Maxatec announces portable printing for the iPad and iPhone

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Maxatec has announced a range of Apple iOS software development kits (SDK) for its range of industrial-grade mobile printers. Companies using Apple iPhone and iPad products for mobile applications will benefit from the cost-effective, robust, lightweight and ergonomic mobile printers that extend the functionality their handheld devices. The new iOS SDK adds to the flexibility of the Sewoo LK-P printers that already feature tools and drivers for Windows XP, Vista, Win7, Symbian, Windows CE mobile, Android and Blackberry.

"Until now there has been a paucity of quality rugged printers suitable for iOS driven devices. However, the market has recognised the lack of equipment and we are pleased to be among the first to break new ground with this range of cost-effective printers, giving users the opportunity to print receipts and labels up to 4-inches wide on the move. It means that companies that have already invested in Apple mobile technology can team up their iPhones and iPads with a portable printer that meets their needs. Wireless (WiFi), communications with the mobile printers can be configured to work in either Infrastructure or ad hoc modes, the latter allowing direct wireless printing from the Apple device without connection to an access point," says Steve Berry, Maxatec Director.

"With the growing use of iPhones and iPads in service environments, companies need to be able to select peripherals that enhance the usability of their Apple devices. iOS application developers can now quickly integrate mobile printing into their offering without needing to use any additional printing middleware. The contemporary ergonomic design of the printers is also a good match for Apple's leading-edge products. Additionally, where companies have a mixture of mobile operating systems they can use the same printers across their fleet of devices, which makes it much easier to support them," he adds.

Maxatec recently announced the availability of its new LK-P31 compact portable printer, which is a cost-effective, low-profile mobile 3-inch (80-mm) device. This class leading, lightweight, and slim direct-thermal receipt printer provides speedy, reliable printing on the move and can be carried in a pocket or belt-mounted for easy use and without interfering with the user's mobility.

Other Maxatec printers featuring iOS SDK support include the high-speed 2-inch Sewoo LK-P20 and LK-P21 (with Bluetooth and USB connectivity). Like the bigger LK-P31, these printers are also renowned for their durability and reliability in rugged, demanding environments. For larger receipt or label printing, Maxatec offers the LK-P41, which provides high performance and reliability often at lower cost than competing products.

About Maxatec

Established for over 40 years, Maxatec is an ISO 9001:2008 certified Value Added Supplier of Specialist IT Hardware, Software and Services to the Mobile Enterprise, AIDC and EPOS market sectors. Maxatec supplies mobile computing devices from including Bluebird 'Pidion', CognitiveTPG, NCR, Datamax O'Neil, TSC, Sewoo, Hoeft & Wessel 'Skeye', Catchwell, Arbor and HandPoint. The AIDC and specialist printer product set leads with CognitiveTPG receipt and barcode printers, TSC barcode printers, Sewoo and Datamax-O'Neil mobile receipt and label printers, and NCR terminals and kiosks. The company also offers a range of barcode scanners, touchscreen monitors, other peripheral devices, and own-branded products. Maxatec also offers software, professional services, and a wide range of media, spare parts and in-house and on-site service capabilities. The Maxatec brand is synonymous with high standards of service as well as high performance, high quality products. (www.maxatec- europe.com)