Motorola unveils MC9500 rugged handset

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Motorola has released the MC9500, a premium rugged handheld aimed at field mobile applications with a number of enhancements over the previous model, the MC9000.

In addition to the modular keypads, Motorola has now added modular data components, enabling a choice between GSM HSDPA or CDMA-EVDO mobile data standards.

While this is mostly of benefit in the US, in Europe it means that companies do not have to decide up front if they want WAN networking but can instead choose to add it on later. The module is end-user upgradeable so that that the devices do not have to be sent back to Motorola for tweaking.

Much of the improvements on the MC9500 focus on battery technology and management. Motorola has introduced a new cradle that is form-factor agnostic and enables companies to retain their back-room management infrastructure. Kristy Lupis, of Motorola’s enterprise mobility product division, said that this was a huge improvement over the previous model.

“We will be released adaptors for existing models which will enable companies to get more density in less amount of space," she said. "Companies will be able to install 30 per cent more terminals is the same space. You can also charge 16 batteries from one PSU do you don’t need more outlets."

The batteries on the device will now also display both the amount of charge remaining and show information on the health of the battery itself reducing the chance of workers taking a battery that won’t last when out and about.

The device runs Windows Mobile 6.1 and has a VGA compatible display. It also has GPS, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and infra-red, in addition to 128MB of ROM and 512MB of flash memory along with a microSD slot that accepts cards up to 32GB in capacity.

The MC9500 also boasts an accelerometer that can detect and record drops – enabling companies to monitor users who are abusing the device.

Motorola said the list price of the device of the MC9500 will be between $2,495 - $3,295 depending on the configuration, and can be ordered from 18 September, with volume shipping in mid-October.

Earlier this week, Motorola announced a new smartphone based on the Google Android operating system that it hopes will turn around its flagging fortunes in the consumer market.

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