Summer 2006

With its latest ruggedised handheld computer, the MC70, Symbol has arguably moved subtly beyond the rough and tumble of the warehouse and truck cab. The unit is described as an Enterprise Digital Assistant, and has been getting serious reviews as an executive device, as well as offering the familiar attractions for logistics and field service applications.

It's an advanced stablemate of the MC50, sharing many of its features, and combines mobile phone, PDA, computer, scanner and imager in a single device. It also has a full QWERTY keyboard.

The specs are suitably impressive. For instance, the processor is Intel's latest XScale PXA270 running at no less than 624 Mhz - about as fast as you'll get at the moment. This is supported by 64MB RAM and 128MB ROM, plus an SD card slot for external memory.

The integral quad-band phone supports eGPRS (EDGE) technology, and the operating is Windows Mobile Premium, with the option of the Phone edition. There is also Wi-Fi (802.11a, b and g) and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. You get a speakerphone plus external headset jack, and there is even vibration alerting of incoming calls.

 

Practicality is extended by the inclusion of one- and two-dimensional scanning and imaging. The unit carries IP54 certification for dust and water resistance, and as you would expect, can withstand a drop from 4ft on to concrete.