Jan/Feb 2006

An extra-rugged version of the Intermec CK60 handheld computer, the CK61, is now available from the company. It offers all the features of the core model, which was announced last spring, but has extra robustness built in, and also offers more configuration options, more keyboard options and new scanner options. And wireless connectivity has been added as well.

The company is also promoting the inclusion of the version 5.0 of the Windows CE operating system, whose on-board non-volatile "persistent storage" memory preserves applications and databases.

The CK61 has a magnesium top cover, rubber bumpers on each corner to cushion against drops, and a case that is sealed against water and dust to IP64 standards. The display is quarter VGA, and a large keypad is incorporated; the company says this can handle one- and two-handed input of large amounts of data.

Connectivity integrated into the CK61 includes high-speed Ethernet, USB and RS232 serial connections, as well as Bluetooth wireless networking.