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Can I run Linux?
At this time, Linux will not run on a CipherLab mobile computer.
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How can I print directly from a handheld?
You can print to a network printer through wireless LAN, to a BT-enabled printer, such as Zebra, O'Neil, and HP, or to a printer with IR communications.
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What are the advantages of Windows® ?
The main advantages of Windows® are that users and IT departments are usually very familiar with using it and supporting it. It integrates easier into a Windows® environment and maintains continuity with the company's infrastructure. Plus, if applications are based on Microsoft® tools, like Excel, files can usually be opened with tools provided on as Windows® device. CipherLab 9400 and 9500 series mobile computers are based on Windows®.
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Do your handhelds work on the Internet?
CipherLab mobile computers with access to the Internet (through a browser or application) can transmit and receive data over the Internet.
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What do I look for in a new mobile computer?
Mobile computers are capable and robust devices. They are programmable, like a laptop, only for specific handheld functions. CipherLab mobile computers run either on a proprietary CipherLab operating system or a Windows® operating system. When considering a mobile computer, look at the following:
• Whether or not Windows® is required
• How much memory you will need
• What type of display your application requires
• How data will be captured: reader options, camera, signature capture, keypad and function keys
• The environment in which the device will be used for ruggedness and IP rating
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What kind of display do I need?
Many mobile computers are used much like a specialized laptop computer, so a large display is critical. For others, a smaller display provides great usability in a more portable form factor that can be easily carried.
Graphical displays are common; touchscreen displays help accelerate activities; and color displays are used on Windows®-based devices. The larger the display, the more information can be shown. The size of the characters also affects how much information can be displayed.
CipherLab offers different displays with its non-Windows® mobile computers to optimize productivity of each device. Smaller display units make them very easy to carry and use, while the larger units with QVGA (1/4 VGA resolution, 160x120 pixels) touchscreen displays offer richer features. The Windows®-based 9400 integrates a VGA resolution (640x480 pixels) touchscreen display. Large displays are required for terminal emulation of VT100/200 and TN5250 terminals. In all cases, the applications a mobile computer will be used in will indicate the type of display required.
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What size keypad do I need?
The type and size of a mobile computer's keypad depends on the type of data entry an application requires. Simple keypads, like a cell phone keypad, can offer alphanumeric data entry, but it requires more user activity to enter letters: for example, repeatedly pressing the '2' key to enter the letter 'c'. A more comprehensive keypad, like CipherLab's 8500 with a 44-key keypad or the Windows®-based 9400 with a 59-key keypad, enables faster entry of alphanumeric data. Applications can also program keypad function keys to speed repetitious tasks or for terminal emulation. CipherLab offers multiple keypad options on its mobile computers to meet the needs of users, including for terminal emulation. A CipherLab representative can help companies understand their exact keypad needs prior to ordering devices.
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Why do I need signature capture?
Touchscreen displays enable signature capture, a useful feature for verifying deliveries. CipherLab 8500, 9400, and 9500 series mobile computers integrate signature capture.
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Is a digital camera helpful?
An integrated digital camera allows instant documentation of critical things, like package damage or task completion. The CipherLab 9400 includes a digital camera.
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What reader options are available?
Which reader you need depends on the types of data and codes you'll be reading and the environment in which the device will be used. CipherLab offers the following:
• 1D optical linear imager (CCD)
• 1D standard laser scanner
• 1D long range laser scanner
• 1D extra long range laser scanner
• 2D optical reader
• RFID
Our laser reader options, with different DOF, allow you to configure the mobile computer for the exact type of work in which it will be used, such as scanning pallets from a forklift (extra long range laser) to scanning electronic components with extremely small barcodes (standard laser) to scanning codes closely placed together or on documents (linear imager, contact scanner).
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How do I add new devices to an old system?
Adding new devices to an older, legacy system makes good business sense. With the high cost of maintaining and repairing older scanners, rugged, reliable CipherLab scanners and mobile computers can help extend the useful life of your legacy back-end systems. Your local system integrator or value added reseller can analyze and evaluate your existing system to integrate new CipherLab devices into your current processes, legacy hardware, and software. CipherLab engineers created Power Suite tools to make integrating CipherLab devices fast and easy.
