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DT Research DT315CR

Slender, durable 9.7-inch POS tablet with encrypted MSR, EMV chip reader and barcode scanner improves mobile customer service and logistics
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

Selecting just the right venue, DT Research announced the DT315CR mobile Point-Of-Service tablet at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago on May 23, 2016. The picture below shows the DT315CR on the right, and the smaller DT327CR that was introduced at the same time on the left.

The idea here was to create a unique multi-function tablet that provides secure mobile data capture, storage and transmission in a handy, durable design targeted at food ordering, tableside check-out, mobile check-in and efficient inventory management, with Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise OS handling seamless front and back office application integration and advanced security.

Making it all possible are this tablet's many integrated data capture options, which make it possible to conduct sales and services on an industrial-grade mobile device instead of only at fixed terminals. These capabilities include:

  • An encrypted magnetic stripe reader (MSR) that can handle single, double, or triple tracks. It can also read AAMVA (American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators) driver's license coding, ISO bank (ISO 7811) coding and various card formats. It supports unencrypted mode, triple data encryption algorithm (TDES) encryption with static/DUKPT (Derived Unique Key Per Transaction) keys management, as well as RKI (Remote Key Injection).

  • An EMV (Europay, MasterCard, and Visa) chip card reader to handle the new cards that are rapidly replacing the older magnetic stripe technologgy.

  • A 2D barcode scanner that can also read 1D codes.

  • An EMV Smart Card reader with Level 1 and 2 certification that also supports TDES and AES encryption algorithms and RKI.

  • An NFC/RFID reader that complies with HF 13.56MHz, ISO standard 15693, 14443A(B) & 18000-3 mode-1.

Those who have been following DT Research will recognize the DT315 platform as one that's been around for a while. We discussed the Intel Atom N2800-based DT315CT three years ago, and the company still offers the Intel Celeron-based DT315BT. The new DT315CT, however, uses much newer technology in the form of a 1.44GHz quad-core Intel "Cherry Trail" Atom X5_Z8300 processor based on 14nm process technology and with Broadwell-architecture Intel HD Graphics. This means USB 3.0 and also burst frequencies up to 1.84GHz.

There's 4GB of DDR3L RAM and 64GB of Flash storage, which can be complemented via a full-size SD Card slot. WiFi is at the 802.11g/g/n level and there's Bluetooth 4.0.

Measuring 10.2 x 8.3 inches, the DT315CR has a footprint that's a bit larger than a standard Apple iPad due to wider bezels. It's thicker, of course, and heavier, too, at 2.7 pounds. The nicely designed ABS+PC and magnesium-aluminum alloy body with its rubber bumpers is grippy and easy to hold and operate.

On the ruggedness side, the DT315CR is as tough as it needs to be for its intended deployments. DT Research calls it "durable," though with its thick rubber bumpers it looks quite tough, and certainly much more so than any consumer tablet. Ingress protection is at the IP52 level, which mostly protects against dust and the occasional spill or perhaps a bit of rain on the front panel. The standard operating temperature range is 32 to 104 degrees, plenty good enough for indoor use.

Overall, the DT315CR is a smart hardware and software update on one of DT Research's tried-and-true POS platform. Between Windows 10 IoT Enterprise's impressive security and lock-down features (essentially input filters that can intercept key strokes that could lead to unpredictable or unwanted results), the super-efficient new processor, and a full arsenal of data capture options, the DT315CR from DT Research is certain to appeal to a good number of customers.

Specifications DT Research DT315CR
Status Added 05/2016
Form-factor Mobile POS tablet
OS Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise
Processor Quad-core Intel Atom x5-Z8300
CPU Speed 1.44GHz
CPU Burst Frequency 1.84GHz
Thermal Design Power 2 watts
Chipset Integrated
Standard/Max RAM 4GB DDR3L RAM
Disk/drive 64GB Flash
Card slots 1 x SDHX card (up to 64GB), Smart Card reader (half-slot)
Display type TFT with LED backlight and outdoor display option
Display size/res 9.7-inch/1024 x 768 pixel XGA
Digitizer/pens Capacitive touch/1
Keyboard/scale Onscreen and optional mini-USB keyboard
Operating temp. 32° to 104°F (0° to 40°C)
Sealing IP52 (front panel only)
Humidity 0% to 90% non-condensing
EMI and EMC Unknown
Regulatory FCC Class B, CE, RoHS compliant
Housing ABS+PC plastics and magnesium-aluminum alloy
Size (WxHxD) 10.2 x 8.3 x 0.8 inches (260 x 212 x 20 mm)
Weight 2.69 lbs. (1.22kg)
Power 3.7V 8,80mAH Li-Ion (31 watt-hour)
Cameras 5-megapixel AF camera with LED flash (back)
Data capture Optional: 1D/2D barcode scanner, mag stripe reader
Interface 1 x USB 3.0, audio in/out; optional: 2D barcode scanner, mag stripe reader, EMV card reader, NFC/RFID reader
Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth v4.0
List price Inquire
Web DT315CR
Spec sheet DT315CR spec sheet (PDF)