Sleek, high-tech data entry terminal
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

The Casio DT-X7, introduced in September of 2007, is part of Casio's Industrial Handheld Division which works through a network of value added resellers and distributors.

The sleek DT-X7 is a "grip-type" handheld terminal with integrated linear imager. It is intended for users in the retail, transportation, logistics and other industries. The DT-X7 features a rounded and dimpled form that nicely fits into your palm and allows the fingers to rest firmly in the groove on the back of the case. The dimpled texture on both sides improves grip and the terminal's center of gravity is positioned at the center trigger key. Measuring just 6.5 x 2.0 x 1.2 inches and weighing just over five ounces, battery included, the DT-X7 fits absolutely everywhere.

In early 2008, the Casio DT-X7 was recognized with the iF product design award 2008, one of the world's leading industrial design honors. The iF product design award is sponsored by International Forum Design of Hannover, Germany, one of the world's premier industrial design competitions.

Like all Casio products, the DT-X7 is technologically advanced and feature-rich. It is based on the 416MHz version of Marvell's PXA270 processor and runs Windows CE 5.0. The transflective QVGA display measures 2.4 inches diagonally. A 29-key keypad and three trigger keys allow rapid data entry. The integrated CMOS bi-linear imager can read UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN8, EAN13, Codabar (NW-7), Code39, Interleaved 2 of 5,MSI,Industrial 2 of 5, Code93, Code128 (EAN128), IATA, RSS-14, RSS Limited, RSS Expanded, RSS-14 Stacked, and RSS Expanded Stacked. For communication there is Bluetooth 2.0 and, rare these days, IrDA.

Despite its slender, elegant design, the DT-X7 is built to survive substantial abuse. It is sealed to IP 54 levels, can handle drops from three feet, and operate within a wide range from 14 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

Available for use with the DT-X7 are a USB cradle, an Ethernet crade, and single or multiple unit cradle-style battery chargers.