(Click for larger view of the MC17)

Motorola is targeting this new self-scanning handheld at retail environments, such as mass merchandisers, grocery stores, department stores, and pharmacies. According to the company, retail customers can use the device to locate items, check pricing, find complementary products, receive personal recommendations and tailored promotions, and, of course, speed-up the checkout process.

In addition to these uses by store customers, the M17 can also serve as a productivity tool for store employees, through various software applications that assist with inventory management, price verification, and "line busting" tasks.

Key features and specifications of the M17 mobile computer, according to Motorola, include:

• Processor -- PXA255, clocked at 312 MHz
  
• Memory -- 64 MB RAM; 64 MB flash
  
• Display -- high-contrast 2.8-inch QVGA (320 x 240) TFT color LCD (non-touch)
  
• Keyboard -- 6 "fully programmable" keys
  
• Wireless -- 802.11b/g WiFi
  
• Interface port -- USB 1.1 client for use with ActiveSync
  
• Scanner:
  • Light source -- visible laser diode; Class 1
    
  • Scan rate -- 100 scans/sec
    
  • Ambient light -- 10,000 ft. candles
• Dimensions -- 8.11 x 3.2 x 2.3 inches
  
• Weight -- 9.5 ounces with battery
  
• Power -- 2400 mAh Li-ION rechargeable battery
  
• Operating Temperature -- 32 to 104 degrees F
  
• Drop -- withstands multiple 4-foot drops to tile over concrete
  

A platform for custom applications

According to Motorola, the MC17's embedded Windows CE 5.0 software platform "provid[es] a known, user-friendly, and intuitive interface for both customers and retail associates."

The MC17 is equipped with Motorola's "PocketBrowser," which, the company said, allows developers to build "robust mobile applications" that integrate functions such as barcode scanning and mobile printing without requiring "complex coding requirements or CE programming expertise."

Additionally, since the device includes Pocket Internet Explorer 6.0, it can be used with standard web-based applications, enabling "easy integration with current and future POS systems for increased total-cost-of-ownership," Motorola said.

Third-party applications for the MC17 will be available from various Motorola partners, including Agilysis, Modiv Media (formerly MobileLime/Cuesol), Extenda, Pironet, Retaligent, and YACME, Motorola said.

Availability

The MC17 mobile computer is expected to ship in the third quarter of 2007. Pricing was not disclosed.

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