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Intermec CS40 walks the work / play tightrope, WinMo 6.5 threatens to knock it off
Even phone holster users (don't be shy, we love you) have every reason to shy away from using most of today's ultra-rugged business handsets from manufacturers like Symbol once they clock out for the day -- they're just too beastly, and typically, they trade every last ounce of ergonomic credibility in an effort to be as bulletproof as possible. That's a problem that Intermec is looking to tackle head-on with the new CS40, a phone that makes few reliability concessions while stepping down to a true smartphone form factor (and if you look closely, you can even see some hints of style in there). Just how rugged are we talking? Intermec says it'll survive multiple drops onto concrete from four feet onto all four corners, will stand up to dust and splashed liquids, and still manages to include a 2D barcode scanner so that you can perform your weekly inventory with flair. It'll be available in QWERTY and numeric keypad variants in the fourth quarter, but never mind the styling: can you carry Windows Mobile Handheld knowing full well all the cool kids will have Windows Phone 7 by then? Follow the break for Intermec's full press release.
Intermec's rugged CV30 and handheld CN3
While we were busy covering Stevie J's latest shenanigans yesterday, Intermec announced a new rugged fixed-mount computer, the CV30. This 6.4-inch terminal runs Windows CE.NET 5.0 or Windows Mobile 5.0 and has WiFi (802.11g) and Bluetooth built-in. Intermec is marketing this little guy to cab drivers, forklift operators and other industrial scenarios, and it goes on sale (sans price for now) September 15. Best part: the screen on the CV30 is "heated" for use in cold environments -- we can just imagine workers in a refrigerated warehouse crowding around one of these things for warmth. Also on September 12, Intermec introduced the CV30's little cousin (157 x 84 x 30mm) , the CN3, which looks basically like a ruggedized BlackBerry, except that it runs Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 and comes with GSM/EDGE and CDMA/EV-DO, GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth and has a 1.3 megapixel camera built-in. Still no word on price or availability, but Intermec adds that it should be available by the end of the year. Best part about the CN3? It also comes with a built-in butane lighter. Ok, not really, but that would be pretty rad if it did.
