home | media info | archive | supplier guide | registration | jobfinder | events | about us | contact
OUR WEB SITES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April/May 2007
Evaluation: On the meter: Casio IT3000 - Ruggedised handheld terminal with integral printer and scanner
Evaluation: On the meter: Casio IT3000 - Ruggedised handheld terminal with integral printer and scanner Our impression Casio describes the IT3000 as an industrial data terminal targeted at any operation that requires a ticket or receipt to be issued to the customer. Ideal markets include parking meter control and parking enforcement duties, travel ticket issuing, sales and general service sector operations. 
The IT-3000 has been designed to combine a variety of functions in a single unit, removing the need for workers in these sectors to carry around several separate devices - printers, scanners, card readers and so on. That reduces costs of data capture for the operation, says Casio, and improves reliability because there is only one mobile device. Indeed, Casio argues that simply combining these operations in a single device can improve productivity in itself. By integrating the printer and, when required, the scanner and card reader, Casio is also eliminating the risk of one device not talking to the other - something crucial for tasks where a print-out is not just desirable but essential to the operation. There are three models, and the printer is integral to all of them. The M53E is the basic unit; the M54E incorporates a 1D and 2D imager; and the M55E also has a magnetic swipe-card reader. As an industrial data terminal, the IT-3000 has the rugged looks you'd expect, which will appeal to some buyers. The provision of such versatility does add to the weight and size of the unit (it weighs in at around 700 grams, depending on specification) but there is an elastic rubber hand strap at the back to help users hold the terminal comfortably and firmly without gripping it tightly. A neck strap is optional. The built-in printer sits at the top of the unit. Sometimes adding a printer can make a ruggedised handheld computers look more vulnerable, but the IT-3000's printer is well designed and looks anything but flimsy with its splash cover to protect against rain and dirt ingress. Reloading the paper roll is child's play. You simply flip the cover open, place the paper roll inside, pull out a 2cm length and close the cover. The imager is a small device located on the right-hand side of the terminal. We found it easy to use, especially with the software Casio preloaded on to the device. The unit is designed to be used outdoors, so its rugged capabilities include IP54 rating against dust and water ingress - and this covers the paper roll holder and its splash protector as well as the base unit. It will survive a 1.2 metre drop on to concrete. The IT-3000's screen has a TFT LCD screen incorporating Casio's proprietary optical film (this reflects incoming light) to improve clarity in bright conditions. The backlighting feature on the keyboard is automatically controlled by a brightness sensor for optimum visibility irrespective of ambient light conditions. Bluetooth and IrDA communication is incorporated as standard and there is a PC Card slot for LAN or GPRS mobile data functionality. An SD memory card slot, PC card slot and integrated Bluetooth come as standard. Data can be stored on the terminal memory and backed up on to the SD card. Our demonstration unit came ready-loaded with VanPOS route-accounting and Stocktake software from Casio partner BNE Electronics. 'Route accounting' is another term for van sales, of course. The drop-down menus were easy to follow. The route accounting software included customer list, sales, transfers of stock on to the vehicle and the facility to record breakages or waste. There were prompts to input some van-specific data such as fuel and mileage. The customer screen allows the delivery person to authorise an invoice, and the proof-of-delivery signature capture box was orientated towards the customer. This is a nice touch, as it eliminates the awkwardness of having to swivel the unit around in order for the customer to sign the screen. Our verdict The integral printer adds greatly to the appeal of the IT-3000, yet it still retains sufficient ruggedness and water tightness for the outdoor operations sector that its one of its key targets. All in all, an impressive tool, and surely the boy scout knife of the ruggedised handheld market. Specification Casio IT-3000
|