Rugged point-of-sale tablet computer
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

Laporte, Indiana based Data Ltd Inc. was founded in the early 1990s as a manufacturer and reseller of wireless data collection devices. They carry mobile computers, vehicle mounted terminals, handhelds, rugged ultra-mobile tablets, and compact point-of-sale tablet computers like the DLI 8800 shown here.

The DLI 8800, announced on December 1, 2009, was designed specifically for retail point-of-sale applications, though we can easily see applications for the device in many other sectors. In essence, the DLI 8000 is a very small and compact Tablet PC measuring just 8.25 x 6.3 x 1.4 inches and weighing only 2.3 pounds. That's a footprint smaller than that of most netbooks, and the DLI 8800 is lighter, too.

Powered by the industrial version of Intel's ultra-efficient 1.6GHz Atom Z530 processor and its complementary and equally frugal Intel US15W chipset, the DLI 8800 can be configured with a wide range of operating systems (Windows 7, Vista, XP, Embedded Standard, or Ubuntu Linux), and run on either a 60 or 80GB shock-mounted 1.8-inch hard disk or an 8 to 64GB industrial solid state disk. A single 2,600mAH Li-Ion battery pack provides about four hours of usage between charges.

The DLI has an indoor/outdoor viewable 7-inch display with a strong 375 nit backlight, a touch screen or active digitizer, and WSVGA (1024 x 600 pixel) wide-format resolution. There are two USB 2.0 ports, RS232 serial, gigabit Ethernet, and a pass-through connector to a cradle. Also available are biometric access control, Skype-based VoIP, an integrated 2D Honeywell Adaptus Imager for barcode scanning, an integrated 3-track magstripe reader, RFID, 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, Class 2 Bluetooth, and various WWAN radios supported by Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile.

The impact-resistant ABS+PC polymer housing provides IP54 sealing and a 4-foot drop spec. The operating temperature range is a wide -4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

Data Ltd targets the DLI 8800 at a wide variety of point-of-sale environments where retailers need to process payments, collect and exchange data, and communicate wirelessly both indoors and out. This means applications in line busting, roaming customer service, field sales, and just generally helping retail operations with sales, efficiency and superior customer service.

The DLI 8800 provides a full Windows or Linux platform in a rugged, yet very small and light package with excellent data capture and communication functionality. The choice of operating systems, storage media, and touch as well as active digitizer options allow for optimal configuration for any particular task.

As far as cost goes, a nicely configured DLI 8800 starts at US$1,665.