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802.11 Spread Spectrum Terminals
There are many vendors of Terminals, PocketPCs, and Palms that use the 802.11
(a,b,and g) "standards". These terminals usually operate at 2.4GHz or at the
5.8GHz. If you building is already wired for 802.11 for PC access, these terminals
are particularly attractive; one of the largest expenses has already been incurred.
As you will know, the limited range of access points (75 to 100 ft.) dictates a large
number of access points all connected by wiring to cover a typical warehouse or
factory floor. Access points and wiring expenses can easily approach $100,000 in
up front expenses.
Even though they use a standard of data exchange, one vendor's terminals are
usually not substitutable for another vendor's terminals – an implicit promise of
a "standard".
PocketPCs and Palm based terminals also have a reputation of "walking off the
job" because of their value for other applications such a games, email, etc.
Whatever brand you choose, each must be programmed – in addition to the
programming necessary on the host computer.
Also check the size and battery life. If they are small and light, they won't have
battery life. If they have long battery life, they will be big and heavy. 802.11
Terminals are battery hogs compared to other types of terminals.
Worth Data's R/F Terminal
Worth Data has terminals that are small in size, have long battery life, and have
10 –20 times the range of typical 802.11 Terminals. Plus, all programming is on
the host computer in the user's language of choice; there is no programming on
the Worth Data Terminals. This makes the programming extremely simple,
using the supplied ActiveX components. Programming costs and time are
drastically reduced.
In the USA and Canada, the 701 RF Terminal has a 3000 ft. range; in Europe,
the T73 Terminal has a range of 1000 ft. These ranges make it possible to cover
a factory floor or warehouse with little of no wiring, thereby avoiding a huge up
front expense. Because our terminals don't operate at 2.4GHz, we don’t have the
problems with too many devices trying to share the same frequency; 24.GHz is
used by BlueTooth and 802.11.
Since the Worth Data Terminals are "dumb", they have no value to the user for
other uses such a games and email; they tend to stay on the job and not "walk
away".
The Worth Data 700 Terminals have a battery life of 30 hours; the European
T73 Terminals have a battery life of 10 hours.
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