Wireless:
          • WAN -- GSM/GPRS/EDGE cellular modem
          • WLAN -- 802.11b/g
          • PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
          • GPS receiver
        • Other I/O:
            1D/2D barcode scanner
          • MSR (magnetic stripe reader)
          • RFID reader (HDF, 13.56MHz)
          • USB host/client
        • Battery type -- 2000mAh or 4000mAh
        • Dimensions -- 5.9 x 2.75 x 0.94 inches (150 x 70 x 24mm)
        • Weight -- n/s
        GuestLogix did not release pricing or availability information for the PowerSeller 2. More information may be found on the company's website, here.


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