TASK: Develop a Bar Code Reader that would integrate with the Sharp Zaurus series of PDAs. Meant for the enterprise market, it needed to be ergonomically correct and very durable, since it would be used in a variety of venues from the wherehouse floor to hospital hallways. To compete, it needed to be diffentiated from similiar existing devices and also be cost effective.

RESULT: The enterprise market is moving inexorably to wireless communications to transfer data. Surveying this market it became apparent that most PDAs used the Compact Flash port for Blue Tooth or Wi-Fi communication devices. Research showed us that we could eliminate the requirement for a battery if we used the power available through the Serial I/O port, freeing the CF port for the wireless communications. This also allowed us to leverage the Linux operating system. Utilizing SLA models and focus groups to refine our concepts, we arrived at the final product illustrated. Believing in the viability of our concept, we are parcipitating with Serial I/O on an equirty basis.