New Technology

By Staff -- Logistics Management, 2/1/2001

Hand Held Unveils WinCE Mobile Computer

Hand Held Products, a Welch Allyn affiliate, has released the Dolphin 7400, a rugged Windows CE-based mobile computer. That computer can be ordered or upgraded with a number of add-ons, including a 2D image engine for mobile imaging applications, a laser bar-code scanner, a PC-card radio, flash memory cards, a touchscreen, and three keypads.

The Dolphin 7400 features the 206 MHz Intel RISC processor, which is designed to run the Windows CE operating system. The base memory expands from 16 to 32 MB RAM and the flash memory from 16 to 32 MB. The computer can be programmed using any standard fourth-generation programming language.

An integrated area imager not only reads all popular linear bar codes, 2D codes, and OCR fonts A & B, but also captures digital photos. An alternative laser scanner can read bar codes from a wide range of distances, densities, and lighting conditions.

The Dolphin 7400, whose housing is constructed of magnesium alloy and high-impact plastic to withstand repeated five-foot drops, uses a rechargeable nickel metal hydride battery that provides up to 18 hours of life on a full recharge. The terminal's RS232 connector supports external plug-in scanners, land line modems, and printers. For more information, visit www.handheld.com .

Wax Thermal-Transfer Ribbon Designed for High-Volume Printing

Versa Mark, a new wax thermal-transfer ribbon from IIMAK, is designed for the high-speed, high-volume printing of bar codes. The ribbon has a unique backcoat formulation dubbed "Guardian" that leaves no permanent buildup on printheads, thereby extending the life of the printhead and lowering user costs. Permanent buildup on printheads can cause streaks and smudges to appear in bar codes.

The Guardian backcoat also allows a ribbon to pass smoothly and evenly over the printhead regardless of speed, energy setting, or label format, according to IIMAK. As a result of this smoother passage, ribbon wrinkling is eliminated.

Versa Mark wax ribbons perform well on a broad range of polyolefin film labels such as Kimdura, coated and uncoated paper tag and label stock, and flexible packaging films, IIMAK adds.

IIMAK manufactures and distributes a full line of black and color thermal-transfer ribbons for a variety of tag and label, signage, and ID card printers and facsimile machines. For more information, visit www.iimak.com .