Intermec, now a part of Honeywell, introduces its latest rugged mobile computer with two OS options - Android and Windows

Intermec, now part of Honeywell Scanning & Mobility, today announced the CN51 rugged mobile computer - the company's latest product to offer the choice of Android or Windows operating systems on a single device. Designed for flexible application support, this next-generation mobile computing solution offers unparalleled versatility and is primed for use in direct store delivery, transportation, and logistics and field service operations.

"With support for both Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 and Android 4.1, the industry leading CN51 underscores our commitment to innovation and ability to meet the diverse needs of a global workforce," said Peter Fehl, vice-president for global marketing at Honeywell Scanning & Mobility.

Offering a superior user experience, the CN51's large, multi-touch, outdoor-readable screen provides ample room for application viewing with less scrolling for greater productivity, as well as more space for capturing signatures. It's also equipped with state-of-the-art smart battery technology, delivering industry leading battery life that lasts through a full 12-hour shift and beyond without interruption to replace or recharge. The CN51 is also the perfect migration option from the current CN50, offering improved processor and area imager performance, while still maintaining accessory compatibility with existing CN50 installations.

For added flexibility, the CN51 is equipped with a voice-capable Flexible Network Radio, allowing the same device to operate on either a CDMA or UMTS wireless network in North America. With the ability to switch networks on the fly, enterprises with large, geographically dispersed workforces can rely on the CN51 to meet changing coverage needs and ensure any time, anywhere access to business-critical information.

The new CN51 is available with Intermec's EA30 or EA31 high-performance imagers for optimal reading of 1D and 2D bar codes in various conditions, including low light scanning environments. With unmatched motion tolerance and snappy scanning, the CN51 also eliminates delays or user frustration during scan-intensive applications, ultimately improving worker productivity. The five-megapixel colour camera, combined with Intermec's cutting-edge image-processing technologies, also delivers advanced capabilities. Mobile Document Imaging (MDI) and Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) provide a fast and reliable way to convert full-size paper documents or check payments into electronic files while on the road, transmitting directly from the point of capture to the back-office workflow.

Additionally, industry leading service solutions, like Intermec's CloneNGo, offer breakthrough device provisioning that makes it easy to replicate a master configuration across an unlimited number of devices to get up and running quickly. Intermec SmartSystems Management Console also monitors key sub-systems, including scanning, communications and device health, to prevent issues before they impact operations. Intermec's Medallion Advanced and Support Services help protect your investment by reducing unexpected operational impacts of network communication issues or minimising device downtime.

"While rugged devices are designed to be more function- or application-specific than smartphones, there is growing consensus that these devices deliver a similar immersive experience and have similar capabilities as function-rich smartphones," said David Krebs, vice-president of mobile and wireless, VDC. "As Android matures in the enterprise, it represents an increasingly viable option for rugged vendors such as Intermec to bridge this functionality gap and deliver the capabilities their partners and customers are looking for."

"Twisted Pair applauds Intermec's new CN51 mobile ruggedised computer. Customers appreciate vendors that offer mobile computer solutions built using multiple platforms, either because they have existing investments in multiple platforms themselves or because they have identified a single platform that they wish to standardise on in the future," said Ryan Buma, vice-president of sales and marketing, Twisted Pair Solutions. "We recognise this need too, and that is why our WAVE Mobile Communicator for Push-to-Talk supports the CN51 mobile rugged computer."

"As part of the Intermec PartnerNet ISV Program, we have tested CoPilot Professional GPS software extensively on the CN51," said Michael Kornhauser, senior vice-president, enterprise solutions, ALK Technologies. "During these trials, we've been impressed with its overall performance and believe it to be an important addition to both our Windows Embedded Handheld and Android Enterprise propositions."

For more on the CN51, visit www.intermec.com/CN51.

Android is a registered trademark of Google.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft.