| Barcode scanning handheld makes voice calls, too |
May 22, 2008
 Handheld USA has announced a Windows Mobile 5.0-based handheld computer aimed at logistics, warehousing, and meter-reading applications. The M3 Mobile has a barcode scanner, two megapixel digital camera, optional GPS, Bluetooth, 802.11b/g wireless, and optional GSM telephony that supports both voice and data, the company says.
(Click here for a larger view of the M3 Mobile)
The M3 Mobile, less than an inch thick, has a 3.5-inch touchscreen display with 320 x 240 QVGA resolution. It includes a standard phone-style numeric keypad, a four-way navigation disc, and dedicated phone answer and hang-up buttons.
The device meets IP64 standards for sealing against water, sand, and dust. It will apparently tolerate careless handling, too: Handheld USA says the M3 Mobile can withstand at least 26 drops onto a concrete surface, from a height of up to five feet. Further, its rated operating and storage temperature ranges are identical, at -20 to 50 deg. C (-4 to 122 deg. F).
The M3 Mobile has an integrated 1D barcode scanner, which Handheld USA says can read "all common barcodes," although these were not listed. An optional pistol grip is said to make scanning easier. For capturing more distant images, the handheld has a two megapixel camera, with integrated LED flash.
Wireless interfaces here include 802.11b/g wireless networking, Bluetooth, and optional GSM capabilities. Unlike most devices targeting the warehouse/barcode scanning market, the M3 Mobile is set up so that it can use cellular networks to make voice calls as well as for data transfers, says the company.
The M3 Mobile has a USB port that, according to Handheld USA, not only works in either host or client modes, but also doubles as an RS232 serial port with an appropriate adapter cable. It also features an IrDA infrared port.
Processing power is provided by the familiar Marvell PXA270, clocked at 520MHz. The M3 Mobile features 128MB of RAM, and 128MB of flash, the latter expandable to 512MB. A Mini SD slot is included as a way to add storage, if required.
Handheld USA cites three different ways of adding GPS to the M3 Mobile. In addition to an internal GPS receiver, it sells an optional car cradle that has its own GPS module, and also resells the Holux M-1000, which provides GPS via Bluetooth.
The M3 Mobile comes with a 2200mAh lithium-ion battery, said to operate the device for up to eight hours.
Features and specifications listed by Handheld USA for the M3 Mobile include:- Processor -- Marvell PXA270 clocked at 520MHz
- Memory -- 128MB RAM, and 128MB flash, expandable to 512MB
- Display -- 3.5-inch touchscreen display with 320 x 240 pixel resolution
- Camera -- two megapixel, with LED flash
- Wireless interfaces:
- WAN -- GSM voice/data (optional; bands not specified)
- LAN -- 802.11b/g
- PAN -- Bluetooth
- GPS -- optional
- Other I/O:
- USB host/client
- RS232 (using USB port, via adapter)
- IrDA
- 1D barcode scanner
- Expansion -- Mini SD slot
- Battery type/life -- 2200mAh lithium-ion battery, rated for 8 hours of operation
- Dimensions -- 6.3 x 3.1 x 0.9 inches
- Weight -- 9.4 ounces
Corvallis, Oregon-based Handheld USA is a division of the Swedish company HHCS (Handheld Computer Specialists) AB. This is worthy of mention since the potential has existed for confusion with Hand Held Products, makers of the Dolphin range of data-collection handhelds. Hand Held Products was acquired by Honeywell in December 2007 and will use the name of its new parent company in the future.
Handheld USA did not cite pricing for the M3 Mobile, but the device is available "immediately."
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