Barcoding News

Panasonic has announced the U.S. launch of its fully-rugged, 5-inch handheld tablets. The Toughpad FZ-E1, powered by Windows Embedded 8.1 Handheld, and the Toughpad FZ-X1, running the Android 4.2.2 operating system, are enterprise-class handheld tablets — with voice and data connectivity — designed for mission-critical mobile workers. With 14-hour hot-swappable batteries, FIPS 140-2 Level 1 security, and sunlight-readable HD touchscreens that work even with gloves, the Toughpad FZ-E1 and Toughpad FZ-X1 are purpose-built to improve efficiency and productivity for mobile professionals such as first responders, military service members, and those in transportation and logistics, utilities, manufacturing, retail and field services.

The Toughpad FZ-E1 and Toughpad FZ-X1 represent a significant expansion of Panasonic’s Toughpad line, the world’s most comprehensive portfolio of enterprise-focused tablets. Like Panasonic’s market leading Toughbook laptops and convertibles, Toughpad tablets are engineered to deliver performance, security and reliability in extreme operating environments where consumer devices would fail. They are also built for easy integration into existing IT infrastructures and for smooth deployments and ongoing support, and provide organizations with longer life cycles, translating to lower total costs of ownership.

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Apple’s MFi Program (“Made for iPhone/iPod/iPad”) is a licensing program for developers of hardware and software peripherals that work with Apple’s iPod, iPad, iPad mini and iPhone, the so-called iDevices. The name is a shortened version of the original long-form Made For iPod. Companies joining the MFi program are required to pass certain requirements and certification tests. Once approved by Apple, they are able to display certain MFi-related logos on their product packaging.

Using a MFi certified receipt printer ensures full compatibility with Apple devices and an easier set-up with more features in any mobile application.

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Zebra’s popular QLn Series, QLn220/QLn320/QLn420, of printers has recently been enhanced with exciting new features. Now “Made for iPOD/iPhone/iPad” (MFi) certified, these printers support Apple mobile operating systems as well as Android  and Windows Mobile platforms. What’s more, the complete family of QLn printers now leverages Zebra’s Link-OS environment, making it easier than ever to integrate into operations and manage from any location around the globe! And best of all, you get all of these new features without having to pay extra – the cost is the same as the older models!

And as if that weren’t enough, Zebra is also excited to announce the release of their QLn320 and QLN220 Healthcare Printers, which is an extension of their user-friendly QLn printers that have been designed specifically with healthcare facilities’ needs in mind. They are constructed using durable, disinfectant-ready materials so they can be cleaned quickly and easily between each use. Collecting and labeling information at the patient’s bedside has never been more efficient!

For assistance finding the right mobile Zebra printer for your needs, contact us at Barcodes Inc.

Datalogic has announced the availability of their new Elf Healthcare PDA. This ergonomic PDA boasts an enclosure made of chemical resistant plastics – enabling it to withstand daily cleaning with harsh disinfectant solutions commonly found in various healthcare settings such as Sani-cloth cleaners, CaviWipes and others.

The Elf Healthcare PDA is a product line extension of the robust Datalogic Elf PDA, capitalizing on its ergonomics and proven reliability. The Elf Healthcare PDA is equipped with the Datalogic patented ‘Green Spot’ and a vibrating alert providing good read feedback while avoiding noisy beeps. These two features help to ensure quiet, restful scanning during patient bedside applications.

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Microscan has announced the availability of the Vision MINI Xi industrial compact smart camera with embedded Ethernet. As part of Microscan’s award winning AutoVISION machine vision product suite, this tiny powerhouse is packed with features for close-range industrial auto ID, inspection, and other machine vision applications.

Microscan’s new industrial Vision MINI Xi is the world’s smallest fully-integrated smart camera with embedded Ethernet, measuring in at 1 in (25.4 mm) x 1.8 in (45.7 mm) x 2.1 in (53.3 mm) and weighing 3.2 oz (91 g). The Vision MINI Xi features both Ethernet and serial connectivity, a 24-volt interface, and optically isolated I/O in one compact package.

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Many Bluetooth barcode scanners have a serious drawback when used with an iOS device due to the fact that Apple products recognize the scanner as a wireless keyboard and disable the  the built-in virtual keyboard. This essentially means that anytime you want to manually type any information you have to uncouple the Bluetooth scanner to gain access to the on-screen keyboard again.

Obviously, this is a major problem for most users and counter acts any benefits gained with the scanner.

Luckily there are some manufacturers, like Socket, that have scanners capable of acting as a HID Bluetooth device which retains the virtual keyboard functionality by double tapping the power button to allow simultaneous scanning and keystrokes.

Check out this short video for a simple demonstration of this unique feature with Socket’s Apple certified CHS Series scanners

Is your restaurant or retail store ahead of the technology curve?
Be honest – is it even close?

In this day and age, customers expect to see their favorite restaurants and stores using technologies similar to the ones they use on a daily basis. That’s why today’s top retailers and restaurateurs are turning to tablets and Apple iPads to run their businesses.

In 2014, this concept of mobile point of sale (POS) is very flexible. Mobile elements, such as mobile POS devices and mobile POS printers, can be mixed and matched with your existing assets to accommodate your specific business and/or budget needs. Mobile POS can include:

• A mobile device secured on a stand, integrated with a stationary printer and cash drawer
• A mobile device integrated with a magnetic stripe reader and a portable printer

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As one of the leading manufacturers of label printers, Datamax-O’Neil has a wide range of industrial, desktop, and mobile printers to meet the needs of any application.

Choosing the best printer for your specific business needs can be a challenge with just a list of model names and images. The charts below are a simple feature and specifications breakdown of the full Datamax-O’Neil printer line.

For additional assistance choosing the right printer, contact one of our printer specialists at Barcodes Inc.

With a variety of terminology out there these days it can be confusing and difficult to find exactly what kind of scanning device you need.  One of the more common terms to get mixed up is the difference between cordless scanners and mobile computers.

Outside the physical shape and size differences, there are a couple key functional use differences between them:

• A cordless barcode scanner only scans a barcode and either transmits to a computer in real-time or stores the code into memory for a bulk upload at a later time.
• Cordless barcode scanners only captures the data and cannot process or manage it.
• A mobile computer combines a computer and a barcode scanner into one device with an operating systems (OS) to run apps and process the data beyond just storing it.
• With a mobile computer you can edit and share information on the spot using Wi-Fi or Cellular networks. You can also get feedback  or look-up information through a variety of apps based off of the scanned information.

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Easy Development, Fast Deployment, Efficient Operation

The CipherLab 8600 mobile computer comes equipped with value-added software for simple and easy development. Forge Application Generator is designed for non-programmers to create applications without writing any codes, and it bundles with Remote Console which helps you to manage multiple mobile devices on a PC. Text Browser allows you to run web-based applications via internet. Mirror Terminal Emulator can extend complex mainframe applications to your 8600 handheld terminal. Furthermore, C Complier and BASIC Complier can be utilized to develop applications with more complexity.

For assistance finding the right CipherLab mobile device for your needs, contact us at BarcodesInc.