The latest generation of Datalogic's light and pocketably handy (yet rugged) mobile data collection computer
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

Datalogic's Memor line of scanner-equipped mobile computers has always been for those who want a competent device with an integrated keypad at the lowest possible bulk and weight. That's what Datalogic designed its original Memor for. On April 29, 2020, Datalogic announced the new Memor K. It the latest in a line of different types of Memor handhelds, and the spiritual successor of the original.

While the original Memor was sort of a "flashlight-style" device similar to cellphones of the era, the new Memor K's design is dominated by a much larger display. There are, however, things that don't need changing because they simply work for customers, and a small physical keypad is one of them. So the new Memor K has one, a 24-key affair with shifted and function keys, designed for rapid numerical data entry.

The screen of the new Memor K is much larger than the minuscule 2.2-inch screen of the original Memor and also the 2.4-inch display of the more recent Memor X3. Resolution is also way up, from 240 x 320 to 480 x 800. That's five times as many pixels, and makes for a far sharper and far more pleasant display. The (comparatively) big screen adds some size to the latest Memor, though. Its footprint is now a wider 6.2 x 2.7 inches, and it weighs 9.4 ounces, a couple more than the original.

On the OS side, with the exception of some old Palm OS-based units, Windows CE and Windows Mobile completely ruled the entire small handheld category for well over a decade. But with Microsoft's withdrawal from small platforms that era is completely over now. There is no more need for manufacturers to offer both Windows and Android-based devices. New designs such as this Datalogic handheld are created and optimized from the ground up for Android. No more compromises.

Windows CE 6.0 Pro models are now powered by a 806MHz version of the Marvel XScale PXA310 processor whereas the CE 6.0 Core models still use the 604MHz version. WiFi has been upgraded to 802.11a/b/g/n. Wired communication remains the same with a mini-B USB port, and a communication/charger connector for use with the cradle. Both the standard and the optional hi-capacity battery are more powerful. The keypad lost its joystick, but gained two programmable keys. The last Memor we reviewed had full phone functionality; the new Memor X3 does not have a WWAN option because Datalogic did not see a demand for it in this form factor.

The below comparison between an early version of the Memor and today's Memor K shows the evolution of a design due to new priorities and technologies. The latest Memor remains a keypad design, but compared to the original, there is much more emphasis on the large capacitive touch display. The new model has vastly more computing power, memory and mass storage. And it's almost certainly much easier and much more pleasant to use. That makes for increased productivity.

Datalogic Memor K vs. 2014 Memor X3

Model	Memor K	Memor X3
Introduced	2021	2014
OS: Windows	Android 9	WinCE 6.0 Pro or Core
Processor	2GHz octa-core ARM	624/806MHz Marvell PXA310
RAM/ROM	3GB/32GB	256MB/512MB
Expansion slots	micro SDHC	micro SD/SDHC
Display	4.0"/480 x 800 pixel (233 ppi)	2.4"/240 x 320 pixel (167 ppi)
Digitizer	Capacitive	Resistive
Battery	3800 mAh	1430 or 2300 mAh
Keypad	24-key, 2 programmable	23-key, 2 programmable
Size (inches)	2.7 x 6.2 x .66	2.2 x 6.1 x 1.6
Weight (oz.)	9.4	8.2
Available scan engines	2D imager	Laser, linear imager, 2D imager
Temp. range	-4° to 122°	14° to 122°
Wired ports	USB Type-C	mini-USB, RS232
WiFi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/d/e/i/w	802.11a/b/g/n

The central scanning function itself hasn't changed much. Whereas the earlier Memor was available either with a laser scanner, a linear imager or a 2D area imager, the new Memor K's 2D area imager does it all. There's a camera onboard now, too, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are faster and more flexible, and the new Memor K supports NFC.

Like all Datalogic handhelds, the Memor K is built to hold up to use in demanding environments. It is sealed to IP54 specs, i.e. it's protected agains dust and water spray from all directions. It can also survive four-foot drops to concrete and operate within -4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, so it can now be used in a very wide range of temperatures. Datalogic also offers a special rubber boot that increases the units drop spec to five feet and makes it even more tumble-resistant.

Datalogic designed the new Memor K for all sorts of data capture applications in retail, manufacturing, healthcare, T&L and many others. The industrial grade scanner and integrated keypad make data capture and entry quick and simple. There is a wide variety of of included or optional software to make use, management, configuration and programming of this Memor easy.

The new Memor K is a bit like the new Mini. The original was charming, beloved and a great design. The new Mini retains the overall concept and character, but it is better, faster, and more competent in almost every respect. -- Conrad Blickenstorfer, January 2021