Intermec advanced rugged 3G mobile computers launched

 Intermec has  introduced the CN50 and CN4  advanced, rugged 3G Wireless WAN (WWAN) mobile computers for field mobility applications.  The CN50 includes 3.75G WWAN HSUPA radio technology in a small, lightweight, ruggedised form factor, providing mobile workforces in postal, field service, transportation, and delivery operations with the industrys highest performance mobile computer.

The CN4 is the ideal mobile computing solution for operations requiring support for fully-rugged front line transactions, including commercial transportation, store delivery, and demanding field service applications. Both products enable customers to leverage enterprise mobility applications with higher data exchange requirements, and offer a range of features designed to maximise mobile worker productivity, uptime, and on-the-route service capability.

CN50

The CN50 utilises the latest cutting-edge communications technology being deployed by leading network operators around the world, and coupled with Intermecs new multi-processor architecture, delivers very fast data uploads. The CN50 enables mobile workers to run data-intensive applications not practical with other solutions.

The CN50 features many performance advances, including a Flexible Network Radio that can be re-provisioned to a different network as business needs or coverage options evolve. This capability enables customers to deploy a single hardware solution on the wireless network offering the best cost and geographic coverage. 

The CN50s compact design can reduce fatigue for mobile workers requiring extended or even day-long use, and with its five foot drop specification, the CN50 ensures reliable operation for mobile workers connected in real-time to critical enterprise applications.

CN4

The CN4 is a light and rugged 3.5G wireless network device, designed to perform in the most demanding work environments. With a six-foot drop specification - on all faces, sides and corners, compact internal antenna design, and IP64 sealing, the CN4 is said to be able to reduce worker downtime and the risk of critical data loss or lost revenue. The CN4 easily integrates with a wide range of compatible, performance-optimised printers and accessories for in-vehicle, or stand-alone implementation, and shares system software and a wide range of accessories with Intermecs leading CN3-series.  Customers can continue to deploy the same applications across the enterprise, while leveraging the devices more powerful 3.5G WWAN radio, GPS, voice and video functionality.

The CN50 and CN4 are both available with an optional Enhanced Mobile Document Imaging (eMDI) capability, providing mobile workers with a fast, reliable way to convert full page paper documents into electronic documents at the point-of-transaction. With eMDI-enabled devices, mobile workers now have the ability to transmit high-quality document images, captured in all lighting conditions, to back office applications in real-time.  Seamless integration and compatibility with popular document management systems can simplify workflow, shorten billing cycles, and provide customer service and shipping operations ready access to documents for faster processing.

Building on the successful CN3, the CN50 and CN4 round out Intermecs arsenal of field mobility solutions, says David Krebs, VDC Research Mobile & Wireless Practice Director. Both new products address key current and future field mobile user needs in terms of ergonomics, performance and overall functionality.

Lower Total Cost of Ownership

The CN50 and CN4 were designed, tested and optimised for maximum performance and easy integration with compatible Intermec peripherals.  The CN4 also protects customers investments in previous generation technology including the CN3/CN3e, by enabling smooth migration to 3G technology. 

Both products support Intermec SmartSystems, allowing customers to track mobile assets, minimise deployment time, simplify integration into existing systems, and provide remote device management capabilities. Intermec SmartSystems on the CN4 also enables customers to proactively manage battery replacement requirements. Intermec Professional Services accelerates customer planning, adoption, deployment and integration of SmartSystemsTM and 3G technology for fast ROI. In addition, Intermec Medallion Complete Service offers ultimate post-purchase confidence through comprehensive service, to eliminate any unplanned delay or costs of operation.

Channel Benefits and Availability

Developed as an extension of the CN3 product line, the CN4s platform technology design minimises software integration efforts and inventory costs, enabling ISVs and channel partners to leverage existing software expertise and applications across multiple products.

Weve worked closely with our channel partners in the introduction of these new computers, said Earl Thompson, senior vice president & general manager of the Intermec Mobile Solutions Business Unit.  Our channel partners are a key element in our success formula, and the feedback weve received from them on the CN50 and CN4 has confirmed our belief that these computers have set a new bar for the industry.

Both products will be available for volume shipment in the third quarter of CY 2009.