Aug/Sept 2007

CipherLab, the Taiwanese manufacturer of handheld computing and data capture equipment, could become better known in the UK following the appointment of BancTec as distribution partner. BancTec is one of the country's largest distributors of mobile data capture devices.

CipherLab UK offers a range of handheld and fixed computers and laser/CCD scanners, selling through a network of resellers. A variety of its products will now be available through BancTec, including its new Windows CE- and Pocket PC-based rugged 9500 mobile computer. This includes UHF, HF and LF RFID capabilities, large colour display and Bluetooth, 802.11b and GSM/GPRS wireless networking capacity.

BancTec sees particular opportunities in using the CipherLab range as the basis for its RFeasyServ software, which is designed to help developers create RF client-server applications by managing the data flow between the mobile units and the host application via Wi-Fi.

Currently in the CipherLab pipeline is a striking new handheld computer, the 9400 PDA, which has a small form factor, shallow keyboard and strikingly modern, metallic 'chiselled' look. It runs Windows CE 5.0 Professional, and features a fast Intel XScale processor running at 520MHz. More on this at launch time.