Casio unveils new 'robust' PDAs

Sturdy industrial handhelds aimed at mobile workforces

Electronics giant Casio has unveiled two mobile devices it claims will help resellers penetrate a largely untapped market.

The firm has launched its industrial DT-X10 and IT-500 handhelds, which are aimed at mobile workforces in the retail, patrol, healthcare, catering, manufacturing and logistics sectors.

Stephen Oliver, general manager at Casio, claimed some industries are put off by the frailty of traditional personal digital assistants (PDAs) and need a sturdier device.

"Many of these industries have had only limited success with typical corporate PDAs because they are not robust enough to withstand the environment in which they are being used.

"Robust handhelds enable more industries to take advantage of mobile technology for the first time," he said.

Oliver said the mobility market is a massive growth area for resellers because perceptions of the PDA as a "corporate gadget" have changed, with many firms taking a more mobile approach.

"Because the market is still in its infancy, value-add resellers need to take a consultative approach and advise corporations on what type of handheld they need, and explain the benefits of a more rugged device," he said.

Oliver claimed IT decision-makers hesitate to issue warehouse staff with traditional PDAs, which are still perceived as "glamorous gadgets", but that robust devices are more attractive.

Mehboob Neky, general manager of Casio reseller Langdale Systems, said the handhelds are ideal for his firm's specialist sector.

"We sell to the parking industry for use by the likes of traffic wardens, and the devices are just as good outdoors as indoors," he said.

"In our industry handhelds need to be robust, which other PDAs don't offer."