Power In My Pocket!
Written: Dec 27 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Compact, lightweight, fast, fun, user-friendly.
Cons: Battery seems to drain rapidly during heavy use. Keep a spare charged and handy!
The Bottom Line: It is really best for anyone! Beginners do great with it. Students could find it useful. Business people will adore it. Gadget lovers will fall in love again!
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| RCarte2000's Full Review: Motorola MC50 Barcode Scanner |
I work for Procter & Gamble as a Retail Merchandiser. When I began working for them, I received several items to get myself started. I received tools such as a rubber mallet and tape measure for setting endcaps/displays when needed. I received a nice P&G tote bag for all of my paperwork and necessities. I received business cards and name tags to identify myself. I also received a Symbol MC50 Pocket PC.
I've seen a few pocket pc's over time, but I had never touched one myself. I had no clue what to expect. The thought that I could do the same things on this gadget that I can do on my bulky desktop or my compact laptop blew my mind. I couldn't wait to see what it was all about.
First Things First...
Of course, I had a training module that I needed to work with in order to understand the software that is specific to my position with Procter & Gamble. I did so and it didn't take long at all. It was pretty fun on this little pc.
After that was finished, I played around with the unit for a little while. I discovered the usual games that come with Windows operating systems. Minesweeper is there. So are solitare, pinball, and internet backgammon. There are others as well. One game called Jawbreaker happens to be my favorite. It reminds me of a Tetris-type variation.
There is, of course, a calculator which comes in handy when working in the field. I'm always using the calculator on my cellular phone when I need one. Now, I have one at my fingertips. MSN Messenger is also included on this pc. I've not yet set it up or used it and am not too sure on how it will work through a pocket pc, but I am sure there are many others who do use it and I'm sure it's convenient for them. Maybe I'll venture into that territory someday.
There is a my documents and a my pictures file to hold personal information. Since my pc is the property of my employer, I don't find myself adding any personal information to the pc. Unless it is something useful for work, I don't find that to be an appropriate measure to take.
Pocket Excel, Pocket Word, and Pocket MSN are on the pc as well. I've not used Pocket Excel, although I believe it to be a "miniature" version of Excel and it is a very useful program for me at home. I have used and do use Word quite frequently. I find it to be one of the most useful pieces of software ever created. I have Windows Media Player on the pc should I ever have the need for it. In my line of work, I don't deal with media files very often, but it is nice to know that the option exists should it be needed. I do have access to email on my pocket pc but have not yet set it up. I prefer to check my email from one of my larger units.
Some Specifics
Mobile Windows 2003 Second Edition
Version 4.21.188 (Build 14132)
Intel(R) PXA270 Processor
63.31 MB Memory
1 Expansion Slot
Internal Battery
External Battery
External keyboard
On Display keyboard
More Features
I have access to calendars, alarms, and memo pads on the pc just as with a larger unit. I have an audible alarm as well as a vibrating one. This is handy if I'm in a store or meeting and shouldn't be blaring a sound.
This pocket pc has the ability to adjust to the user as well. Larger prints can be accessed for those with visual needs. Sounds can be adjusted for those with audible needs. The screen can be dimmed or brightened if needed. The power comes from and internal and an external battery supply and there are energy saving functions to extend battery life. The pc came with a charger for home use and came with an external modem pack for connecting to the internet from a phone line. I have inquired about receiving a wireless card since I have cable internet and do not use a phone modem for access, but have not received the card as of yet.
This pc is 5.35" tall, 2.95" wide, and less than an inch thick. It weighs approximately 6.77 ounces! It has a 65K color, QVGA display. The display responds to touch by hand as well as the included stylus. Obviously pencil/pen use is not recommended as it will destroy the display unit.
The battery itself is a 3.7V rechargeable Lithium Ion. The backup battery is a rechargeable Ni-MH 1.2V cell. There is one 1.1 RS-232 USB port.
It features optional use of Wireless LAN IEEE 802.11b and transfers data at a speed of 1/2/5.5/11 Mbps. The antenna is internal. Some units are equipped with a digital camera built in as well.
Symbol is a well known manufacturer of bar code scanning equipment and obviously, the MC50 is equipped with a bar code scanner. A little touch to the silver keys on the top sides of the pc and a bar code is scanned and deciphered in an instant. It's a true joy for a retail merchandiser dealing with products all day, every day.
Overall....
Being an amateur in the world of mobile pc's, I must say that I am amazed at this little device. I never dreamed I could do so much with something that fits in the palm of my hand. I can do most anything with the Symbol MC50 that I can do with my home computer. I can work, stay in touch, be reminded of things, and process much information in a quick amount of time.
It is lightweight, attractive, and simple to use. Anyone regardless of computer experience could learn to operate this unit in no time. It's an enjoyable experience. The MC50 usually retails between $800-$900 depending upon what it has inside and what options you need. Thankfully, I didn't have to fit this into my little budget.
I have had this unit for a few months now and haven't even begun to discover all that it has to offer. I have no clue what all it can truly do. I continue to play with it and try new things on a daily basis and it never ceases to amaze me. If you want a portable computer with style and skills, check into this model. I think you, too, will be amazed at it's abilities.
UPDATE:
The only major flaw with the unit, as previously stated is the battery seeming to drain rapidly. I have since learned that this is a minor glitch with the systems and that a new, long-life battery is available from the manufacturer for easy replacement. Anyone with one of these can call for a replacement. Newly manufactured models will be equipped with these batteries already!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
RCarte2000
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Member: Becky Carte
Location: West Virginia
Reviews written: 225
Trusted by: 58 members
About Me:
29 years old, separated, mom of a 4 year old daughter and 2 stepchildren.
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