Oct/Nov 2006

An attractive new mobile computer terminal suitable for both vehicles and fork-lift trucks has been announced by Intermec.

The CV30 takes the term "truck-mount" to a new level; although its chassis is tough cast magnesium, it has an attractive sculpted bezel more reminiscent of office or consumer products, enclosing a 6.4in touch-screen TFT display with an impressive 140 deg viewing angle.

The processor is a fast Intel XScale unit rated at 520 MHz, which is backed by 128MB of RAM memory and 128MB of flash ROM. The operating system either Windows Mobile 5.0 Premium Edition or Windows CE.NET 5.0 Professional. Wi-Fi wireless to "g" speed is included, as is Bluetooth. For operators with legacy network software, Intermec includes built-in TE2000 terminal emulation. Its SmartSystems device management system is also included.

A range of backlit keyboards is available, offering full QWERTY capability plus VT220, 5250, 3270 emulation. A compact version allows mounting directly to CV30, while a large-style version is available for mounting remotely, and is seen as ideal for use with gloved hands. Also available are kits for mounting the unit on a desktop, in a vehicle or even on a wall.

 

Whilst not neglecting its mobile potential, Intermec says the CV30 is the core of its "RFID-enabled Forklift of the Future" concept, which it says can turn forklifts into "powerful, real-time communications hubs".