Barcode scanner offers VoIP option

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Mar. 03, 2008

Nordic ID has announced a rugged Windows CE 6.0-based handheld computer that can double as a push-to-talk VoIP (voice-over-IP) phone and RFID tag reader. Based on a 532MHz ARM11-based system-on-chip, the "Morphic" features a 1D barcode scanner, wireless networking, and a 2.2-inch QVGA touchscreen display.

(Click here for a larger view of the Nordic Morphic)

The Morphic is a rugged scanner rated to the IP54 standard for dust and water resistance, and claimed to survive four-foot drops onto a concrete floor. It features "phone-like" alphanumeric keys with a silicon coating and integral backlighting.

With an upgrade, the Morphic supports push-to-talk VoIP (voice-over-IP) communications. RFID support is also optional. Another optional upgrade is a 2640 mAh battery claimed to double the standard five-hour battery life.

The Morphic is based on an ARM11-based processor not named by Nordic. The cited 532MHz clock speed suggests it could be Freescale's ARM11-based i.MX31 system-on-chip (SoC).

The Morphic has 128MB of DDR RAM and 150MB flash, of which Nordic says 128MB is user-accessible. I/O includes 802.11b/g wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0. There's also an integral microphone and speaker, plus a vibration alert feature, with USB and Ethernet available via a desktop charger dock.

Each of Mortphic's 21 keys is fully programmable except for the power key, the company said. The 1D bidirectional barcode scanner is claimed capable of up to 104 scans per second, but supported encodings were not listed.

Features and specifications listed by Nordic for the Morphic include:

Processor -- 532MHz ARM11-based SoC
Memory -- 128MB of RAM and 150MB flash (128MB user-accessible)
Display -- 2.2-inch touchscreen display with 320 x 240 resolution
Barcode scanner -- bidirectional 1D scanner, rated for 104 scans/sec.
Networking:
- 802.11b/g
- Bluetooth 2.0
- Ethernet (optional via cradle)
Other I/O -- USB, via cradle
Expansion -- "extension connector for add-on functionality"
Battery type and life:
- 1300 mAh battery, five hours of operation
- 2650 mAh battery with ten hours of operation
Operating temperature -- -20 to +55 deg. C
Weight, inc. battery -- 7 ounces (200g)
Dimensions -- 5.8 x 2.1 x 0.9 inches (147 x 54 x 22mm)

The Morphic appears to be available now, though Nordic did not release pricing or availability information.

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