Symbol Ups the Ante in the Workhorse PDA Game

By Michael Foley
iApplianceWeb
(06/27/01, 10:55:19 PM EDT)

Symbol Technologies, Inc., continues to set the trend in industrial strength PDAs. Their latest device features bar code scanning and wireless local area networking (WLAN) or wireless wide area (WWAN) connectivity. Highly rugged, it is made for the mobile workforce that requires a little extra out their PDA.

The PPT 2800 is the second handheld computer based on the Microsoft Pocket PC platform introduced in less than a month. Earlier, Symbol announced the PPT 8100, a Pocket PC device that features a keyboard for maximum data entry efficiency in different application environments. The PDT 8100 also offers WWAN or WLAN communications and advanced bar code scanning. The new PPT 2800 features an Intel Strong Arm SA 1100 Processor @ 206 MHz, an enhanced 1/4 VGA display, and 32 MB RAM/32 MB ROM. The multi-functional PPT 2800 is sealed to IP54 standards for protection against wind-blown rain and dust, and it can withstand multiple drops to concrete from up to four feet.

Conveniently placed scan triggers and the ergonomic design of the PPT 2800 enable simple one-handed data capture operation. It is fully compatible with 32-bit application development tools from Microsoft and third parties and provides the standard PIM software and synchronization capabilities of the Pocket PC platform. An application-programming interface (API) from Symbol makes it simple to integrate bar code data capture and wireless communication into new or existing applications.

Optional accessories include a vehicle cradle, single-slot charging/communication cradle, four-slot charging cradle, andfour-slot Ethernet charging/communication cradle.