It’s all about the laser

As the hand held terminal wars heat up Symbols latest entry, the MC9000-G series, is a vast improvement over the venerable 6800 series. Improved ergonomics, application deployment and scanning make the MC9000-G the obvious choice for high volume, variable range scanning applications.

The good

Symbol has improved on ergonomics with the MC9000-G. The handle is smaller than the 6800 making it easier for most people to hold. The available color screen is bright and easy to see in all lighting conditions. Though, I have seen brighter screens on other hand held terminals.

If I had to start somewhere with the good, it would have to be with the variable-range laser scanner. At client sites I was able to achieve an increase in the read range, with their preexisting barcodes, of almost double the range they were getting out of their current 6800s. The laser is bright and easy to see even at the 40 foot rated range. The scanner even does double duty, it can scan most barcodes from about a foot away. The ability to scan reliably near and far has customers talking.

Applications are a snap to deploy using Microsoft’s ActiveSync. The available USB/Serial charging cradle makes connecting the MC9000-G a snap. It is simple enough that I was able to train even non technical personnel to load applications in under 30 minutes.

The bad

The unit I tested came with CE.NET. Symbols implementation of CE.NET is, well, not very nice to look at. If you are going to run a single application that you can launch at startup this will not be an issue. However, if you are going to use multiple applications on the MC 9000-G try to go with the Pocket PC Mobile. This may not be possible based on the other configuration needs you have.

Continuing with the appearance, the unit itself looks as if the wardrobe personnel from some post-apocalyptic survival movie dressed it. Large notched rubber bumpers protrude from all corners. The bumpers may be functional, but the rugged looks generally brings humorous comments out of first time viewers.

Mixed reviews

The battery, what to say about the battery? Well, you are definitely not going to have an accidental ejection of the battery. The first time you remove the battery you may not even have an intended ejection of the battery. To eject the battery you press release buttons on both sides of the keyboard. Then there is a retaining clip, on the battery itself, that must be pressed when the battery is about a quarter of the way out. I can see some of my clients accidentally breaking this clip and not attempting to replace it.

Personnel had very mixed reviews of the keyboard, some like it, some don’t. I get no complaints on the layout it is the key action that some like or dislike. Some say it is too springy.

Conclusion

If you are looking to replace aging 6800s or implement a new Symbol hand held terminal roll out the MC9000-G is a powerful reliable option. The amazing scanning engine makes the Symbol MC9000-G a no-brainer for long range scanning applications, and the ease of application installation makes it a clear successor to Symbol’s old DOS terminals.

Best Way Technologies is pleased to offer the Symbol MC9000-G. If you are interested in purchasing the Symbol MC9000-G contact our sales department for pricing.