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        Rugged phone includes barcode scanner

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Aug 5, 2009 | Comments: 1


        Unitech has released a Windows phone that includes a 1D barcode scanner. The PA600 PE includes a 3.5-inch touchscreen display, a 20-key keypad, 802.11b/g and Bluetooth wireless, and survives four-foot drops, the company says.


        Unitech's PA600
        (Click image for further information)
        Although it has morphed into a phone, Unitech's new PA600 PE is closely related to the company' previously released handheld computers, the PA600 (right), PA600 MCA, and PA600 HF. Where these devices used Windows CE 5.0, however, the PA600 PE runs Windows Mobile 6.1.

        The device's new phone capabilities are courtesy of a Siemens MC75 radio module, which offers quad-band (850/900/1800/1900MHz) GSM and is compatible with EDGE data rates. Meanwhile, Unitech has bumped the clock speed of the PA600 PE's processor to 624MHz (the previous PA600 devices are clocked at 520MHz).


        Unitech's PA600PE
        (Click to enlarge)

        The PA600 PE has a 3.5-inch touchscreen display with 320 x 240 resolution and an 20-key keypad, says Unitech. The device features 128MB of RAM, 320MB of flash storage, and an SDIO expansion slot. USB host and client interfaces are also cited, and the device can connect to an optional docking station.

        The PA600 PE includes a barcode scanner that reads 14 different 1D symbologies, according to Unitech. Red and green LEDs, plus an audible beeper, are provided to confirm when successful scans have taken place, the company adds.

        According to Unitech, the PA600 PE has a 2200mAh battery that can power the device from 5.5 hours hours up to as long as 12 hours. The device meets the IP64 standard for sealing against dust, dirt, and moisture, and can survive four-foot drops to concrete, the company adds.

        Features and specifications cited by Unitech for the PA600 PE include the following:

        • Processor -- Marvell PXA270 clocked at 624MHz
        • Memory -- 128MB of RAM and 320MB of flash storage
        • Display -- 3.5-inch touchscreen with 320 x 240 resolution
        • Keys -- 20-key alphanumeric keypad, with phone and function keys
        • Wireless:
          • WAN -- Quad-band (850/900/1800/1900MHz) GSM via Siemens MC75 radio module
          • LAN -- 802.11b/g
          • PAN -- Bluetooth
          • Barcode scanner:
            • 1D -- UPC-A/E, EAN-8/13, Codabar, Code 39, Code 39 full ASCII, Code 93, Code 32, Interleaved and Std. 2 of 5, EAN 128, Code 11, Delta, MSI/Plessey, Code 128, Toshiba
        • Other I/O:
          • USB 1.1 host/client
          • Docking connector
        • Expansion -- SDIO slot
        • Operating range -- 14 to 122 deg. F (0 to 50 deg. C)
        • Dimensions -- 5.89 x 3.34 x 1.4 inches (149.5 x 85 x 35.5mm)
        • Weight, with battery -- 10.2 ounces (315g)
        Availability

        Unitech does not list pricing for the PA600 PE, but the device appears to be on sale now. More information may be found on the company's website, here.

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