Datalogic introduced the Memor 1 rugged mobile computer in January 2019 as a new general-purpose full touch device, a compact but powerful choice for applications ranging from assisted sales to the manufacturing shop floor; from backend receiving to warehouse distribution. Datalogic's goal with the Memor 1 was to provide state-of-the-art data capture technology in a friendly, convenient package and at a very reasonable price.
The focus here is on convenience and functionality. The Memor 1 reminds of a friendly PDA more than a traditional handheld computer. It's a handy tool for the job, one with an integrated industrial-grade scanner. The platform's concentration on ergonomics and utility is further emphasized by the Memor 1's availability in either a standard handheld or pistol-grip version.
In terms of implementation, Datalogic made the Memor 1 as effortless and pleasant to use as possible.
On the hardware side that meant a sharp 4.3-inch capacitive multi-touch screen in a grippy, nicely protected package with a footprint just a bit smaller than that of an iPhone 8 Plus. Weight is a bit over ten ounces for the pistol-grip version and a bit under ten ounces for the bare device.
On the software side, the Memor 1 comes with Android 8.1, which is as of January 2019 the latest version with a meaningful commercial presence. It's standard Android with GMS. GMS stands for Google Mobile Services, i.e. it includes Google's most popular apps and has access to the Google Play store. Since Android has a commanding market share in smartphones, almost everyone is familiar with it. Not much training needed, if any.
Another very handy novelty that Datalogic baked into the Memor 1 is wireless charging. While that's been available in consumer tech for a while, Datalogic was the first manufacturer to offer the technology in rugged mobile computers and handheld scanners. Wireless charging means no battery contacts and pins that get dirty, bent or broken — eliminating a key point of failure for devices used in industrial and retail functions.
Datalogic's wireless charging implementation is also faster than traditional charging. The battery can be quickly "topped-up" between shifts, and fully recharged without over-using contacts, pins, and cables. All that adds up to an operational advantage.
For scanning — in many applications likely the core function of this device — the Memor 1 has an industrial-grade 1D/2D scanner with Datalogic's unique "green spot" technology that projects a green flash right onto the barcode just scanned.
While the Memor 1 isn't a standard phone, it can be used as an on-premise cordless phone or PTT device using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), leveraging the connected WLAN network for communications. For wired onboard connectivity there USB 2.0 client communication via a micro-USB port.
The Memor 1 is tough enough to handle the usual MIL-STD-810G drops from four feet. If a bit more is required, there's a custom rubber boot that raises the ante to five feet. The operating temperature range of 14 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit is wide enough for virtually all intended applications.
Overall, the Datalogic Memor 1 represents a modern, light, handy, and very competent Android-based data collection device that won't break, and won't break the bank either. -- Conrad Blickenstorfer, January 2019
