Industrial Pocket PCs for Remote Data Entry

The one compromise we've had to make was in data input. While the Pocket PC's touch screen is great for selecting items from menus, it is less than ideal for inputting more random information such as inventory quantities, new customer names, and other alpha numeric data. Good handheld computing application design attempts to minimize such input by providing the user with a list of current customers and inventory items, but there are certain situations where numeric or text input can't be avoided.

Fortunately for the developers of applications that require such user input in the field, there are a few new industrial Pocket PCs now available that address the problem. Here's a look at two of them.

Symbol PDT 8000 series for numeric data entry

Symbol has been a leader in industrial handheld computers and barcode readers for many years. With the PDT 8000 Series they've combined the two in an industrial Pocket PC that includes a 23-key keypad for numeric entry in addition to the normal touch screen.

In addition to the ten number keys, the keypad includes cursor navigation keys and three keys that can be used for custom applications.

Other features of the Symbol PDT 8000 include a 400 MHz Intel XScale processor, 128 MB of RAM, and 64 MB of flash ROM. This large amount of memory allows complex enterprise applications to be stored in non-volatile flash memory and large databases in the built-in RAM without the need for an additional storage card. But storage should not be a problem since there is a CF slot available as well as built-in wireless capability. The PDT 8000 can be configured with a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or GSM/GPRS wireless adapter—all this in a handheld designed to withstand multiple drops from five feet onto concrete.

Industrial Pocket PC with a full keyboard

If your application requires the user to enter more than just numbers and menu selections, then you may find that the pop-up software keyboard (known as SIP, for Soft Input Panel) is a limiting factor. In this case, you will be pleased to see the new CF-P1 from Panasonic.

While you might be familiar with Panasonic as a maker of consumer electronics, the company has been producing ruggedized laptop and handheld computers under the Tough book brand for quite some time. The CF-P1 is unique in that it includes a "thumb keyboard" with a joystick button and three application function buttons.

The keyboard makes the CF-P1 an ideal choice for applications such as law enforcement in which random text, such as names or notes, must be entered.

Another unique feature of the CF-P1 is the battery. While the user documentation admonishes you to use only the specified battery pack, the battery is the same as that used by many portable video camcorders. This not only allows for inexpensive replacement batteries but also external chargers. The battery is large enough to provide 8 to 24 hours of operating time, depending on the accessories used and backlight usage. Along with this lithium-ion main battery, there is an internal rechargeable lithium backup battery.

The CF-P1 uses the older-generation 206 MHz Intel StrongARM processor and 64 MB of RAM and 32 MB of flash ROM. This means that if you want to use non-volatile storage, you will need to insert a flash card in the SD memory card slot.

The SD card slot, DC adapter connector and headphone jack are all covered with rubber moisture seals. Personally, I dislike these rubber flaps since they always seem to stay open after being used a few times.

According to the documentation, there is a CF card slot in addition to the SD slot. However, the CF slot is not accessible by the user. The top of the CF-P1 is removable to allow for what are listed as "built-in cards" such as barcode scanners or RF modules. But the screws that hold this top in place are tamper-resistant Torx heads and the documentation clearly states: "These cards cannot be changed." While I can understand Panasonic's desire to maintain the integrity of the environmental seals, I would prefer a solution that allows customer access to the CF slot.

The Panasonic CF-P1 has a few other strange quirks. For example, the keyboard lacks a Tab or Control key. But keeping in mind that the primary use for this machine is with custom applications, this may not be an issue. That's because the programmers can take the keyboard limitations into account when designing the user interface.

So if your application needs both a rugged device and the ability to enter lots of numbers or text, one of these two industrial Pocket PCs should fit the bill.

http://www.dataentryindia.com

Category Posted: General