| Camera-equipped barcode scanner runs Windows CE |
Feb. 26, 2008
 Casio has introduced a Windows CE 5.0-based handheld computer intended for 1D barcode scanning applications. The Cassiopeia IT-600 features a CMOS imager, VGA touchscreen display, Bluetooth, IrDA, and an optional camera that works even in low light, according to the company.
(Click here for a larger view of Casio's Cassiopeia IT-600)
The IT-600 appears to be ready for any encounters with damp warehouses or butterfingered employees. It withstands four-foot drops onto a concrete floor, and complies with IEC standard IEC60529, meeting protection level 5 for resistance to dust and protection level 4 for water-splash resistance, according to Casio.
In addition to a 3.7-inch VGA touchcreen display, the device has an uncluttered 21-key keyboard, including left, right, and center trigger keys (seen in the picture above). It runs a Marvell PXA250 processor, clocked at 520MHz.
The IT-600 features 64MB and 128MB of flash memory, of which Casio estimates about 80MB to be available for user data. For memory expansion, a Mini SD slot can be found inside the battery compartment. As for the battery itself, it is an 1850mAH or 3700mAh pack, the larger of which can last for up to 22 hours, Casio claims.
The device's CMOS imager scans at distances from 2.4 to 12 inches. It is said to be compatible with a wide range of 1D barcode symbologies, as listed in the table below. Successful scans can be confirmed via LED, a buzzer, or vibrating feedback.
Wireless 802.11b networking is optional. Standard interfaces, on the other hand, include Bluetooth 1.2, USB 1.1 (both host and client), and the less commonly found IrDA.
Another option is a one-megapixel camera. More distinctive than it sounds, this is claimed to allow picture-taking in low-light environments, even without flash. This is especially useful in evening-time parking enforcement situations, or any other application that requires images to be taken as evidence, Casio suggests.
Features and specifications listed by Casio for the IT-600 include:- Processor -- Marvell PXA270 clocked at 520MHz
- Memory -- 64MB RAM, 128MB flash
- Display -- 3.7-inch VGA touchscreen display
- Keyboard -- 21-key, with three scanning triggers
- Camera -- one megapixel, with low-light capability
- Bar code scanner:
- Scans from 2.4 to 12 inches
- Symbologies -- UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN8, EAN13, Codabar(NW-7), Code39, Interleaved 2of5 (ITF), MSI, Industrial 2of5, Code93, Code128, (EAN128), IATA, RSS-14, RSS Limited, RSS Expanded, RSS-14 Stacked, RSS Expanded Stacked
- Wireless interfaces:
- Bluetooth 1.2
- IrDA
- 802.11b WLAN (optional)
- Other I/O -- USB 1.1 (host/client)
- Expansion -- Mini SD card in battery compartment
- Battery type/life:
- 1850mAh lihium-ion battery rated for 11-hour life
- 3700mAh lithium-ion battery (optional) rated for 22-hour life
- Dimensions -- 6.5 x 3.2 x 1.1 inches
- Weight -- 10 ounces
- Operating temperature range -- -10 to 50 deg. C (14 to 122 deg. F)
The IT-600 is available now, according to Casio, but list pricing was not announced.
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