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        Profile: M3 Mobile M3 Orange

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Nov 30, 2011 | Comments: 1


        Idtronic GmbH announced a Windows Mobile 6.5-based handheld computer that includes a HF RFID reader, a 1D/2D scanner, a three megapixel camera, a GPS receiver, and GPRS/GSM cellular connectivity. The M3 Orange has a 3.5-inch touchscreen with 320 x 240 pixel resolution, a QWERTY or AZERTY keyboard, an 806MHz Marvell PXA320 processor, 256MB of RAM, and 512MB of flash storage.

        Billed as new by Ludwigshafen, Germany-based Idtronic, the M3 Orange in fact demonstrates the stable requirements of customers seeking handheld computers for their warehousing operations. We find that the device (pictured) is actually a product of the Korean firm M3 Mobile, which has offered it since last year (indeed, an earlier 520MHz version was announced by Handheld USA in 2008).

        In most respects, though, the M3 Orange could have been designed this year. It runs Windows Mobile 6.5 on a relatively speedy 806MHz Marvell PXA320 processor, includes the 256MB of RAM and 512MB of flash storage that's typical on industrial handheld computers, has a microSD expansion slot, and offers a full complement of wireless capabilities.

        Regarding the latter, the M3 Orange has a HSDPA/EDGE/GPRS/GSM cellular modem -- voice capabilities weren't mentioned -- plus 802.11a/b/g wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0, according to M3 Mobile. It also includes a SiRF starIII-based GPS receiver, the company adds.

        Scanning capabilities, meanwhile, are said to include a 13.56MHz (HF) RFID reader (compatible with ISO 14443A/B and ISO 15693 tags) plus a 1D laser scanner and 2D imager. The M3 Orange offers a three megapixel camera with autofocus and LED flash, too, says M3 Mobile.

        According to M3 Mobile, the Orange comes with a 3,300mAh or 4,500mAh battery (durations unspecified) and operates in temperatures from -4 to 140 deg. F. Like most of its competitors, it caters to the butter-fingered by surviving five-foot drops, and it meets IP65 standards, the company adds.


        The M3 Orange is available with different keyboard layouts

        Finally, the M3 Orange comes with a numeric keypad and four-way controller, or with QWERTY or AZERTY keypads. It includes a USB 1.1 host port, a USB 1.1 client port, and an RS232 port, while Ethernet may be added via an optional cradle, M3 Mobile notes.

        Specifications listed for the M3 Orange by M3 Mobile include:

        • Processor -- Marvell PXA320 clocked at 806MHz
        • Memory -- 256MB of RAM and 256MB or 512MB of flash storage
        • Display -- 3.5-inch resistive touchscreen with resolution of 320 x 240 pixels
        • Expansion -- microSD slot
        • Networking:
          • WLAN -- 802.11a/b/g
          • WWAN -- HSDPA/EDGE/GPRS/GSM
          • PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
          • LAN -- Ethernet (with optional cradle)
        • Imaging:
          • 1D laser scanner
          • 2D barcode scanner
          • 3.0 megapixel camera with autofocus and LED flash
          • 13.56MHz RFID reader
        • Other I/O:
          • 1 x USB 1.1 host
          • 1 x USB 1.1 client
          • RS232 port
        • Power -- 3,300mAh or 4,500mAh battery (duration n/s)
        • Operating range -- -4 to 140 deg. F
        • Dimensions -- 6.5 x 3 x 1 inches
        • Weight, including battery -- 11.4 ounces
        Further information

        Idtronic did not cite pricing for the M3 Orange. More information may be found on Idtronic's announcement page or M3 Mobile's product page.

        Jonathan Angel can be reached at jonathan.angel@ziffdavisenterprise.com and followed at www.twitter.com/gadgetsense.

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