Choosing The Right Handheld Computer
For Your Application
Handheld Computers will range in cost, performance, size and robustness, depending on the applications that they are required for. Determining the right type of terminal is generally the first step when considering Auto ID equipment.
A number of questions must be answered when determining which mobile terminal is right for you.
1./ Do you need a Linear Imaging or Laser Scanner for your Terminal? - It could save you money in your decision. Click link to see more information as well as short video on performance indoors and outdoors on Laser Vs Linear Imager.
2./Is it mission critical that information be live to and from the terminal or is a memory-batch terminal sufficient?
Most applications just require the data collection to be scanned and then at some stage, the terminal is dumped into a cradle and the information sent into the system. This is a batch system. However, in some cases like picking in a warehouse, most companies would prefer that information is feeding live to and from your database.
3./Does it need to be robust? What environment will the scanner be used in?
If in environments where it is dirty, dusty, oily, water, rain etc etc, think about an IP rating. The higher the IP rating the better. IP 54 at a minimum if conditions are quite hostile, look at up to IP64/65 particularly if outdoors.
Warehousing and Logistics, and field services usually requires scanners to be subjected to weather conditions, dust, dirt, oil, water and users who are not so compassionate about the hardware they are using. This means they should have an appropriately high IP rating up to IP 64 or 65 and drop ratings of between 1.2m -1.5m.
For retail environments and clean and carpeted environments, such as hospitality, healthcare and libraries, then IP Ratings are not so important. The 8000 Series is ideal in this environment where it is not ideal in warehousing and logistics.
4./Consider whether it is critical that you need a Windows based terminal like the 9300, 9600 & CP30 Series or character based operating system on your terminal like the 8200, 8400, & 8700 Terminals.
Does your handheld computer need to be a Windows operating system or a Character based operating system? CipherLab manufacture both Windows O/S and Char based PDTs. The only right answer to this is which is the most cost effective way of getting the data collected by the terminal, for your application, down into your system.
Click our article on Windows vs Dos Terminals for more information on this (Article)
Wireless Terminals
The complete range of Cipherlab terminals come with the ability to communicate with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) GPRS and 3G.
Depending on the application and ruggedness that you require for your terminals, will depend on your choice of Cipherlab Terminal. It will also depend on how you decide to connect your Wireless Terminal to your database. Do you require a Windows enviroment for your application? With all the hype of Windows O/S terminals, many customers get caught up in this and think they need all the whistles and bells that go with it. There are pros and cons of Windows Terminals vs Dos Text Terminals. It may come down to your developer and what they feel comfortable with as well. Generally most developers these days prefer developing in a windows environment (Visual C++,Visual Studio.Net, Visual Studio 2005) so if an application has to be written, then a windows o/s terminal will be their preferred choice. However if their is no application needed to be written. If you do not need emailing, surfing the net or VOIP, why pay for something you do not need. Whichever deciscion you take, Cipherlab can offer both solutions to the market.
The 8200, 8400 & 8700 (Dos Text Enviroment) series can be run with terminal emulation - VT100, 220 & IBM 5250. Terminal Emulation . They can also be programmed in Basic or C. A new Cipherlab development tool called Wireless Studio is also available which can connect the terminals to any Microsoft backend database.
THe 9300 & 9600 Series (Win CE 6.0 ) & CP30 (Windows Mobile 6.5) are Windows O/S terminals that Cipherlab manufacture. Remote desktop is available on all terminals as well as they can be programmed with the Cipherlab Wireless Studio development tool. You also have the capability of using the browser on the terminal to connect to your web based programs. Terminal Emulation is still popular for windows based terminals connecting to your backend.
The Windows O/S terminals are also programmable in Visual C++,Visual Studio.Net, Visual Studio 2005, Win CE SDK, Wavelink & MCL