Abstract: An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory communicatively coupled to the microprocessor, an EIR device, a multi-band antenna, and a wireless communication interface. The EIR device can be provided by a bar code reading device, an RFID reading device, and/or a card reading device. The EIR device can be configured to perform outputting raw message data comprising an encoded message and/or outputting decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message. The wireless communication interface can further comprise a radio frequency front end electrically coupled to the multi-band antenna. The wireless communication interface can be configured to support at least two wireless communication protocols. The microprocessor can be configured to execute a wireless communication protocol selector software program, which in turn can be configured to dynamically select a wireless communication network and/or a wireless communication protocol.

Abstract: The invention is a hand held computer device having a housing including a top or upper surface, a lower surface and finger saddle ridge protruding downwardly from the lower surface. The finger saddle ridge has two finger receiving surfaces and is sized to accommodate a pair of human fingers such that a first finger contacts the front surface of the finger saddle and a second finger contacts the rear surface of the finger saddle. When an operator's fingers straddle the finger saddle ridge, the hand held computer device pivots about a pivot point defined between the fingers. The device can thus be readily maneuvered into a downward pivoting position, highly useful for decoding bar codes, and an upward pivoting position, highly useful for display viewing and applications involving display viewing such as web browsing and data input.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one embodiment, a portable data terminal generally comprising a battery: a central controller, a GPS system, and an auxiliary processor. The central controller that has a sleep state wherein at least some of the functionality of the central controller is limited to conserve battery power. The auxiliary processor may be selected based, at least in part, on power draw. In particular, it is desirable for the auxiliary processor to use less power than the central controller when the central controller is fully activated. The auxiliary processor monitors the output of the GPS system and wakes the central controller from a sleep state based on the output of the GPS system.

Abstract: A data collection device is configured so that the device receives and processes various radio signals and automatically changes an operating mode of the data collection device in response to the processing of the radio signals or in response to the presence or absence of radio signals without manually inputting any commands with use of a user interface. By configuring the data collection device to automatically change an operating mode in response to sensed radio signals, operating modes are presented to an operator that may be tailored to the preferences of the present operator and/or tailored to the particular requirements of the device at present location of the device. With highly featurized operating modes being automatically and selectively presented to operators under specific circumstances, an operator is relieved of a variety of burdensome and time consuming exercises that are typically associated with learning how to access particular functions of a highly featurized electronic device.

Abstract: The invention is a hand held computer device having a housing including a top or upper surface, a lower surface and finger saddle ridge protruding downwardly from the lower surface. The finger saddle ridge has two finger receiving surfaces and is sized to accommodate a pair of human fingers such that a first finger contacts the front surface of the finger saddle and a second finger contacts the rear surface of the finger saddle. When an operator's fingers straddle the finger saddle ridge, the hand held computer device pivots about a pivot point defined between the fingers. The device can thus be readily maneuvered into a downward pivoting position, highly useful for decoding bar codes, and an upward pivoting position, highly useful for display viewing and applications involving display viewing such as web browsing and data input.