Field Digital Assistant for mission-critical Auto-ID applications
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

4P Mobile Data Processing, hedquartered in Padova, Italy, has been designing and manufacturing specialized handheld terminals and computers for demanding field applications since 1989.

The FDA300 shares most of its underlying technology with the "all-in-one" FDA600 an "all-in-one" Field Digital Assistant. It is a modern Windows CE.NET 5.0-based computer running on the 520MHz version of Marvell's PXA270 processor, has 128MB of RAM and 64MB of Flash, a SD slot, a 3.4-inch 240 x 320 pixel touch screen, and a handy 19-key alphanumeric keypad for navigation and rapid data entry.

Measuring 3.25 x 7.0 x 1.7 inches and weighing between 11 and 13 ounces, depending on configuration, the FDA300 includes a 1.3 megapixel digital camera, a 1D/2D barcode scanner and a 13.56 MHz RFID reader. And that is on top of onboard Bluetooth, 802.11b/g WiFi, IrDA, and GSM/GPRS/EDGE cellular capability.

Despite all of this functionality, the FDA300 is also a rugged device. It carries a IP54 ingress protection rating, can survive 4-foot drops onto concrete, and can operate in a fairly wide temperature range of between 32 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

The FDA300 is powered by either a 8.2 or 16.4 watt-hour Li-Ion battery. An optional Ethernet/charging cradle provides landline network connectivity. A vehicle cradle is also available.