November 2002

The latest generation of mobile computers is blurring the once clear-cut line between PDAs and handheld terminals. Sharon Clancy finds that the differences now lie more in the construction and features than in the core system

The choice of whether to equip mobile workforces with personal digital assistants (PDAs) or more rugged handheld computers was once clear-cut: the tougher the environment, the more rugged the device had to be. But because the pace of development on PDAs has outstripped that on handhelds, some users have been tempted to switch from handheld computers to PDAs to exploit their extra functionality, communications and integration capabilities. Now the pendulum could be swinging back with the emergence of Windows-based handheld computers which combine traditional ruggedness with PDA-type functionality.

It's clear that to get the type of unit that is best for your operation, you must first define what you want to achieve. Field service applications such as asset-tracking, for example, will run quite happily on a PDA. On the other hand, if you want interchangeability between applications, some tough handheld computers that would be appropriate to a warehouse can equally be used by a delivery driver.

PDA devotees says that you can buy up to three PDAs for the cost of one ruggedised unit, and that anyway, with technology changing so fast, it is cheaper to replace a PDA than upgrade a handheld, assuming there is an upgrade path anyway.

 

Those who prefer handheld devices say that fitness for purpose is precisely the point of handhelds ­ you are only paying for technology and applications that your business demands, so the working life of the unit is consequently longer. Because many are application-specific there is also less risk of them being stolen; and the desirability factor is much less than with a sleek PDA.

Handheld terminals

Handhelds are designed to withstand mistreatment, whether that means being dropped, getting wet or being taken in and out of the download and recharging cradle several times a day. Manufacturers have generally placed more emphasis on functionality and ruggedness than looks ­ although in fairness, some units can be quite smart; and unlike PDAs, handhelds are often closely tailored to the sector they are designed for. They range from simple pistol-grip or wearable barcode scanners to sophisticated in-cab terminals with integrated communications features.

The downside is cost. Although prices have fallen in response to competition from PDA manufacturers, prices range from £500 upwards ­ sometimes a long, long way upwards, depending on the features you want.

The good news is that there is a new generation of hybrid mobile computers that blur the previous style versus function dividing line. Some are essentially rugged PDAs built to a tougher specification. The others are a new generation of more versatile handheld that are less application-specific, and can be used in a variety of applications from warehouse order picking to capturing POD data.

Intermec, Itronix, LXE, Panasonic, Psion Teklogix and Symbol all produce this type of handheld computer. Other contenders include Datalogic, HHP and Radix. An important technological difference with these new generation devices is that they can run the Windows CE-based Pocket PC operating system (some can also accept the Palm OS). Although field-service workers may have had Windows-based applications in the past, the majority of handheld computers in the warehousing and delivery sectors have traditionally been built round text-based terminal emulation systems. (This saves the cost of the Microsoft licence fee for a start, and makes them simple to use.)

If some managers prefer to keep it simple and stick to text screens, why force them down the Windows route? LXE explains that Windows CE was designed for mobile devices, so power consumption is actually lower than with DOS-based terminal emulators. Power management is better because the operating system protocols will switch off to preserve battery life ­ although you cannot actually turn off CE, so you must recharge batteries regularly. The software is cheaper to develop because there are lots of programmers capable of working with Windows, and users nowadays tend to be familiar with the Windows display environment from experience with other devices.

LXE's MX3-CE allows terminal emulator software to run over the Windows CE operating system, so gives you the best of both worlds; the same mobile computers can be deployed throughout the logistics environment. The MX3-CE has a touch-screen horizontal VGA display above a phosphorescent alphanumeric keypad. It has integrated barcode reader technology, and radio frequency (RF) wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) communications support. There is no need for back-lighting, and it is tested to IP66 for ruggedness.

Also new from LXE is the MX4, which attempts to combine the portability of a PDA with the ruggedness of a handheld (m.logistics, issue 2).

Symbol also has a hybrid mobile, the PPT2800 series, also operating Pocket PC. Features include fully integrated barcode scanning and various wireless communications options. Scan triggers and other buttons are designed to provide one-handed data capture operation.

Symbol's PDT 8000 (m.logistics, issue 2) has been developed to handle large databases, which the company says are required to provide real-time information between the various sectors in the supply chain. With a 400MHz processor, it is one of the fastest available, and comes with an equally impressive memory: either 64 or 128MB RAM plus 64MB ROM.

Intermec's background is in warehouse and barcode scanning devices, so unsurprisingly its latest handheld is both ruggedised and radio-enabled. The 700 Series colour handheld operates the Pocket PC system, and is aimed at field service operations and transport and logistics as well as warehouse applications.

The unit has GPRS with a GSM backup for areas where GPRS coverage is not available. It incorporates on-board Ethernet, so large files can be transmitted faster than over a RS232 series port. It should go a full day without needing recharge, says Intermec, thanks to its large 4000mAh lithium ion battery and battery management system. The image scanner allows the mobile worker to capture pictures of assets, documents or damage. It offers work order management, inventory and material tracking, invoicing, and the ability to capture and review customer information and download information either daily or in real time.

