Popular, versatile pistol-grip MC9000 Series mobile computer gets a thorough tech update, and it could net the company billions in replacement sales
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

Motorola Solutions, the enterprise division of which is now part of Zebra, introduced the MC9200 in June 2013, building on the overall design of the MC9000 Series, which Motorola called "the world's best-selling industrial mobile computer." According to the company, the line has sold over two million units over the past decade, a very large number for a computing product of this type. This latest model of the MC9000 Series remains completely compatible with all existing peripherals and accessories, allowing for cost-effective upgrades. A smart move, given that many large customers have a significant investment in MC9000 hardware and software.

As in prior versions, the MC9200 provides a multitude of keypad and scan engine options, including a long-range imaging option that offers enhanced standard 1D and 2D bar code reading up to 30 feet, as well as image capture capabilities to meet the emerging requirements for 2D bar code reading in retail and warehouse applications. New is the availability of the Motorola SE965 1D scanner ( see SE965 product sheet) that can automatically switch between a scan line and a highly visible aiming dot for enhanced aiming, and also allows for continuous scanning with one trigger pull.

On the technology side, the MC9200 benefits from beefed-up underpinnings. A 1GHz dual-core Texas Instruments OMAP 4430 processor replaces the 806MHz Marvell PXA320 found in the predecessor model. RAM memory has doubled to 512MB (and a full gigabyte in Premium models), and storage has doubled as well. Customers now get 2GB of Flash. There is also a SDHC Card slot for additional memory expansion. Onboard WiFi has been upgraded to 802.11a/b/g/n for the best possible wireless voice and data experience. There is also Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR PAN connectivity, and customers can select from 28-, 43-, and 53-key keypad options to suit a wide range of applications. On the software side, things have changed: customers can now either opt for Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5.3 or Windows Embedded Compact 7.0. The former is pretty much the well-known Windows Mobile 6.5.3, the latter used to be known as Windows CE 7.0 (see its data sheet).

Motorola Solutions claims that the MC9200 is industry's fastest computer in its class, and that's mostly due to the new processor (we offered to do a benchmark comparison). The 4430 is part of Texas Instrument's 4th generation OMAP platform, using dual ARM Cortex-A9 as well as two ARM-M3 cores. The chip also includes a PowerVR SGX540 integrated 3D graphics accelerator that runs at a clock speed of 304 MHz, and a multimedia hardware accelerator with a programmable DSP.

As before, the MC9200 offers multiple scanning options. There's the above-mentioned SE965 1D laser, the long-range SE1524 laser, the standard range SE4500-SR or the long range SE4600 2D imagers, or a couple of specialty imagers (the SE4500-DL for drivers license codes and other ID codes, and the SE4500-HD for special very high density codes). The scanner window is protected via Corning Gorilla Glass.

Since all MC9000 Series handhelds are designed to be used in harsh and demanding environments, the MC9200 offers IP64 sealing (totally dust-proof, and protected against water spray from all directions) and an impressive 6-foot drop specification. Motorola also states a "tumble spec": 2,000 3-foot tumbles. An operating temperature range of -4 to 122 degree Fahrenheit allows use in just about any environment. The powerful 15.8 watt-hour battery delivers full-shift operation. A pistol grip reduces fatigue in extended bar code scanning applications.

What it all means is that the very large number of Motorola MC9000 Series users now have a viable and largely future-proof upgrade/replacement option that will not forfeit existing investment in accessories and peripherals, and also retains backward compatibility with existing warehouse management systems and telnet apps via Motorola's RhoMobile Suite (see product page).