Handheld Device help

[mattaggie]

I am an inventory manager for a retail business. I am looking for a device that can access our windows based software and the web (I am currently using a laptop on a cart). Symbol makes a number of devices that are a cross between a PDA and an RF gun, but I am told by others in the business that the screen is just too small to really utilize windows software or the web. Someone suggested a tablet PC as something more mobile but still fully functional. I was just wondering if anyone had any advice on tablet PCs or any other handheld device that might be helpful. I have never used a tablet PC. The tablet PC sounds great, the only concern is that there is no barcode scanner built in. This is a big deal since that is a very quick way for the device to interact with the inventory. Otherwise, one is left typing in the SKU number or UPC number, both of which can be long. I appreciate any advice.

[Lespaul20]

This might impractical but Nokia's N800 is a basically an small Internet tablet. The problem with that idea is it uses a version of Linux for it's OS. Asus makes a 7" mobile PC that I'm sure you could hook a USB Scanner to. Newegg is the place to look for something like this. Look under tablet or ultra mobile pc.

[mattaggie]

Thanks for the response. These tablets and ultra mobile PCs are perfect if only they had a built-in barcode scanner. I know I can plug one in, but then it looses some of its mobility. I suppose I can rig something up where the scanner attaches to the PC when I cant hold it.

[Lespaul20]

I found this. The Asus Ultra Mobile has a SD card slot on top and with this
http://www.posguys.com/barcode-scann...Scan-Card_708/ you could combine it to make it a portable scanner.

[mattaggie]

Well that barcode scanner sounds perfect. I notice that most ultra mobile PCs have a screen size of 7 inches. Is that big enough? I am trying to imagine viewing web pages and applications on it and it seems too small. Is there any issue viewing the web or software on windows tablet 2005? Do they have to be made for it, like stuff for PDAs?