Norand for the Nomadic Worker

In the early pen computing market, companies are fast learning that understanding how your customer works is as important as engineering innovative devices. Therefore, companies with several years experience serving the mobile, handheld, factory, and retail automation market, may have a head start in convincing managers to move to devices utilizing the advantages of stylus input.

Norand Corp., a Cedar Rapids, Iowa company with several years of experience manufacturing handheld automation solutions, recently entered the pen computing market with the PEN*KEY mobile computer. The 2 lb. (0.9 kg) device, measures 5″ x 9″ x 1.5″ (12.7 x 22.8 x 3.8 cm) including the battery. It includes an impressive set of options packed in a ruggedized, sealed case, designed to survive multiple 4 foot (1.2 m) drops to concrete.

The PEN*KEY uses an 80386 processor with 12 MB of RAM, and supports applications written for DOS, Microsoft Windows for Pen Computing, and Power Pen Pal by PENPAL Associates. This enables application developers to use an ample set of development tools, including Visual Basic, to create custom programs quickly. Additional storage and communication options can be added using the two PCMCIA Type II slots, or a single Type III slot.

Relying on their experience serving a wide range of customers, Norand found it wise to include a 21-key keypad that includes both input and navigational controls. The screen display has a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels, and can be used either by touch or with a plastic (non-active) stylus.

The PEN*KEY is a bit larger than some other units we’ve seen, however, this is inherently the trade-off when using a larger screen, adding a numeric keypad for non-stylus use, and supporting the often-chunky Windows environment.

For more information, please contact Norand at (319) 369-3100, or (800) 553-5971 in the United States.