Intermec has just announced the release of the PB2 and PB3 wearable mobile receipt printers.  The compact and lightweight form of the PB2 (2-inch printer) and PB3 (3-inch printer) is perfect for all day use out in the field and works seamlessly with the Intermec CN3 or CK3 mobile computers.  Mobile workers can accept payments on-the-go with the optional magnetic stripe reader and generate receipts on the spot.  And if your mobile workforce requires added protection, the optional IP54 rated environmental casing is ideal for adverse weather, but won’t weigh you down.  The PB2 and PB3 will maximize productivity and when combined with an Intermec mobile computer can provide a complete solution.  To learn more about the newest mobile printers from Intermec you can read the Product Profile.

In addition to the new enhancements for Mobile Workers and IT/Administrators, Windows Mobile 6.1 also offers some great features for developers.  These include:

Windows Mobile 5.0 Compatibility- Previous Windows Mobile 5.0 applications will run just fine, but they must use supported APIs (Application Interface Programs).

Increased Virtual Memory- Developers will have more flexibility due to increased virtual memory.

Application Function Improvement- Using the .NET Compact Framework, developers will experience 150% to 700% improvement in application functions.

Faster Startup- Developers will see up to 25% improvement in application startup time.

With all of these improvements and enhancements it’s interesting to see how Windows Mobile 6.1 compares to past versions.  This Comparison Chart, provided by Microsoft, compares the features and functionality of Windows Mobile 5.0, Windows Mobile 6.0 and Windows Mobile 6.1.  For more information on mobile computers available with Windows Mobile 6.1, please contact me at ehodges@barcode.com.

Yesterday I shared some of the Windows Mobile 6.1 enhancements that benefit mobile workers, today I’d like to go over the new features that benefit IT and administrators.  The biggest enhancement is that Windows Mobile 6.1 enables Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager (SCMDM) 2008.  Mobile Device Manager 2008 provides improved control over WM 6.1 devices and increased security management, allowing features such as:

Self-Service Enrollment Model- Now IT can quickly enable users to enroll new devices themselves saving time and resources.  IT can then view pending enrollments from a centralized location.

Single, Convenient Interface- Based on the familiar Microsoft Management Console (MMC), IT can view all WM 6.1 devices, settings, certificates, installed software and more from a single console.

Support for Exchange Server 2007 SP1- Easily manage and administer security, while allowing your workforce to access information no matter where they may be.

Lock-Down Capability- Administrators can remotely access WM 6.1 devices and disable certain hardware functions.  This allows maximum control over devices in the field.

 Active Directory Support- You can utilize the current Active Directory structure within your enterprise to deploy and manage WM 6.1 devices.  With over 130 settings, including security, encryption, and remote device wipe, plus custom Active Directory Management Templates, integration is easy.

The combination of WM 6.1 and SCMDM 2008 can provide an all-in-one solution for your enterprise.  You can learn more about Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008, view some interactive videos and even download a free trial version HERE.

Windows Mobile 6.1 is full of enhancements that increase the functionality of mobile devices and allows your mobile workforce to stay connected almost anywhere.  The newest version of Windows Mobile improves upon the foundation of Windows Mobile 5.0 and provides mobile workers, IT/administrators and developers with new easy-to-use features.  Because WM 6.1 is beginning to be offered on some of the most popular mobile computers in the industry, such as the Intermec CN3, I thought it would be good to go over some of the enhancements and benefits of upgrading.  Today we’ll take a look at the benefits offered to mobile workers, Thursday we’ll go over the benefits to IT/administrators and Friday the benefits to developers.

Benefits for Mobile Workers

Performance- Windows Mobile 6.1 has no problem running the same programs as 5.0 or 6.0 versions, but performance is improved and these same programs will run faster and better, with less delay.

Application Startup- WM 6.1 provides faster application startup times, typically up to 25% less waiting time.

Simple Wireless Connection- WM 6.1 can find and connect to wireless networks easily and quickly and attaching Bluetooth peripherals is simpler than ever before.

Increased Virtual Memory- WM 6.1 has more virtual memory than past versions, allowing your mobile workers to concentrate on the task at hand instead of what programs they have running on their device.

Battery Life- WM 6.1 has improved battery life and devices with WM 6.1 will run longer per charge than those with older versions.

In addition to mobile computers, WM 6.1 also has many new features that enhance mobile phones.  This short video from Microsoft highlights some of the new features when used with a mobile phone.

Remember to check back tomorrow for more information about the WM 6.1 enhancements that affect IT and Administrators.

Motorola has announced the newest addition to their vehicle/fixed mount mobile computer line-the VC6096.  The VC6096 offers the same rugged mobility that Motorola is known for while also providing simultaneous voice and data connections via 3.5G WAN connectivity.  Additional features include, integrated GPS for route optimization, integrated telematics support and a 6.5 inch color VGA touch screen.  This rugged all-in-one solution is sure to maximize productivity and reduce costs.  To learn more about the new VC6096 you can read the Product Profile.