-
your Windows® embedded community
Windows For Devices
your Windows® embedded community
According to Motorola, its new MC65 and MC959B both provide enterprise customers with the flexibility to deploy (and redeploy) the device anywhere in the world, thanks to Qualcomm's Gobi cellular chipset. Previous Motorola devices like the MC9500 (right) allowed buyers to swap out their cellular modules in the field, but that's not necessary this time around, the company says, because the handhelds' 3.5G GSM HSPA and CDMA EVDO Rev A radios are software-selectable.Other than upgrading to the Gobi chipset, the MC959B appears to be identical to the MC9500, so we refer you to our previous coverage, here, for further details. As for the MC65 (below), this model is essentially a more rugged version of the ES400 Enterprise Digital Assistant that was announced in June.
Both Microsoft and Motorola made a big deal of the ES400's Windows Embedded Handheld operating system. Oddly, the OS on the MC65 is now merely described as "Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional." However, the two OSes are pretty much one and the same thing, accompanied yet again by a customized MEUI (Motorola Enterprise User Interface).
The ES400 was said to be sealed against liquids to the IP42 level, and to shrug off single four-foot drops or multiple 1.5-foot hits. The MC65, however, has obviously put in some practice time chewing nails, since it's now said to be IP64-sealed, to withstand multiple six-foot drops (MIL-STD 810G compliant), and to ensure 1,000 1.6-foot tumbles.
None of this entailed any loss of functionality, except that the MC65 seems not to have the fingerprint reader that was touted for the ES400. Also, its screen is more deeply recessed, and the antenna's housing is visible, resulting in a slightly more old-fashioned appearance for those who care about such things.
The MC65 again uses Qualcomm's ARM11-based, 600MHz MSM7627, which provides it with GPS functionality. Featuring a three-axis accelerometer and an ambient ligt sensor, the device comes with 256MB of RAM, 1GB of flash storage, and a microSD slot that supports up to 32GB, Motorola says.
According to Motorola, the MC65 has a 3.5-inch VGA-resolution touchscreen. The device has a 3600mAh battery which lets it operate for approximately eight hours, with six hours of talk time and 100 hours' standby, the company adds.
It's said the MC65 is available either with a 2D imager -- capable of scanning 1D and 2D barcodes -- or with both the 2D imager and a 3.2-megapixel camera. Networking capabilities, meanwhile, include not only cellular, but also 802.11a/b/g wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0, says Motorola.
Finally, the MC65 has an integral keyboard that is available in QWERTY, AZERTY and QWERTZ layouts. Optionally available are a single-slot USB cradle, a vehicle holder, four-slot cradles that can include Ethernet, and an MSR (magnetic stripe reader).
Features and specifications listed by Motorola for its MC65 EDA include:
Further information
Motorola's MC65 and MC959B both appear to be available now, though pricing was not announced. Product information may be found on the company's website, here and here, respectively.
