Motorola announced the MC9500 in September 2009 but it’s just now getting out to customers in large quantities. If you haven’t tried one out — you really need to get your hands on one.
The rugged, industrial-class MC9500 mobile computer builds on Motorola’s best-selling MC9000 series and includes a new battery management technology and a universal accessory system to organize space for charging cradles, power packs and cables.
There’s plenty to love about the MC9500 — and only one minor annoyance. First, the good stuff. The rugged MC9500 supports 3.5G wireless for faster connections over GSM HSDPA and CDMA-EVDO networks.
Need to use a different network? Businesses can switch between the networks themselves without having to return the device to Motorola — nice feature.
Another new feature of the MC9500 is interactive sensor technology. IST includes motion-sensing capabilities to detect and log when one of the devices is dropped, which can help in long-term maintenance of the device. It also improves power management by putting the device in sleep mode when it is placed face down.
The MC9500 also assists with signature capture. The device sports an accelerometer that switches the screen capture between portrait and landscape modes. Several keyboard configurations are available.
The MC9500 is the first mobile computer based on Motorola’s second-generation mobility architecture. It runs Windows Mobile 6.1 and has a Marvell XScale PXA320 processor that performs at 806 MHz. A microSD slot supports up to 16GB of expansion storage.
The MC9500 includes a 3-megapixel camera that can be used as a scanner or image-capturing device for reading one- or two-dimensional bar codes. GPS is also provided as well as 802.11a/b/g support. It’s capable of handling voice over wireless.
A 3.7-in. color touch display sits above the keyboard. Ergonomically, the MC9500 fits well in any industrial setting — 9.2 by 3.5 by 2 in. in size and weighs 22 oz.
The one minor annoyance? The SD card slot is well hidden behind the battery and requires a screw driver for access. But now that you know — it’s no big deal!
Click on the picture on the right to see all the specs. Better yet, call us to get your hands on a demo unit!