Symbol Arms Mobile Professionals With New Handheld

The new MC50 enterprise digital assistant targets workers who need devices that can access enterprise applications and are more durable than consumer-grade PDAs but don't require the full-fledged rugged handhelds used in industrial environments, said Douglas Lloyd, director of product marketing at Symbol, Holtsville, N.Y.

Available in six configurations, the MC50 includes a 3.5-inch touch-screen display, built-in 802.11b wireless support and is VoIP-ready. It is available with three data capture options, including a linear CMOS bar-code scanner, a 2-D bar-code scanner or a color digital camera. It also features two keyboard options and up to 16-plus hours of battery life.

Solution providers could use the digital camera version to tackle new markets, such as real estate and insurance, Lloyd said.

While the device is not classified as rugged, it does include industrial-class components, making it more durable than a PDA, Lloyd said. It also supports Symbol's Mobility Services Platform device management system.

The MC50 runs on Microsoft's Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition operating system.

Scanner versions of the MC50 are scheduled for general availability by the end of this year. Camera versions are slated for availability in the first quarter of 2005. Prices range from $925 to $1,200.