Symbol MC70

PC Pro regularly brings you reviews of the latest in PDAs, but in general they all have two things in common. First, they're very pretty and, second, they're very fragile. The former isn't a problem, but the second factor makes these devices totally useless to companies with mobile workers in tough environments. These could be anything from lab workers to warehouse staff and delivery people, but they all need something that can take some punishment.

The MC70 introduces the concept of the EDA (enterprise digital assistant), and is the opposite to the average PDA. First, it isn't particularly pretty and, second, it's built like a breeze block. Naturally, it's quite heavy, with the wireless version tipping the scales at 336g, although this isn't too high a price to pay for its invulnerability. And super-tough it is too, as the unit is built to withstand a 5ft drop onto solid concrete. Although somewhat reticent, we were advised by Symbol to give the MC70 some stick and, after literally kicking it round the lab a few times and dropping it directly onto a solid floor, we were relieved to see it still functioning perfectly and without a mark on it.

The MC70 brings together a wealth of features. Along with full PDA capabilities, it will function as a mobile phone, scanner and imager, and also brings in Bluetooth and triple-play WLAN connectivity. What's more, its processing power is well above average. A speedy 624MHz Intel XScale sits in the driving seat, whereas standard PDAs such as the Palm Tungsten T/X have only a 312MHz processor, and even well-specified Pocket PCs like the Acer n311 include a "mere" 400MHz chip. You get 64MB of flash memory, so you won't lose anything when it's switched off, and storage can be augmented using the slot at the side that accepts SD/MMC cards.

Different versions of the MC70 are available, with the review model sporting a small numeric keypad but also an integral barcode scanner next to the stubby wireless aerial. We found the scanner easy to use, as it can be activated via a rubber button on the side or using the pre-installed SDK software. Other versions are available with a full qwerty keypad, without WLAN features and with a camera installed.

A SIM socket is hidden behind the battery pack, and to test phone functions we dropped in an Orange SIM. Calls are made using the onscreen soft buttons, speed-dial list or keypad. However, we found the built-in speaker distorted quality and, although we adjusted the volume using the button on the side, we couldn't clear this problem. Using the USB connector on the charging cradle, the MC70 worked fine with ActiveSync installed on a test PC. This allowed us to keep our diary, tasks and calendar in step between the two. Battery life can be extended by switching off the Bluetooth and WLAN radios, along with placing the phone in a Flight mode.

There's no doubt the MC70 is one tough customer that's built to withstand much punishment. You do pay a premium for this, but the features and options make it an ideal choice for environments where ordinary PDAs just can't cut the mustard.

Author: Dave Mitchell