(Click here for larger image)Socket says the SDSC 3M is perfect for applications requiring a portable, easy-to-use and accurate method of collecting barcoded data. At "half the weight and size of its competitors," the unit allows for one-handed operation. Its SE-955 Class 1 laser can scan up to 30 inches, depending on barcode size, and can read damaged or poor quality labels even on curved or reflective surfaces, according to the company. It's also designed to be "battery friendly," consuming just under 50 mW in the idle state.
According to Socket product marketing manager Vanessa Lindsay, "Today, companies are gravitating towards bar code scanning technology to automate data collection, reduce errors, and maximize efficiency. With the SDSC 3M, scanning data is 50 times faster and 10,000 times more accurate than manual data entry."
Socket says that the SDSC 3M runs on any Pocket PC or PDA running Windows Mobile 2003, 2003SE, or 5.0, or Palm OS 4.1 or greater. It comes with the company's SocketScan keyboard emulation software, which directs scanned data into any Windows Mobile or Palm application as virtual keystrokes. An SDK (software developers kit) is available separately for developers who wish to embed control of the SDSC 3M into their applications.
The SDSC 3M is currently available, priced at just under $400.
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