State-of-the-art Android version of the classic keypad handheld for when touch is good, but touch and a numeric keypad is even better.
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

"It's a touchscreen world — but some applications still require a numeric keypad" says Handheld. And so, on March 4, 2020, the Handheld Group introduced the Nautiz X41, a new member of the company's Nautiz product line that includes a variety of rugged handheld computers both with and without keypads.

Touch, of course, is great, but sometimes there's nothing like analog pushbuttons. The new Nautiz X41 has both, capacitive multi-touch and a numeric keypad. Most importantly, compared to the company's existing keypad handhelds, the new Nautiz X41 represents a massive tech update both in hardware and in software.

Sizewise, to put things in perspective, the Nautiz X41 measures 6.6 x 2.8 inches, is an inch thick, and weighs just 9.5 ounces. By today's smartphone standards its 4.0 inch screen is small, but let's not forget that the original iPhone screen was just 3.5 inches. Below you can see how the new Nautiz X41 compares to Handheld's full lineup of Nautiz models (all shown in proper scale), and just how small and handy it is even with its nicely sized numeric keypad:

The lineup shows that Handheld now offers three smartphone-style touch devices, and, with the new Nautiz X41, also three keypad handhelds. This is where it gets interesting. You see, the existing Nautiz X4 and X8 were designed before Microsoft exited the small OS marketplace, and so both support either the legacy Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 operating platform or Android. Android-based units are at version 4.2.2 "Jelly Bean" of the OS, which goes back a good many years. The new Nautiz X41, on the other hand, comes with state-of-the-art Android 9.0 "Pie." We're talking a major leap forward. This is an Android keypad device with state-of-the-art tech.

Speaking of which, the Nautiz X41 is built around the 2GHz octa-core MediaTek Helio P22 processor, a recent, modern chip used in literally hundres of different consumer smartphones by all of the major manufacturers. There is 4GB of RAM and 64GB of Flash that can be augmented by up to 128GB with the unit's micro-SDXC expansion card slot.

The sunlight-readable 4-inch capacitive multi-touch screen offers 480 x 800 pixel WVGA resolution that makes for 233 pixels per inch diagonally. That's not quite "retina" resolution, but perfectly suitable for an industrial keypad handheld. The spacious 23-key backlit keypad includes five programmable functions keys, a scan button, and if need be, users can switch into alpha mode to tap out text (heck, it might even support T9!).

The presence of a physical keypad isn't the only thing that differentiates the Nautiz X41 from a standard smartphone type of device. Almost every smartphone can scan via its camera these days, but for professional speed and accuracy you need a dedicated scanner engine. Handheld offers either a Honeywell N6703HD 2D imager (see spec sheet), or a Zebra SE965 1D laser (see spec here).

The Nautiz X41 also has an 8.0-megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash for documentation purposes. For wireless connectivity there is Bluetooth version 5.0 LE, and dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/r/ac WiFi (the "r" means it supports "fast transition," i.e. quick and secure transition to a new access point). On the WWAN side, the Nautiz X41 can be equipped with the usual 2G, 3G, 4G LTE bands for wide area voice and data communication. The device also supports all major GNSS satellite positioning systems.

Visually, as expected, the sleek and elegant Nautiz X41 perfectly fits into Handheld's distinctive design language with light-gray plastics and black protective cladding and bumpers, continuing the company's strategy of having a clear brand identity with their Algiz and Nautiz lines.

Like all Handheld Group devices, the Nautiz X41 is tough and rugged and built to survive on the job. The device carries IP65 sealing where the "6" means it's totally dustproof, and the "5" that it can handle water jets from all directions. This means it can handle operation in dust and rain, but don't drop it into the water. The operating temperature range is a wide -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 to 60 Celsius), which means it can be used almost anywhere. The Nautiz X41 can also handle repeated drops from four feet, and has been MIL-STD-810G tested for a variety of other ruggedness criteria.

What the Nautiz X41 offers is state-of-the-art performance and contemporary Android functionality in a tried-and-true keypad handheld form factor. This perfectly addresses the needs of many mobile workers in logistics, warehousing, utilities, field service, public transportation, security and public safety. In addition, the Nautiz X41 comes with Handheld's MaxGo mobile device management software suite that both allows quick configuration of multiple devices as well as customized application access. -- Conrad H. Blickenstorfer, March 2020