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        Rugged Windows handheld doubles as smartphone

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Sep 20, 2010 | Comments: 1


        Intermec announced a rugged handheld computer that doubles as a smartphone and is available with either numeric or QWERTY keybpads. The Windows Embedded Handheld-powered CS40 includes a three megapixel camera, 1D/2D barcode scanner, 3.75G telephony, and the ability to withstand four-foot drops, the company says.

        Exemplifying a trend toward convergence, the CS40 (right) is described as "Intermec's smallest rugged mobile computer," and also proposed as an alternative for failure-prone, consumer-grade smartphones. Intermec says the device is appropriate for mobile workforces in pre-sales, merchandising, field service, and long haul transportation.

        Like Motorola's conceptually similar ES300 Enterprise Digital Assistant (announced in June), Intermec's CS40 employs Microsoft's Windows Embedded Handheld. As yet little-deployed, this operating system is based on Windows Mobile 6.5.3, but is provided with long-life support and marketed by Microsoft's Windows Embedded business unit.

        According to Intermec, the CS40 includes four radios: 802.11b/g wireless networking (with Cisco CCX extensions), Bluetooth 2.1, a GPS receiver, and 3.75G voice/data cellular with HSUPA (high speed uplink packet access). The latter provides uploads at up to 2.0Mbps and downloads at up to 7.2Mbps, the company says.

        The CS40 also offers a three megapixel, fixed-focus camera complete with flash, and a 1D/2D imager with "laser-like" aimer. The image is capable of scanning: 1D and 2D barcodes as small as five mil; PDF as small as 6.6 mil; data matrix as small as 7.5 mil; and standard UPCs from as far as 30.9cm (12 inches), Intermec says.

        Offered with a choice of backlit, "wear proof" keypads -- either the QWERTY keypad style shown or a more telephone-like offering -- the CS40 is said to meet IP54 standards for sealing against liquids and dust, plus MIL-STD 810G standards for surviving multiple four-foot drops. Operating range extends from 14 to 122 deg. F, the company says.

        According to Intermec, the CS40 employs an undisclosed ARM11 application processor, plus an ARM9 radio processor, both clocked at 528MHz. Equipped with 256MB of RAM and 512MB of flash storage, the device has a microSD expansion slot for expansion, adds the company.

        Intermec says the CS40 has a 2.8-inch touchscreen, viewable even in full sunlight, that has a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. The device's 1430mAh battery is said to provide a full day of operation.

        Features and specifications listed by Intermec for the CS40 include:

        • Processor -- ARM11 application processor and ARM9 radio processor, both at 528MHz
        • Memory -- 256MB of RAM and 512MB of flash storage
        • Display -- 2.8-inch touchscreen with 320 x 240 pixel resolution
        • Keyboard -- numeric keypad or QWERTY, both backlit
        • Imaging -- 3 megapixel camera with flash; 1D/2D barcode scanner
        • Expansion -- microSD slot
        • Wireless:
          • WLAN -- 802.11b/g with Cisco CCX extensions
          • PAN -- Bluetooth 2.1
          • WAN -- 3.75G cellular (UMTS frequencies 850, 1700, 1900, and 2100MHz; GSM/GPRS frequencies of 850/900/1800/1900MHz)
          • GPS receiver
        • Other I/O -- USB 2.0 On-The-Go
        • Battery -- 1430mAh lithium-ion
        • Operating range -- 14 to 122 deg. F (-10 to 50 deg. C)
        • Dimensions -- 5.25 x 2.46 x .94 inches (13.3 x 6.3 x 2.4cm)
        • Weight -- 6.9 ounces (196gm)
        Pat Byrne, president & CEO of Intermec, stated, "Businesses ... need ...devices that can handle the rigors of inclement weather and accidental drops to non-cushioned surfaces, not smartphones that are built to run social networking applications and play music. The CS40 and Intermec's broad portfolio of software, services and peripherals provides the industry's first true comprehensive and seamlessly integrated business solution."

        Kevin Dallas general manager of Microsoft's Windows Embedded Business Unit, stated, "Powered by Windows Embedded Handheld (based on Windows Mobile 6.5 technologies), the Intermec CS40 offers business professionals the ability to capture, access, and act on business critical information where and when they need it. Our collaboration with Intermec is another example of Microsoft's continued commitment to meeting the demands of modern enterprises with innovative, high-performance and connected enterprise handheld devices."

        Further information

        Intermec did not release pricing for the CS40, but said the device will go on sale during the fourth quarter. More information may be found on the company's product page for the device, here.

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