Measuring 3.16 x 9.33 x 2.0 inches and weighing about 20 ounces, the CK75 can be ordered either the 59-key alpanumeric keypad with small alpha keys, a separate numeric keypad and function keys, or a special 43-key keypad with a large numeric keypad and 12 function keys that can be programmed for rapid access to frequently used operations.

Honeywell's 2017 promo highlights the CK75 as 31% smaller and lighter than competing devices, but its size and weight really haven't changed since the original introduction.

For scanning, the standard CK75 uses either the EX25 Near/Far 2D imager with an extended scanning range of about half a foot all the way to 50 feet (see EX25 spec page), or the N5603ER high-performance 2D imager with Adaptus Imaging Technology. The latter replaced the EA30 2D imager available in the predecessor CK71.

There is also an integrated 5-megapixel auto-focus digital camera option with flash. An embedded accelerometer is used for screen rotation, system suspend, or developers can use it to provide input to custom apps.

On the wireless side, the CK75 has integrated Class 1.5 Bluetooth Version 4.0 and dual band 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi with CCXv4 compatibility. Gone, compared to the predecessor CK71, are mobile broadband and GPS. The 3.7 Volt/5,200 mAH Li-Ion battery is unchanged.

Also unchanged is the small 3.5-inch 480 x 640 pixel display that, however, is plenty sharp with 229 pixels per inch. The new version will be significantly quicker, though, thanks to switching from a 600MHz TI OMAP 3530 processor to a faster 1.5GHz OMAP 4470.

The CK75 is certainly a very rugged device. We're talking an 8-foot drop spec, IP67 sealing, and a very wide -4 to 140 degree Fahrenheit operating temperature range. That means operation in cold storage and freezer environments is possible thanks to an optional heater.

As in the past, the CK75 is accompanied by the CN75 and CN75e models see here) which are geared towards the needs of courier express, parcel and mobile workers. CN models use the EA30 2D imager and can be equipped with UMTS/CDMA (switchable) mobile broadband radio.

The big news undoubtedly is the CK75's ability to run Android as well. That's significant as the still available Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 is now decidedly legacy. Its official replacement is Windows 10 IoT Mobile Enterprise, but that is still in its early phase and not everyone is ready to migrate just yet. So having Android 6 "Marshmallow" as an option provides an alternate migration path to the OS that dominates the global smartphone market.