Symbol Technologies WT4000 series wearable computer

We wouldn't exactly call this wearable computer svelte, in fact, calling it a strap-on is more apropos wouldn't you say? Still, it's pretty much what we'd expect from a company that specializes in ruggedized handhelds. So no surprise to find Symbol Technologies targetting this third generation, WT4000 series of mobile computers and scanner attachments for use in extreme environments. No, not that extreme, more like warehouses and distribution centers where handsfree operation comes as a boon. Worn on the hip or wrist, the device brings an IP-54 sealing rating and can survive drops to concrete from as high as 4-feet (1.2-meter). The device itself runs WinCE 5.0 Pro on a 520MHz Intel XScale PXA270 processor and packs-in 802.11a/b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 1.2, and 2.8-inch QVGA display with backlight. Fortunately, it weighs a relatively light 11.2-ounces (320.3-grams) with battery to keep fatigue to a minimum. Yeah, it still looks damned bulky but never fear you fork-lift fashionistas, in just a few more months Symbol will have access to those Motorola designers -- we hear pink is the new Schlitz. Expect pricing and a drop date when these go on display at Post Expo in Amsterdam October 10th.

[Jonathan Allen @ Sep 25th 2006 12:04PM]

That's hot. I can just see all those sexy wal-mart employees checking inventory with that bad boy! Sweetness.......

[greg @ Sep 25th 2006 12:09PM]

What is that device going to his hand?

[Taiso @ Sep 25th 2006 12:09PM]

The power glove is blushing.

[Thomas Ricker @ Sep 25th 2006 12:16PM]

Greg, that's a barcode scanner.

Thomas

[James @ Sep 25th 2006 12:19PM]

My former co-workers at UPS have been using wearable computers like these for years now.

[Jeff @ Sep 25th 2006 12:24PM]

Previous versions of these were used @ UPS. We just upgraded I'm not sure if the new model we have are made by symbol. Our new models have bluetooth. Which means there's no annoying wires.

[doyouflip @ Sep 25th 2006 12:30PM]

Looks like BlackBerry isn't going to be the only target for "BlackBerry thumb" lawsuits.

[strider_mt2k @ Sep 25th 2006 12:31PM]

Electra Woman and Dyna Girl called.
They want their Electra Comps back.

I know, I know...

[Alex @ Sep 25th 2006 12:55PM]

Daaaamnnnn... how small is that screen??? Lol.

[Justin @ Sep 25th 2006 1:01PM]

The new ones at UPS are made by motorola. Yes they have blue tooth and use 802.11b...The laser always blinks so you don't have to pull a stupid trigger...the OS is developed by microsoft. Personally I think the batteries on them suck as the ones at our facility always seemed to die especially during peak season when we had the scanners out on the floor for extended periods of time.

[Rick Lyon @ Sep 25th 2006 1:41PM]

Ah, they couldn't bluetooth the mouse? That cable is so 80s.

[E @ Sep 25th 2006 1:54PM]

For the love of all things, just copy the design of the one the predator had and they will be selling like hotcakes! Might as well get some duct tape and a commodore 64 and strap it on my leg. Jeez!

Seriously, designers and manufacturers please take note of a certain prevalent trend you seem to miss: people like thin devices with big screens!!!! HELLO?!?! WAKE UP! (See plasma, lcd, razor and Q phones...)

[Diogo @ Sep 25th 2006 2:07PM]

E,

It has to be cost effective and have a long battery life.

A "big screen" doesn't really help.

[johnny hates waiting @ Sep 25th 2006 2:48PM]

I don't get it? Why not just put the computer on the belt and use a wireless screen, keyboard, scanner combo that mounts on the arm? That way size won't be such an issue.

[E @ Sep 25th 2006 2:53PM]

Diogo,

I agree replicating the alien predator technology will not be cheap. ;) My commodore 64/duct tape wearable computer is cost effective but I don't think it will sell well. I am simply talking about the design. This device looks like a collision between an ankle brace and a bulky GPS unit. For this reason alone, it will not sell well and will have been a complete waste of time and money to develop.
Long battery life is also important but the screen need not be massive to the point it requires a car battery to run. Even a motorola Q with some rubber bands would look better than this. Regardless, no one wants a 15" monitor on their wrist. In all honesty, I strongly believe any wrist-mounted screen device will ultimately disappear as eye-wear will eventually incorporate built-in displays (just can't wait till these look like normal glasses, and not the nerd-helmets they look like now)

-E

[StandardAI @ Sep 25th 2006 3:26PM]

It's huge, There's plenty of devises out there with better specs at smaller sizes.

[theCardinal @ Sep 25th 2006 3:30PM]

Warehouses, extreme? Dubious.

[Monte @ Sep 25th 2006 6:27PM]

You've obviously never worked in a UPS warehouse. Minor injuries like cuts, scrapes and bruises are pretty much a daily occurance for the average loader. More serious injuries, like broken bones and sprained ankles are also fairly common. The equipment loaders use takes an equal if not greater beating. Things happen at an extremely fast pace under less than ideal conditions, and there is a great deal of pressure to keep up a nearly superhuman pace.

On the plus side, when I was a loader at UPS years ago, I was in the best shape of my life...aside from the bruises.

[SeraphimZion @ Sep 25th 2006 6:44PM]

While it seems like an awesome idea, the thing doesn't look too practical.

[Andrew A @ Sep 25th 2006 7:00PM]

Wait I've seen Predator. That thing has a bomb in it.

[sfeng1 @ Sep 25th 2006 9:42PM]

'apropos' misused.

[fred @ Mar 25th 2008 7:06PM]

its nice all the mckesson at landover love it

[arjun @ May 2nd 2008 12:34AM]

symbol technologies should make this beautiful wearable wrist pc with quadband GSM PHONE,mp3,mp4,and a CAMERA 5MP.