(Click here for a larger view of Idtronic's Ezit II)

Idtronic's ISO 14443A/B RFID reader (Click image for further information)

Though it targets RFID applications, the Ezit II doesn't include an integral RFID reader. Rather, its CompactFlash slot is designed to accept one of the company's three optional CF-based readers, which are then protected via the special extension cap shown above. The ISO 14443A/B (right), for example, is a double-height CF card that communicates with transponders including NXP's Mifare MF1S50, MF1S70, DESfire and Ultralight, as well as the STM 176 transponder. As its name suggests, the device also supports a variety of ISO 14443 A/B tags.

The Ezit II's CF slot is also the means for users to add its optional GPS and GSM/GRPS data capabilities, which therefore cannot coexist with the RFID functionality. There is an SD card slot, but its functionality appears limited to storage expansion, with support for up to 1GB of flash memory.

Idtronic has chosen Windows CE 5.0 for the Ezit II, which runs the operating system on Marvell's PXA255 processor clocked at 400MHz. The device has 128MB of RAM and 64MB of flash memory.

Along with its 3.5-inch touchscreen display, the Ezit II has a 16-key numeric keyboard, a dedicated hotkey to trigger scans, a navigation keypad, and four additional function keys. It meets IP45 standards for sealing against liquids and dust, and can also survive 3-foot drops onto concrete, according to Idtronic.

Features and specifications listed by Idtronic for the Ezit II include:

• Processor -- Marvell PXA255 clocked at 400MHz
  
• Memory -- 128MB of RAM and 64MB of flash
  
• Display -- 3.5-inch touchscreen display with 320 x 240 resolution
  
• Keyboard -- 16-key numeric keyboard, dedicated hotkey to trigger scans, four function keys, four-way navigation keypad
  
• I/O:
  • 1 x USB
    
  • 1 x RS232
• Expansion:
  • CompactFlash slot
    
  • SD slot
• Operating temperature range -- -10 to 50 deg. C
  
• Battery type -- 3000mAh lithium-ion
  
• Dimensions -- 9 x 3.6 x 1.7 inches (230 x 91 x 43mm)
  
• Weight -- 24.7 ounces (700g)

Idtronic released neither pricing nor availability information, but the Ezit II appears to be on sale now.

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