Panasonic and Itronix are best-known for their notebook-style rugged computers, but both are now targeting the handheld market. Itronix's new GoBook Q-100 runs either Windows CE or Pocket PC 2000 and has an Intel Strongarm SA1110 processor. Its IP67 sealing makes it impervious to water or dust and its passes the US military specification to withstand multiple drops from 2 metres on to concrete.

Panasonic has also recognised that the handheld computing market is undergoing a boom period. The company, best known for its Toughbook ruggedised notebooks, has developed its first handheld computer, the Toughbook CF-P1. The 3.5 inch reflective colour LCD screen is designed for good visibility outdoors and can be operated even whilst wearing work gloves, says Panasonic. There are three input methods: touchscreen (with integrated stylus), cursor control button, and integrated keyboard.

Like its stablemates, the CF-P1 is designed to function in extreme hot, cold and humid conditions. It has a magnesium alloy case to protect it against shock and vibration ­ it is capable of withstanding 120cm drops ­ and is fully sealed against dust and water, including heavy rain.

The unit supports 802.11b wireless LAN networks and has an optional barcode scanner. The optional integrated GPS receiver provides the positioning support needed for managing delivery trucks and service vans, and there is also GSM communications support.

Tablet-style devices are now emerging as another choice for handhelds, especially for field service, data capture, track and trace and delivery operations. The main advantage is the screen size. Virtually all of the 215mm by 85mm size of the Psion Netpad, for example, is taken up by the display. Psion's newest Netpad, the 5000, has integrated 802.11b networking capability or GSM/GPRS phone to provide real-time connectivity.

While the Netpad aims to resemble a PDA, the Siemens Mobic (m.logistics, issue 2) has the rugged looks of a notebook and aims for maximum flexibility in applications and communications. It's a thin-client portable, with all applications running on a server and accessed by the Mobic when required.

PDAs

PDAs are starting to encroach on territory previously the preserve of handheld computers, as the manufacturers start to target the business market with models which offer multiple wireless capability, increased storage and a wider range of peripheral devices.

Indeed, one of the problems if you are going down the PDA route to mobilisation is deciding not just which model to buy, but which features and accessories are critical and which are just window-dressing. If it's a matter of keeping in touch with mobile workers, a PDA can meet the bill quite satisfactorily. The PIM (personal information manager) software stores customer details and diaries, and has email facilities. You can add various forms software for field service applications, for example. The device looks good, is light and easily portable. They are cheap, ranging from £150 or less for a mono screen PDA with limited functions and memory to around £350 for a colour-screen unit with a multitude of communications ports.

PDAs may offer advantages such as easier application development and the use of familiar Windows operating systems (or the broadly comparable icon-driven Palm OS), but the difference is narrowing as the handheld manufacturers themselves migrate to Windows (and sometimes Palm OS). And PDAs do not, as a rule, match handhelds for dust and water resistance (check the IP rating: the higher the number, the more resistant the unit), nor are they designed to withstand being dropped, or even roughly treated.

One of the main choices to make is between the Palm and Pocket PC operating systems. It's a debate that has echoes of the Microsoft versus Apple one, although in relative terms Palm, a pioneer in mobile and wireless Internet solutions, has had more sales success than Apple, and claims to be the world leader in handheld computing. It manufactures its own PDAs and also licences the operating system to other manufacturers, including Handspring, Sony and Symbol.

Hotsync is a useful feature that allows fast and easy synchronisation of data, including all contact, scheduling, email and other personal information between Palm-powered devices and an office-based or mobile computer. The user simply places the handheld in the docking cradle and presses the HotSync button.

Devices running Microsoft's Pocket PC operating system tend to be more expensive than those running the Palm OS (although there is an overlap), and also more powerful, and until recently Palms were seen broadly as more consumer-oriented, while Pocket PCs were winning in the business environment. But Palm has made a major effort to win hearts in the business community, and the latest Palm models are much more powerful. Support by Sony in particular has also given them a new air of chic.

To differentiate consumer PDAs from those aimed at the business market, Palm has now begun to rebranding its products: the Tungsten product line will include industrial-strength handheld hardware while Zire will be aimed at consumers.

Some PDAs now have integrated voice communications, so you only have to carry one mobile device, not two. Handspring's Treo communicators, for example, combine a GSM mobile phone, a Palm OS organiser, wireless email, SMS text messaging and Internet access via Handspring's Blazer browser. In the Pocket PC camp, the sleek XDA from O2 likewise incorporates comms capabilities, as does the SX45 from Siemens.

HP's iPAQ 3800 and 3700 are typical of the extra functionality of the latest generation of Pocket PC PDAs. They have a Bluetooth Wireless Pack, and postage stamp-sized 64MB or 128MB non-volatile memory cards. The 3800 can even have a micro keyboard attached to the bottom.