Mobile Computer Buyer's Guide

Learn Mobile Computer Basics From The Pros

How Do Mobile Computers Work?

Mobile Computers are handheld computing devices that allow barcode scanning, data collection, and more with the freedom of movement of a cordless, compact device. Mobile computers can be used simply for batch data collection or with more advanced features, such as Bluetooth wireless, phone, email, Windows operating systems, and more, for a complete mobile computer and data collection unit.

The first step in determining what mobile computer works best for you is determinig your mobile computing activities in the field. Ask yourself the following questions when beginning your mobile computer search.

• Will batch memory collection fit my needs, or do I need wireless connection ability, such as Bluetooth?
  
• What type of key pad layout do I need? A full alphanumeric pad? Numeric only pad? Or a more abreviated control system?
  
• Is size an issue? Take into account whole unit size, screen size, and button size.


• What level of ruggedness do I need? What kind of environment will the mobile computer be used in? Indoors or Outdoors, or Both? Warm or Cold climate? Bright or Low Lighting?
  
• What kind of memory capabilities do I need?
  
• Is a color screen important, or will monochromatic work as well?

Once you have answered these questions, find computers on the mobile computer comparison chart below.

Entry Level Mobile Computers

Product

Operating System

Connectivity

Scan Engine

Compatibility

Motorola MC 1000

X

X

X

X

Cipher Lab 8000

X

X

X

X

X

Honeywell ScanPal2

X

X

X

Honeywell OptimusS

X

X

X

X

UniTech HT630

X

X

X

DataLogic Formula

X

X

X

X

Cipher Lab 8300

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Socket SoMo 650

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Ruggedized Mobile Computers

Product

Operating System

Connectivity

Scan Engine

Compatibility

Janam XP Series

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

UniTech PA500

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Motorola MC35

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Motorola MC55

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Motorola MC75

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Janam XM Series

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Honeywell Dolphin 6100

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Honeywell Dolphin 6500

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Honeywell Dolphin 7600

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Honeywell OptimusPDA

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Honeywell Dolphin 9700

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

UniTech HT680

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

UniTech PA600 MCA

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

LXE MX8

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

DataLogic Memor

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

DataLogic Pegaso

X

X

X

X

X

X

Opticon H16

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Opticon H15

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Heavy Industrial Mobile Computers

Product

Operating System

Connectivity

Scan Engine

Compatibility

UniTech PA600

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Motorola MC3000

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Motorola MC9000

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Motorola WT4000

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Janam XG100

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Honeywell Dolphin 9500

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Honeywell Dolphin 9900

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Aceeca IDVERIFI BCS2

X

X

X

X

X

X

UniTech PA962

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

UniTech PA968

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

DataLogic Skorpio

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

DataLogic Falcon Series

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

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