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Motorola's ES400S is essentially a Sprint-branded version of the ES400 (right) released in June, with no significant hardware or software changes that we can detect. As before, the device is said to offer both GSM HSDPA/HSUPA and CDMA-EVDO Rev. A telephony, the former allowing worldwide communications and the latter allowing connectivity via the Sprint network.Sprint calls the ES400S "the first Motorola enterprise handheld device to be carrier-branded, stocked and sold to businesses of all sizes through Sprint sales channels." It will also be available through Sprint Business Solutions Partners, which can provide value-added services, including advanced help desks and application integration, the company adds.
The ES400 was touted as the first device to run Microsoft's Windows Embedded Handheld operating system. In a future version, this OS will be based on Windows Embedded Compact 7, according to Microsoft, but for now, it's a modified version of Windows Mobile 6.5.3.
Like the recently announced MC65, the ES400 features Motorola's own MEUI (Motorola Enterprise User Interface), which may be tailored by users "to improve their unique workflow and maximize on-the-job efficiency," the company says. Presumably compatible with any Windows Mobile applications, the handheld includes Microsoft's Office Mobile software and Internet Explorer web browser.
The ES400S is smaller and more pocketable than Motorola's other enterprise handhelds, and wouldn't be likely to draw questioning glances in any setting. However, says Motorola, the handheld goes beyond an ordinary smartphone in a variety of different ways.
One of these is toughness: The device is said to be sealed against liquids to the IP42 level, and to shrug off single four-foot drops or multiple 1.6-foot hits.
Also, while the ES400S has the expected camera (an autofocus unit packing 3.2 megapixels in this case), Motorola's is tuned to act as a 1D/2D barcode scanner. The device has a red line LED aimer and a one button push-to-scan function, the company says.
According to Motorola, the ES400S includes a fingerprint reader for biometric security. In addition, the device is said to offer 802.11a wireless networking, relatively interference-free, as well as the 802.11b/g versions commonly found on consumer devices.
The ES400S is said to use Qualcomm's ARM11-based MSM7627, which provides it with GPS functionality. The device comes with 256MB of RAM, 1GB of flash storage, and a microSD slot that supports up to 32GB, Motorola adds.
Motorola and Sprint say the ES400S has a three-inch, VGA-resolution touchscreen that is usable indoors and out, due to a 750-nit brightness rating. "PenTile" screen technology minimizes power consumption, and the device can operate for a minimum of eight hours with fifteen minutes per hour of voice communication, GPS on all the time, and 10KB of data transmission every ten minutes, the company claims. (In other circumstances, the battery may last twice as long, Motorola adds.)
Finally, the ES400S has an integral keyboard that is available in QWERTY, AZERTY and QWERTZ layouts. Optionally available are a single-slot charging cradle, a vehicle holder, and a holster, while Motorola promises its enterprise customers that the device will be available for a minimum of three years.
Features and specifications listed by Motorola for its ES400S include:
Further information
According to Sprint, the ES400S will be available by the end of next month for approximately $500 to "qualifying business customers," or for approximately $550 with a new line or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement. Extensive product information may be found on Motorola's website, here.
