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Honeywell CN75

Honeywell introduces updated ultra-rugged handheld for courier express, parcel and mobile workers
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

On February 17, 2017 Honeywell launched the CN75 rugged mobile computer as part of a products and solutions lineup geared towards increasing efficiency and productivity across supply chains. The CN75 is designed for courier express, parcel and mobile workers to function for long periods of time even in the most challenging weather conditions. It is available with either Windows Embedded Handheld or Android.

Standard or extended

The CN75 is not an entirely new product, but a new version of Intermec's venerable 70 Series of ultra-rugged data collection handhelds that premiered in January 2011 (Intermec was acquired by Honeywell in 2012). Apart from a few tech updates, the primary difference is that the platform is now available with Android as well.

Measuring 6.65 in x 3.15 in x 1.34 inches and weighing about a pound, the standard CN75 can be ordered either with a 43-key keypad with a large numeric part and 12 function keys that can be programmed for rapid access to frequently used operations, or a 59-key alphanumeric keypad with small alpha keys and numeric keypad and function keys within the QWERTY layout.

There is, however, also a CN75E version that's about an inch longer to accommodate either a larger 43-key numeric keypad or a 59-key alphanumeric keypad with a separate numeric keypad.

For scanning, the CN75 uses the EA30 High-Performance Motion-Tolerant 2D imager with white LED illumination, a red laser aimer and a framer optimized for all lighting conditions. It can scan all common 1D and 2D barcodes (1D as small as 4 mils, and 2D as small as 6.6 mils).

There is also an integrated 5-megapixel auto-focus digital camera option with flash. An embedded accelerometer is used for screen rotation, system suspend, or developers can use it to provide input to custom apps.

On the wireless side, the CN75 has integrated Class 1.5 Bluetooth Version 4.0 and dual band 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi with CCXv4 compatibility. Optional integrated mobile broadband can switch between UMTS and CDMA radio networks and includes 12-channel GPS. The removable and rechargeable Li-Ion battery packs 16.8 watt-hours (3.7 Volt/4,000 mAH).

Unchanged is the small 3.5-inch 480 x 640 pixel display that, however, is plenty sharp with 229 pixels per inch. The new version will be significantly quicker, though, thanks to switching from a 600MHz TI OMAP 3530 processor to a faster 1.5GHz OMAP 4470.

The CN75 is a very rugged device. We're talking an 8-foot drop spec, IP67 sealing, and a very wide -4 to 140 degree Fahrenheit operating temperature range. That means operation in cold storage and freezer environments is possible.

The big news undoubtedly is the CN75's ability to run Android as well. That's significant as the still available Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 is now decidedly legacy. Its official replacement is Windows 10 IoT Mobile Enterprise, but that is still in its early phase and not everyone is ready to migrate just yet. So having Android 6 "Marshmallow" with GMS as an option provides Honeywell AIDC customers with an alternate migration path to the OS that dominates the global smartphone market.

Specifications Honeywell CN75
Added/changed Added 05/2017
Form-factor Ultra-rugged mobile computer
CPU Speed Dual-core Texas Instruments OMAP 4470/1.5 GHz
OS Microsoft Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 or Android 6.x.x Marshmallow with GMS
RAM/ROM 2GB RAM/16GB Flash
Card slots 1 x Micro SD Card Slot (up to 32GB), 1 x SIM
Storage 16GB eMMC Flash
Display type Transmissive LCD with LED backlight and hardened Gorilla Glass
Display size/res 3.5-inch/480 x 640 pixel (229 ppi)
Digitizer/pens Resistive touch
Keyboard/keys 59-key numeric/alphanumeric or 43-key alphanumeric backlit keypad
Navigation Onscreen and directional control
Housing Impact-resistant plastic
Operating Temp -4° to 140°F (-20° to 60°C)
Sealing IP67
Drop 8-foot drop to concrete per MIL-STD 810G
Shock MIL-STD-810F, 514.4 Process II
Vibration Unknown
ESD +/-15 kV air discharge; +/-8 kV direct discharge
Regulatory Safety: cULus Listed, BSMI; EMC: Class B - FCC/ICES/EN, GOST-R Radio: FCC w/HAC, Industry Canada, CE, A-tick (AU), NCC, IDA, ICASA, POSTEL, NTC, ETA, SIRIM, ANATEL
Size (WxHxD) CN75: 6.65 in x 3.15 in x 1.34 inches (169 x 80 x 34 mm)
Weight 15.9 oz. (450 grams) with battery
Power Removable, rechargeable 3.7V, 4,000 mAH 14.8 whr Li-Ion
Sensors G-sensor
Camera 5MP camera with autofocus, LED flash
Data collection EA30 high-performance 2D imager
Interface USB 2.0 Host and Client, 3.5mm stereo headphone jack, optional 13.56MHz RFID reader/writer
Wireless Dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi, Class 1.5 Bluetooth 4.0, WWAN (UMTS/HSPA+ and CDMA/EV-DO Rev A)
List price Inquire
Brochure Honeywell CN75 data sheet (PDF)
Web page Honeywell CN75 web page