| Rugged scanning handheld features GPS, 3G telephony |
Jun. 10, 2008
 America's largest mobile phone maker has unveiled a rugged cellular-connected handheld with long-term availability. Merging mobile phone, PDA, scanning, and imaging capabilities, the ruggedized, GPS-equipped Motorola MC75 "Enterprise Digital Assistant" runs Windows Mobile 6.0, offers numeric or alphanumeric keypads, and boasts a 3.5-inch, VGA touchscreen display.
(Click here for a larger view of Motorola's MC75)
Motorola (formerly Symbol)
MC70 Enterprise Digital Assistant
(Click for details) |
In part, the MC75 is a cell phone that works with Verizon, Sprint, AllTel, and other networks, according to Motorola. Unlike typical phone designs, it is intended for customers who require long-term availability. As such, the MC75 is proudly related to Motorola's MC70 (pictured at right). Motorola says it has sold more than half a million MC70s since the product's 2006 introduction.
Intentionally backward-compatible with MC70 accessories, the MC75 incorporates a 1D laser barcode scanner and a 2D 640 x 480 pixel image scanner, operating at distances up to 24 inches or 16 inches, respectively. It also features a gray case that is rated to withstand repeated four-foot drops to concrete. As before, keyboard layout options include a 26-key numeric keypad, or a 44-key alphanumeric keyboard in QWERTY, AZERTY (French), or QWERTZ (German and Central European) layouts.
Beyond these surface similarities, however, the MC75 has many new capabilities. For example, the device's GSM and CDMA telephony has been upgraded to 3G, and can now operate in voice and data modes simultaneously, Motorola says. In addition, the MC75 now includes GPS, courtesy of the ever-present SiRF starIII chipset.
The MC75 also adds a two megapixel digital camera with autofocus and user-controllable flash, intended for uses such as recording damage to parcels. And, while the MC75 still has a 3.5-inch screen, it now packs VGA (640 x 480) resolution.
What power lurks beneath that rugged grey exterior?
The MC75 uses Marvell's 624MHz PXA270 processor, supplied with 128MB of RAM, 256MB of flash storage, and a microSD slot for up to 2GB of memory expansion. In addition to the WAN capabilities already mentioned, it has 802.11b/g WLAN, Bluetooth 2.0, and an IrDA port. Wired connectivity includes serial, USB, and (via an optional cradle) Ethernet.
Finally, Motorola has beefed the MC75's batteries up: A 3600mAh lithium-ion pack is standard, and a 4800mAh pack is available. Even with GPS left on all the time, and voice or data being transmitted for 15 minutes out of every hour, the MC75 still gets eight hours of operation out of its standard battery, the company claims.
Features and specifications cited by Motorola for the MC75 include:- Processor -- Marvell PXA270 clocked at 624MHz
- Memory -- 128MB of RAM and 256MB of flash storage
- Display -- 3.5-inch VGA touchscreen display
- Camera -- 2 megapixel, with autofocus and user-controllable flash
- Barcode scanner -- 1D laser scanner and 2D imager with 640 x 480 pixel resolution and grayscale support
- Keypad options -- 26-button numeric keypad, or 44-button alphanumeric keypad with QWERTY, AZERTY, or QWERTZ layouts
- Wireless:
- WAN -- GSM and CDMA (bands not specified), with HSDPA and EVDO Rev. A data networking
- WLAN -- 802.11b/g
- PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
- GPS
- IrDA
- Other I/O:
- Expansion:
- Connector for cradle
- MicroSD slot
- Batteries -- lithium-ion, 3600mAh (standard) and 4800mAh (optional)
- Environmental specifications:
- Operating temperature -- -10 to 50 deg. C
- Drop resistance -- 5 ft. drop to concrete, 2 drops per 6 sides at 23 deg. C; 4 ft. drop to concrete, 6 drops per 6 sides over entire operating temperature range
- Tumble resistance -- 1,000 1.6-foot tumbles (2,000 drops)
- Dust/liquid sealing -- meets IP54 standard
- Dimensions -- 6 x 3.3 x 1.7 inches
The MC75 will be available globally during the third quarter of 2008. Prices start at approximately $2,600, the company says.
Related stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
news feed