May/June 2004

In a world where advanced Windows CE-based handhelds are becoming increasingly familiar, SKF subsidiary Diagnostic Instruments has still managed to pull out something special with its latest release, the ruggedised Di-400.

Its base specification immediately puts it at the forefront of the market, including an Intel Xscale 400MHz processor running the Windows CE.NET 4.2. This is supported by up to 128MB of Flash memory and the same amount of RAM.

There is a quarter VGA colour touch-screen display, and there are four user-configurable function keys. Plug-in memory slots are provided for PCMCIA, CF, MMC and SD cards.

Where it gets interesting is in the range of integrated RFID readers available. These include versions working at 125kHz (compatible with Hitag and EM Marin tags), 134.2kHz (TI-Tiris LF) and 13.56MHz (ICode, MIFARE, TI) - all offered in combination with a traditional barcode scanner.

 

DI says other readers could also be incorporated, such as one working on UHF at 862 to 928 MHz.

The Di-400 is tested to IP65 water and dust resistance, and has a 2 metre multiple drop rating.