wireless networking, Bluetooth, and several different keyboard options.
(Click here for a larger view of Motorola's MC5590)Despite
recent financial losses and
falling market share, Motorola is America's top cellphone manufacturer. But, through its profitable Enterprise Mobility Solutions division, the company is also a prime marketer of handheld devices that omit cellular capabilities, emphasizing VoIP telephony instead.
Motorola says VoIP-oriented devices like the new MC5590 handheld are ideal for indoor spaces, where cellular coverage may be poor but where wireless networking "dial tone" is readily available. The cost-effective technology allows colleagues to reach each other privately, without resorting to an intrusive overhead paging system, the company adds.
Motorola EWP1000 and EWP2000
(Click image to enlarge) |
Last year, Motorola released the
EWP1000 and EWP2000 (right), Windows Mobile 6.1 devices that it says offer all the functionality of a PBX desk phone, complete with extension-based numbers, push-to-talk instant calling, group calling, and call forwarding, transferring, and waiting. The new MC5590 EDA is not telephony-oriented to the same degree, but arguably offers more flexibility as a handheld computer.
The MC5590The MC5590 is available with either a 26-key numeric keypad, for smartphone-like operation, or a 44-key alphanumeric keyboard in QWERTY, AZERTY (French), or QWERTZ (German and Central European) layouts. Also, the device is available with or without a two-megapixel autofocus camera, and with or without 1D and 2D barcode scanners. The 1D laser barcode scanner and 2D 640 x 480 pixel image scanner operate at distances up to 24 inches or 16 inches, respectively, Motorola says.
Like many of Motorola's other handheld computers, the MC5590 is rated to withstand four-foot drops to concrete, and up to 250 1.6-foot "tumbles." The unit's gray case meets the IP54 rating for resistance to liquids and dust, and resists electrostatic discharges of up to 12KV, according to the company.
Motorola says the MC5590 runs Windows Mobile 6.1, with a 520MHz Marvell processor, 128MB of RAM, 256MB of flash storage, and a microSD slot for up to 2GB of memory expansion. The device has a 3.5-inch touchscreen display with QVGA (320 x 240) resolution and LED backlighting, according to the company.
As noted, the MC5590 has wireless networking, including 802.11a compatibility for customers who prefer to use the more secure, interference-free 5GHz band. The device includes Bluetooth 2.0 and a USB port. Naturally, given the VoIP orientation, a speaker and microphone are also present.
Finally, Motorola offers both a standard 2400mAh lithium-ion pack is standard, and a 3600mAh pack is available. With the standard battery, the device can operate for eight hours, "based on 600 scans and WLAN transmits per hour," the company says.
Features and specifications cited by Motorola for the MC5590 include:
- Processor -- Marvell PXA270 clocked at 520MHz
- Memory -- 128MB of RAM and 256MB of flash storage
- Display -- 3.5-inch QVGA touchscreen display
- Camera -- 2 megapixel, with autofocus and user-controllable flash
- Barcode scanners (optional) -- 1D laser scanner and 2D imager with 640 x 480 pixel resolution and grayscale support
- Keypad options -- Numeric keypad, or alphanumeric keypad with QWERTY, AZERTY, or QWERTZ layouts
- Wireless:
- WLAN -- 802.11a/b/g
- PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
- Other I/O -- USB
- Expansion:
- Connector for cradle
- MicroSD slot
- Batteries -- lithium-ion, 2400mAh (standard) and 3600mAh (optional)
- Environmental specifications:
- Operating temperature -- -10 to 50 deg. C
- Drop resistance -- 4 ft. drop to concrete, 250 41.6-foot tumbles
- Dust/liquid sealing -- meets IP54 standard
- Dimensions -- 5.78 x 3.03 x 1.06 inches (147 x 77 x 27mm)
- Weight, with standard battery -- 11.1 ounces (31g)
Motorola did not release pricing or availability information for the MC5590. More information may be found on the company's website,
here.
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