Compact, rugged flashlight-style handheld gets major performance and functionality boost
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

LXE, now part of Honeywell, introduced the Tecton handheld in February of 2011 as a successor to the company's long-running and quite popular LX7. The device is targetted at warehouse and supply chain applications and aims to accelerate real-time data capture with a number of performance and other improvements. In terms of size and weight, the Tecton remains largely unchanged from its LXE MX7 predecessor. It's handy device, measuring 9.9 x 3.4 x 2.0 inches and weighing about 1.3 pounds, making it suitable for comfortable scanning throughout a shift. Though designed specifically for warehouse deployment, the MX7 is a tough computer that can operate in a wide temperature range between 14 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit, survive 5-foot drops (6-foot with an optional rubber boot for extra protection), and it is sealed to IP65 specifications.

While the Tecton looks almost unchanged from the MX7, there are some significant changes inside. The aging 400MHz Marvell PXA255 processor has been replaced by a much faster and much more powerful 806MHz PXA320. Standard RAM and ROM have both doubled from 128 to 256MB, and the Tecton also comes with either 1GB or 4GB of SD Card Flash. On the software side, Windows CE 5.0 has been replaced with either Windows Mobile 6.5 or Windows CE 6.0. One area that didn't change is the 3.5-inch display that remains at 240 x 320 QVGA resolution. Withthe more sophisticated applications available under Windows Mobile 6.5, full VGA resolution would have been nice.

Like the original MX7, the Tecton has excellent onboard communications capabilities. WiFi has been upgraded to dual-band 802.11a/b/g, and Bluetooth 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate makes for fast and reliable connections to wireless peripherals such as printers. And there is the "ToughTalk" technology, a system that uses advanced audio and noise cancellation techniques for industrial-grade voice logistics applications.

The MX7 platform always provided all-range scanning so that operators could collect bar code data from 4 to 40 feet away, and even getting a vibration signal upon a successful scan. The Tecton continues that tradition with the included Symbol SE955E base laser, or optional short range (SE955I) and multi-range (SE1524ER) lasers, and 2D imager (HHP 5300).

After all those years of offering MX handhelds, VX vehicle computers and HX wearable computers, it's not clear why the company broke with that nomenclature tradition (and the Tecton, in fact, still has a little "MX7" printed on top of its keypad), but one thing is clear: the Tecton represents a very substantial performance and functionality improvement over the device it replaces.