Oct/Nov 2007

If you have applications that require both smartphone capabilities and barcode scanning, an unusual option now emerging is a single device to combine all these functions.

One of the early arrivals in this market space, the Opticon H-19 barcode-scanning smartphone, is now available in the UK through Barcoding.co.uk. Superficially it is a standard quad-band smartphone, and its operating system is Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0. The specification includes 64MB of RAM, 512MB of flash memory and an SD memory expansion slot, and the main processor is a 400MHz Samsung unit.

The device has a high-resolution 2.8-inch QVGA display, which is said to offer optimal readability in all kinds of light. The device can be also used as a personal navigator, mobile messenger and job despatch device with optional software.

Connectivity is provided by standard mobile phone capability (including GPRS) plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless networking.

 

In addition to all this, the device can perform a variety of scanning tasks. Two versions of the device are offered by Japanese manufacturer Opticon, with laser and CMOS scanning engines respectively. Each supports a wide range of barcode symbologies.

And all this in a device that weights no more than 250g including battery.