New Product Roundup

By MICHELLE MAN
Published: December 20, 2007

SOCKET MOBILE HAS PRODUCED a flurry of new products in the past few months, including a radio-free version of the SoMo™ 650 for government applications. For Auto ID customers, we have released Scanning Companion, a plug-in USB Bluetooth® adapter designed for use with our cordless bar code scanners, and FlexGuard, a durable silicone skin that reinforces the connection of a Secure Digital Scan Card inserted into the Motorola MC35. For Serial I/O customers, we have introduced SocketSavers to protect RS-232 connectors in expensive equipment. Read below for more information on each item.

Radio-Free SoMo 650

Earlier this month, Socket Mobile released a high-security (HS) version of the SoMo 650 handheld computer without built-in Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi® radio capabilities. Designed specifically for the public sector and other private sector market segments where security takes precedence over real-time data transmission, or a batch-only Windows Mobile device is required, the new configuration of the SoMo 650 offers durability and scalability while maintaining specific non-radio regulatory compliance. Sample devices are available now upon request.

Workers in information-sensitive environments are restricted from using radio-enabled devices to prevent interference with sensitive electrical equipment, and for a variety of security reasons. This makes inventory management, IT asset-tracking and other data collection tasks extremely difficult, as there are a limited number of commercially available devices that are radio-free, run a Windows Mobile Operating System and have at least 128MB of available memory. In these cases, workers have been restricted to either using industrial-grade computers that are cumbersome and expensive, or consumer-grade laptops and tablet PCs, which are not as convenient to use and often don’t support the task-specific applications required in these segments.

For more information about the high security version of the SoMo 650, please visit: http://www.socketmobile.com/products/handheld-computer/somo-650/

Scanning Companion

Scanning Companion is a USB Bluetooth Adapter that enables Windows XP computers with a USB slot to wirelessly connect to a Socket Mobile Cordless Scanning product. It is Bluetooth 2.0 certified with Enhanced Data Rates (EDR). It includes a Class 1 Bluetooth radio allowing for scanning up to 300 ft (100m) away from the computer. With Scanning Companion you eliminate any concerns regarding compatibility and costly downtime by using a Bluetooth adapter and bar code scanner from the same source. Socket Mobile products are designed to work together for a simple, trouble free solution.

Scanning Companion is great for ActivePairing™ deployments with the Cordless Ring Scanner (CRS) Series 9. It comes with stickers printed with custom ActivePairing bar codes so your CRS will connect to your specific Scanning Companion unit. Socket Mobile ActivePairing technology enables you to pair/unpair a CRS to your computer by simply scanning a special bar code. It's great for users who need to roam from computer to computer and helps to reduce costly support issues and downtime related to Bluetooth connection setup.

For more information about Scanning Companion, please visit: http://www.socketmobile.com/products/accessories/scanning-companion/

FlexGuard for the Secure Digital Scan Card for the Motorola MC35

Socket Mobile FlexGuard is a flexible durable silicone cover that secures the SD Scan Card 3M/3P and the Motorola/Symbol MC35 handheld together. FlexGuard ensures the 3M/3P remains firmly seated throughout a mobile worker's busy day. With FlexGuard, the 3M/3P and the MC35 are transformed into a powerful data collection device that can be operated with one hand – optimal for high volume scanning applications. FlexGuard is made of resilient material that is washable under very hot temperatures. The soft and elastic material holds the 3M/3P in place, so it won’t pop out of the MC35 if accidentally bumped. It includes openings for connectors, so you can have full functionality of the SD Scan Card and the MC35 with FlexGuard on.

For more information about FlexGuard, please visit: http://www.socketmobile.com/products/accessories/flexguard-mc35/

Socket Savers

This month, Socket Mobile introduced Socket Savers, designed to protect frequently coupled equipment from connector wear. Socket Savers save your expensive serial peripherals from connector wear. Even if you only connect cables infrequently pins can be bent. But Socket Savers are inexpensive; if one wears out or is damaged — just replace it!

For more information about Socket Savers, please visit: http://www.socketmobile.com/products/accessories/