I’m a sucker for these top 10 lists. They usually pique my interest to find out what made it on the list. We have already done a list for the top barcode scanners and barcode printers. So it was time to do one for mobile computers.
Here are our top 10 mobile computers from the last 10 years (based on sales).
10. Symbol PPT8846 – The PPT8846 was a unique device when it came out. It was one of the first to have a Windows operating system (OS). It also had wireless capabilities. The PPT8846’s small form factor was similar to a Palm Pilot. It’s been discontinued for some time. The closest device available today is the Motorola MC55 mobile computer.
9. Symbol PDT6846 – The PDT6846 had a DOS OS but wireless capability. It was extremely rugged and durable. The PDT6846 flourished in warehousing and manufacturing environments. You can still find it running in some facilities even though it was discontinued awhile ago. The Motorola MC9090-G mobile computer is the replacement.
8. Symbol MC9060-G – The MC9060-g may be the most well known mobile computer in the industry. You may have seen the videos of it being thrown off a 2-story building, run over by a car, and several other destructive things that would make any manager cringe. If you haven’t, here is the link to YouTube. The MC9060-G was replaced with the MC9090-G mobile computer.
7. Symbol SPT1550 – The SPT1550 was simple, sleek, and easy to use. This Palm-based device was a good entry-level device into barcode scanning. They weren’t very rugged though and were sent in for repair often. The SPT1550’s low price made it a favorite for software companies to bundle with their product.
6. Symbol SPT1700 – The big brother to the SPT1500, but more rugged and durable. The SPT1700 was very similar to the SPT1550. But the SPT1700 was larger, more durable, and it seemed to have better scan performance.
5. Symbol SPT1800 – The SPT1800 replaced the SPT1700. It had more memory, twice the processor speed, and a better visual display. Symbol stopped making Palm OS devices after the SPT1800. Now they only have Windows-based devices. If you’re a fan of the Palm OS, Janam still makes Palm-based devices.
4. Wasp WDT2200 – The first and only non-Symbol product on this list. The Wasp WDT2200 mobile computer runs on DOS. It has a flashlight form factor with a numeric keypad. It has continued in its popularity I think primarily because of the application generator that comes with it.
3. Symbol SPT1500 – The SPT1500 was the predecessor to the SPT1550. So it was also Palm-based. The SPT1500 was a nice low-cost, easy-to-use device.
2. Motorola MC9090-G – Motorola purchased Symbol and this was one of the first products to have the Motorola logo on it. The Motorola MC9090-G mobile computer is built on the MC9000 platform. Motorola upgraded its OS, memory, wireless security, and radio. They also shaved the size down a little to look sleeker. This is the most sold mobile computer in the world. But, surprisingly, not number one our list.
1. Symbol CS1504 – This could be debatable since some consider the CS1504 a barcode scanner and not a full mobile computer. The CS1504 does require software to run, unlike a barcode scanner. It also has batch memory. It is just about the size of a garage door opener on a key chain. Some feel that the CS1504 is difficult to use because of the software needed. It has been replaced by Motorola CS3000.
So there it is: our top 10 mobile computer list. As with any top 10 list, I’m sure there could be debate. We love to hear others’ opinions. So please, feel free to leave your comments!
