Hand Held Products adds GPS to mobile computer

Dolphin 7900 now features integrated GPS technology in a true industrial-grade mobile computing platform.

Hand Held Products, manufacturer of linear and 2D barcode scanners based on image scanning technology, has enhanced the functionality of its Dolphin 7900 mobile computer, which is now available with integrated Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.

This makes the 7900 a true industrial-grade GPS-enabled mobile data collection solution which excels against any other device with GPS capabilities on the market.  The 7900 with GPS is purpose-built for transportation, field mobility, route accounting, and parcel delivery applications. Its high-performance GPS architecture provides fast and accurate location-based information for navigation services, mobile asset tracking and documentation of field service or visitation.
 
The Dolphin 7900's multi-mode wireless connectivity - GSM/GPRS, WLAN and Bluetooth - provides real-time voice and data communication. When combined with GPS, this enables real-time tracking and management of field-based assets. Powered by Adaptus(R) Imaging Technology 5.0, the Dolphin 7900 can read linear and 2D barcodes, plus capture digital images and signatures. The power-intensive Dolphin 7900 maintains its robustness and superior voice communication with the GPS component. Because the GPS is integrated into the mobile computer, there are no additional hardware connection requirements and it can be used in conjunction with most GPS-enabling software platforms. A hard-wired connection ensures the GPS radio maintains contact with the 7900. Advanced Shift-PLUS Power Management enables the 7900 to endure an entire workshift, delivering uninterrupted data processing and enhanced productivity.
 
"We've combined the ruggedness of our mobile computer with a GPS radio to create a truly industrial-grade device with GPS," said Eric De Greef, Business Manager for Mobility Solutions at Hand Held Products EMEA. "The integration of GPS into the Dolphin 7900 enables enterprises to run new applications which can increase productivity and efficiency, while enhancing customer service. The addition of the GPS doesn't sacrifice the durability, reliability or IP64 sealing against rain, dust and dirt of the Dolphin 7900, but instead enhances its functionalities. Because the Dolphin 7900 maintains its superior 10+ hour battery life between charges, with GPS and GPRS running continuously, we believe that this makes it a truly unique product in the market."
 
Applications:
 
In addition to traditional navigation services associated with consumer GPS units, an industrial grade device with GPS and barcode scanning capabilities can provide several other possibilities to especially companies with employees in the field. The device can be used for example in asset tracking and geo coding applications. The location is transmitted and captured by the mobile computer. The GPS-location can be queried via a pull technology, or the devices can broadcast their location at fixed intervals over a wireless network. Using this data enables displaying and locating the asset on a map, as well as dispatching employees in the field. The GPS receiver can also collect the travel history of vehicles or personnel. A "breadcrumb" trail of GPS points is can be captured and then uploaded for analysis and improvements. The benefits of these applications are numerous. Companies can save time, improve efficiency, and reduce fuel costs for example thanks to more efficient routes.
 
About Hand Held Products
 
Hand Held Products is the world's largest manufacturer of image-based linear and 2D handheld scanners. The company's product offering includes mobile computers, handheld barcode scanners, image kiosks, barcode verification devices and image engines powered by Adaptus(tm) Imaging Technology. Its headquarters are located in Skaneateles Falls (NY, USA), with European headquarters in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.