four-foot drops, the company says.

(Click here for a larger view of Unitech's PA600 MCA)

Unitech's PA600 (Click image for further information)

Not to be confused with Intel's similarly named MCA reference platform for Windows tablets, the PA600 MCA is also aimed at medical applications, but runs Windows CE 5.0 in a handheld form factor. In fact, it's an enhanced version of Unitech's previously released PA600 handheld, which did not include the newly available 802.11b/g and RFID facilities.

The PA600 MCA has a white-and-blue color scheme touted as blending in with medical equipment and, more important, also includes a case made of special antimicrobal material. Like that of the similarly specialized Socket Mobile SoMo 650Rx we covered recently, the material is designed to help prevent the spread of MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) infections, which have become increasingly common in hospitals.

According to Unitech, another key aspect of the PA600 MCA for medical use is its built-in RFID capabilities. Using the 13.56MHz band, the device supports ISO 15693, ISO 14443A, and ISO 14443B RFID standards, and is compatible with Microsoft's BizTalk Server, Unitech says. The handheld also includes a 1D/2D barcode scanner that's said to be compatible with a wide variety of symbologies.

The PA600 MCA has a 3.5-inch touchscreen display with 320 x 240 resolution and an 18-key numeric keypad, says Unitech. The handheld is built around a 520MHz Marvell PXA270 processor, and features 128 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.

According to Unitech, the PA600 MCA has a 2200mAh battery that can power the device from four hours up to as long as 14 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.

Finally, the PA600 MCA has red and green LEDs plus an audible beeper, apparently used to confirm when successful scans have taken place. The handheld also has a microphone and speaker, and would presumably be compatible with VoIP applications.

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

• Processor -- Marvell PXA270 clocked at 520MHz
  
• Memory -- 128MB of RAM and 320MB of flash storage
  
• Display -- 3.5-inch touchscreen with 320 x 240 resolution
  
• Keys -- 18-key alphanumeric keypad, with function keys
  
• Wireless:
  • LAN -- 802.11b/g
    
  • PAN -- Bluetooth
    
  • RFID -- 13.56MHz, compatible with ISO 15693, ISO 14443A, ISO 14443B
    
  • 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
      
    • 2D -- Composite, Data Matrix, MaxiCode, PDF-417, Postal Code, QR Code
• Other I/O:
  • USB host/guest
    
  • 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 -- 11.1 ounces (315g)

Availability

Unitech does not list pricing for the PA600 MCA, which is also known as the "PA 600 Healthcare" in some markets, but the device appears to be on sale now. More information may be found on the company's website, here.

---

Related stories:

• Medical handheld has antimicrobial case
  
• Security-conscious handheld deletes radio options
  
• Medical tablet has camera, RFID
  
• Advantech spins medical tablet
  
• Medical tablet has sealed case
  
• Panel PC is designed for medical use
  
• Medical tablet has sealed case
  
• Tablet PC has camera, RFID reader
  
• Wireless tablet mobilizes medical data
  
• Pocket-sized rugged handheld runs Windows Mobile