barcode scanners, the company says.

(Click here for a larger view of DT Research's WebDT 430)

Introducing its new devices at today's National Retail Federation (NRF) Show, DT Research positioned the WebDT 430 and 435 as being aimed squarely at POS applications. Apparently in order to enhance security and keep costs down, the computers eschew GPS, cellular capability, web browsing, and expansion slots. However, says the company, they include standard MSRs (as pictured in use above), plus optional 1D/2D barcode scanners and RFID readers.


DTResearch's WebDT 430 (left) and WebDT 435 (right)
(Click to enlarge)
The WebDT 430 (above left) features a 4.3-inch screen -- claimed to be the largest on any handheld POS device -- with 480 x 272 resolution, plus four programmable function keys. The WebDT 435 (above right) has a 3.5-inch screen with 640 x 480 resolution, plus a numeric keypad.

Both units have dual buttons to trigger barcode scans, and they're IP65-rated for water and dust resistance, according to DT Research. Both also share the same ABS-reinforced case, which measures 6.3 x 3.4 x 1.2 inches.

The devices run Windows CE 5.0 and use Samsung's 533MHz S3C2440, 128MB of RAM, and 128MB of RAM. As we've indicated, there are no expansion slots, so it apparently isn't possible to add memory. However, the WebDT 430 and 435 can readily offload data to backend systems via USB, IrDA (optional), Bluetooth, or WiFi, says DT Research.

Meanwhile, the 3800mAh lithium-ion battery found in the handhelds can reportedly power the WebDT 430 and WebDT 435 for up to eight hours. Thanks to a 230mAh backup battery, a fully charged replacement may be swapped in without loss of data, the company adds.

Though DT Research didn't specify whether the devices will run VoIP software, both handhelds do include mono microphones and speakers, as well as headphone jacks. In addition, they include a "vibrating alert function," said to be useful, for example, for alerting waiters when an order is ready.

Features and specifications listed by DT Research for the WebDT 430 and 435 include:

• Processor -- Samsung S3C2440 clocked at 533MHz
  
• Memory -- 128MB of RAM and 128MB of flash storage
  
• Display/keyboard:
  • WebDT 430 -- 4.3-inch display, with 480 x 272 resolution, plus four function keys
    
  • WebDT 435 -- 3.5-inch display, with 640 x 480 resolution, plus 21-key numeric keypad
• Wireless:
  • WLAN -- 802.11b/g
    
  • PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
    
  • RFID (optional)
    
  • IrDA (optional)
    
  • 1D/2D barcode scanner
• Other I/O:
  • Headphone jack
    
  • 1 x USB 1.1 device port
    
  • Interface for charging cradle
    
  • DC input jack
• Battery type/life -- 3800mAh battery works for up to eight hours; hot-swappable
  
• Dimensions -- 6.3 x 3.4 x 1.2 inches (160 x 86 x 30mm)
  
• Weight -- 0.9 pounds (415g)

Further information

According to DT Research, the WebDT 430 and 435 will be available in February, with prices that start at approximately $1,000. Further information may be found on the company's website, here.

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