Feb-March 2003

Two new models of handheld terminal have been added to the LXE range. Pride of place goes to the MX5, which takes LXE's MX range a step further forward in terms of robustness and performance.

Picking up the lead set by the MX4, it features an Intel SA-1110 StrongARM processor running at 206 MHz, with 64Mb of DRAM and 32Mb of Flash ROM storage. However, it uses the Pocket PC 2000 version of the Windows mobile operating system rather than the CE version seen on the MX4.

It also differs in offering a full 52-key keyboard in alpha layout. Touch-screen capability is also provided, so that there is a range of input options. The display is the same size as the MX4's - 3.8in quarter VGA - but it is front-lit rather than back-lit.

Support is built in for local-area networking on the 802.11b standard, and for wide-area networking using GPRS.

 

The MX5 has a water- and dust-resistant magnesium housing, which is designed to withstand multiple drops from 6ft, and it is certified to IP65 standard. It can operate at temperatures down to minus 30 deg C with an optional internal heater.

Also new from LXE is its MX1-IS, which is designed to meet I-Safe ("Intrinsically Safe") standards, and can therefore be used in hazardous environments such as those where there is explosive material.

In most other respects it resembles the existing MX1 model, with its 60-key alphanumeric keyboard. It has a 486 processor and ROM-based DOS operating system, and supports numerous terminal emulation options.