Working And Types Of Mobile Computers

Mobile computers or portable barcode scanners are similar to desktop or laptop computers and consist of an operating system, application software, a keyboard and a display screen. Generally, mobile computers comprises of an integrated barcode scanner. Few models will also consist of integrated RFID readers or encoders. Others consist of integrated cameras, GPS or color touch screens. The application software assists a user for information which is either saved on the scanner (batch mode) or present on some type of database on a LAN (REAL-TIME). Either type of data storage helps in fast and accurate data entry.

The main differences between mobile computers or portable barcode scanners are:

• Operating System: It can be DOS, WIN CE or WIN Mobile and it should be selected based on budget and project's need.
• Scanner Type or Accessories: The scan engines present in a portable barcode scanner is same as the scan engines present in a complicated hand-held barcode scanner. These consists of CCD for close scanning, standard laser for many applications, long-range laser to get close to the barcode, and imagers to scan complicated 2D barcodes or take signatures or pictures. Additional accessories can be GPS, camera, phone and color touch screens.
• Connection Type: It can be Batch or Real-Time. Batch devices helps in capturing information present on a portable scanner, then load this information to a PC later. Real-time data capture consists of two way communications. When the trigger is pulled, a database is restored with the data captured.