Small rugged GPS handset gains wireless carrier

location based services

Intermec's CN3 mobile computer, claimed to be the "smallest rugged mobile computer in the world," has been approved for voice and data transmission on AT&T's U.S. wireless data network. The CN3, which runs Windows Mobile 5.0, is also available bundled with transportation and delivery application software, according to the Intermec.The CN3's built-in GPS capability can be used with AT&T's TeleNav Navigator and Track applications "to provide turn by turn directions and mobile resource management to track assets in the field," according to an AT&T spokesperson.The bundled transportation software from Intermec partner Cheetah Software Systems provides optimized route planning, intelligent dispatch, real-time tracking of pick up and delivery information, signature capture, and GPS location and navigational capabilities, along with driver voice and data communications, Intermec said.The ruggedized CN3, introduced last September, runs Windows Mobile 5.0 on a 520 MHz PXA270 processor and is equipped with 128 MB each of RAM and flash memory. It integrates WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, and either GSM/EDGE or CDMA/EV-DO wireless functions, and is offered with either a 1.3 Mpixel camera or a 2D imager for bar code scanning. Further details and specifications on the device appear in our prior coverage of the device.