A new Android-based, enterprise-class mobile computer has been announced. It aims to help businesses update mobile solutions, keep up with the demands of e-commerce, reduce training time, improve speed and accuracy, and increase productivity.  

The computer is designed for use in in warehouses, manufacturing, logistics, and back-of-store retail environments. It is suited for inventory management, receiving/put-away, returns processing, cross docking, quality control, parts tracking, and price-audit applications.

Its scanning technology can read direct-part marks, dot peen and laser-etched barcodes, and capture one-or two-dimensional barcodes from three inches to 70 feet. This allows for scanning of items in small bins or pallets on uppermost racks of warehouses.

According to Enterprise Mobile Computing, Zebra Technologies VP and GM, Joe White, the company updated its MC9000 class of computers to give businesses an easy migration path from Windows to Android. “We improved the ergonomics and added more than 20 new features to enhance application and accessory performance, user comfort, ease of use, ruggedness, data capture flexibility and device management,” he explained.

The company asserts that its MC9300 mobile computer is the most rugged device in its class, being almost completely water-, drop-, dust- and tumble-proof.

In addition, the MC9300 PowerPrecision computer has a 7000 mAh battery, to increase efficiency and productivity, and to reduce downtime.

One model also features a system of heaters and freezer-rated batteries for frost-free operations in cold-storage environments. A Class 1 Division 2 model for use in hazardous locations is also available.

The MC9300 model is supported by the Android operating system (OS), physical keyboards and a full touch screen. It features a 4.3-inch touch screen, protected by ultra-strong Gorilla Glass and a choice of six keypads, offering a diverse set of business applications. The device includes the Qualcomm chipset that supports an extendable platform for application development and a minimum of two Android OS upgrades. It has an optional front and back camera to capture photos and videos to document proof of condition and proof of compliance.

The model also comes pre-loaded with a terminal emulation application, designed to take advantage of the graphics capabilities of the device while supporting traditional “green screen” use. It is available with a number of end-user applications, application development tools and utilities that facilitate an enterprise-ready OS.

Businesses also have access to a security solution that provides security/patch updates that match enterprise hardware lifecycles, enabling OS transitions and potentially extending the life of mobile investments.

The model is designed to maintain longer component lifecycles, longer- lasting batteries, and longer availability and support. The computer is also compatible with existing charging infrastructure via an adapter, to reduce electronic waste.

Zebra also announced the new TC8300 touch computer, optimised for picking and new augmented-reality based applications. It uses the same chipset as the MC9300 and is available with the Mobility DNA software suite and LifeGuard for Android support, as well as data protection manager capabilities.