hardware recommendation

[steve]

we've got an application that we built using vb.net running on a panasonic
toughbook. the toughbook is mounted in a repair truck and is meant to be
locked in its mount on a semi-permanent basis. the application collects -
you guessed it - repair information. we've added the barcoding of different
materials consumed in making repairs. the application has an interface for
manually entering in the barcoded part number however, we'd like to be able
to scan the material and have it automagically be processed by the
application.

a hard-wired scanner won't do since the distance it would have to reach is
too great and the cord would be cumbersome in the truck. we've thought about
a cradle type setup but that involves not only modifications to the
toughbook application but also providing a program for the handheld-type
scanners available. we've also thought about blue-tooth enabled, dumb
scanners that just broadcast the data scanned but don't know of any
available on the market. if blue-toothed scanners aren't available, are
there any that can ad-hoc wifi to the toughbook...and would ad-hoc wifi
prevent the toughbook from connecting to the main lan? we've also though
about putting a wap in each truck not only to have roving hot zones but
ensuring a good connection to the scanner...which could also be made to only
"talk" to a specific toughbook by ip.

has anyone had experience with this or have an idea of hardware and
architectural advice for what we're trying to do.

any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

tia,
me

[Scott Swigart]

A quick Google for "Bluetooth Barcode Scanner" shows lots on the market.

If you want a smarter scanner, you can get a Pocket PC device with a barcode
scanner, and wi-fi or bluetooth.

Scott Swigart
www.swigartconsulting.com

"steve" wrote:

we've got an application that we built using vb.net running on a panasonic
toughbook. the toughbook is mounted in a repair truck and is meant to be
locked in its mount on a semi-permanent basis. the application collects -
you guessed it - repair information. we've added the barcoding of different
materials consumed in making repairs. the application has an interface for
manually entering in the barcoded part number however, we'd like to be able
to scan the material and have it automagically be processed by the
application.

a hard-wired scanner won't do since the distance it would have to reach is
too great and the cord would be cumbersome in the truck. we've thought about
a cradle type setup but that involves not only modifications to the
toughbook application but also providing a program for the handheld-type
scanners available. we've also thought about blue-tooth enabled, dumb
scanners that just broadcast the data scanned but don't know of any
available on the market. if blue-toothed scanners aren't available, are
there any that can ad-hoc wifi to the toughbook...and would ad-hoc wifi
prevent the toughbook from connecting to the main lan? we've also though
about putting a wap in each truck not only to have roving hot zones but
ensuring a good connection to the scanner...which could also be made to only
"talk" to a specific toughbook by ip.

has anyone had experience with this or have an idea of hardware and
architectural advice for what we're trying to do.

any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

tia,
me