Motorola has introduced a new wireless portable terminal capable of communicating with a host computer using digital radio signals rather than telephone lines. The Motorola PCX portable data communications system is battery powered and communicates via two-way radio link to a base station. The manufacturer indicates that such communication can be effective up to a distance of 7.5 miles.
The terminal uses two 8-bit microprocessors based on the 6801 design, weighs 28 ounces, runs all day on one battery charge, and costs between $3,000 and $4,000. It could be incorporated into an automated library system for shelf reading and inventory control.
