Rugged handheld computer with powerful RFID is BlueStar’s newest offering

This article is brought to you by Retail Technology Review: Rugged handheld computer with powerful RFID is BlueStar’s newest offering.

BlueStar, the distributor of ADC, Mobility, Point-of-Sale, RFID, Digital Signage, and Security technology solutions, will now offer Trimble's Juno T41 R, a handheld computer that features integrated ultra-high frequency RFID in a rugged, powerful and compact form.

"The Juno T41 RFID models have been widely anticipated," said Jim Sheldon, general manager of Trimble's Mobile Computing Solutions Division. "Often the RFID tag is specifically used because the item being tracked is in difficult or harsh environments where a barcode won't survive. The rugged design of this handheld computer is an ideal solution for reading RFID in outdoor and extreme situations."

The Juno T41 R offers combined features that meet a wide variety of needs in the field, and is especially well-suited to data collection in challenging environments.  Paired with a fixed reader or used on its own, the Juno T41 R includes EPC Global Gen 2 RFID technology to guarantee unique identification of assets for inspection, maintenance, and tracking.  The device can switch rapidly across multiple carrier channels, reading tags at different frequencies at distances up to 3.5 meters.  An advanced integrated antenna eliminates the need to align the device directly with the tag, so users get fast and accurate readings even in difficult conditions.   A standard barcode application gives the unit the power to read 1D and 2D barcodes for multi-modal data capture.

The Trimble Juno T41 R is automatically configured and ready for use anywhere in the world. Customers can choose either a Windows or Android operating system, and can also include smartphone functionality if they are replacing 'Bring Your Own Device' (BYOD) smartphones in their workforce.  An easy-to-use Software Development Kit and Application Programming Interfaces allow for customized settings.  Every Juno T41 includes an 8-megapixel camera, GPS, a multi-touch sunlight-readable display and all-day battery life.  Durability is assured by rugged construction and heavy-duty water and dust protection, backed by a standard two-year warranty.

Bethany Winders, Business Development Manager for Trimble at BlueStar, believes the Juno T41 R brings a new level of functionality to RFID technology.  "This handheld computer empowers RFID like never before," she said.  "It's going to make managing assets easier than ever for our customers."