One strong consideration when moving forward within the same device family, is that Motorola has maintained a large amount of backward compatibility with many of the accessories used in previous generations.
Many MC9060-G accessories still work with the MC9090-G, along with the MC9190-G and their newest offering, MC9200-G. This shared accessory line reduces the overall cost of upgrading and migrating a mobile workforce, as these accessories do not require upgrading as well, leaving only the cost of the handheld to contend with for organizations when moving to a new device.
2003 - Symbol MC9060-G Mobile Computer
The MC9000-G series of mobile computers, better known as the MC9060-G mobile computer, was introduced by Symbol Technologies in 2003.
The MC9060-G was created to be a modern, relatively compact, light-weight, flash-light style handheld computer for scan-intensive operations (such as supply-chain management) throughout the enterprise sector, and helped make the MC9000-G's Symbol's most successful rugged line of handhelds ever.
The original design of the device included features such as a monochrome or color touch-screen enabled 3.8” display (240 x 320), good processing power, modular 28, 43- and 53-key field-replaceable keyboard options, internal Wi-Fi, and scanning options included either a 1D laser (available in differing ranges), or 2D imager which supported many of the 2D barcode symbologies available at the time. The device was ruggedized in terms of sealing and drop-specs and had rubber bumpers and a specially designed torque cell which contributed to its impressive 6-foot drop spec.
Installed with either Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC, or the more developer-orientated Windows CE .NET 4.2, it came ready for whatever environment users needed it in. With its pistol-grip design which reduced user fatigue, the MC9060-G was a powerful and versatile tool for data collection and processing in many different vertical and industrial markets.
Download specifications sheet for the Symbol MC9060-G Mobile Computer (PDF)
2006 - Symbol MC9090-G Mobile Computer
As the merger was officially completed in January of 2007, and Motorola Solutions acquired Symbol Technologies, Motorola continued using the Symbol Technologies brand for the early part of the year, before switching to Motorola branding completely, and dropping the Symbol name from the line.
Download specifications sheet for the Symbol MC9090-G Mobile Computer (PDF)
2007 - Motorola MC9090-G Mobile Computer
Later configurations of the MC9090-G included the Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system as one of the options available.
In September of 2011, Motorola discontinued the MC9090-G computers and announced a complete transition to the new MC9190-G.
Download specifications sheet for the Motorola MC9090-G Mobile Computer (PDF)
2011 - Motorola MC9190-G Mobile Computer
Download specifications sheet for the Motorola MC9190-G Mobile Computer (PDF)
2013 - Motorola MC9200 Mobile Computer
The MC9200 is the latest generation in the industry-leading rugged MC9000 series, now upgraded to support next generation mobile applications. This rugged mobile computer was developed to meet the changing business needs, bringing the same signature rugged design, best-in-class bar code scanning and dependable operation, available now with the power to run applications with highly-intuitive interfaces that will further simplify processes and increase worker productivity in tough environments. Added support for the 802.11n wireless standard, workers can have the best possible wireless voice and data experience.
The MC9200 is tough, delivering reliable performance regardless of repeated drops, exposure to subzero cold, extreme heat, dust and splashing liquids. Available with 6 different options for scanning 1D barcodes, 2D barcodes, PDF417 barcodes on driver's licenses and direct part marks found in manufacturing, these laser or imager options allow the MC9200 to be configured to deliver the best performance on the types of barcodes in use in your facility, even if the codes are dirty, damaged or poorly printed. As with previous generations, the device can be configured with multiple keyboard options, providing the easiest data entry options for its users.
The MC9200 is available in 2 versions: standard and premium. The premium model has all the same features of the standard model but adds more memory, IST support, RFID tag and Microsoft Office on the WE operating system versions of the devices.
Download Specifications sheet for the Motorola MC9200-G Mobile Computer (PDF)
As of the time of this writing, Motorola has not announced end of life for the MC9190-G. Industry experts expect the MC9190-G will sell through the remainder of 2014, after which it will likely be retired.
MC9060-G vs. MC9090-G vs. MC9190-G vs. MC9200 Feature Comparison:
| Feature | MC9060-G | MC9090-G | MC9190-G | MC9200 |
| Processor | XScale PXA255 processor at 400 MHz | Intel XScale PXA270 @ 624 MHz | Marvell PXA320 @ 806 MHz | Dual core 1GHz OMAP 4 processor |
| Memory | Embedded CE: 64/64 MB Windows Mobile: 64/64 MB |
CE 5.0: 64MB/64MB or 128MB/64MB Windows Mobile 5.0 Premium or 6.1 Classic: 64MB/128MB or 128MB/128MB |
256MB RAM/ 1GB Flash | 512MB RAM / 2GB Flash or 1 GB RAM / 2GB Flash |
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows Embedded CE. NET or Windows Mobile 2003 | Windows Mobile 5.0 Premium Edition or Windows Mobile 6.1 Classic or Microsoft Windows CE 5.0 | Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5.3 or Microsoft Windows CE 6.0 | Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5.3 or Windows Embedded Compact 7.0 |
| Motorola Mobility Platform Architecture (MPA) | N/A | MPA 1.0 | MPA 2.0 | MPA 3.0 |
| WLAN | Symbol Spectrum24, 802.11b, 802.11 | 802.11a/b/g | 802.11a/b/g | 802.11a/b/g/n |
| Scanning Options | 1D Laser Standard Range Scanner (SE 824) or 2D Imager | 1D Laser (SE1224) or 1D Laser Long Range (SE1524-ER) or 1D/2D Imager (SE4400) or 1D/2D Imager with DPM (SE4400-HD) | 1D Laser (SE960) or 1D Laser Long Range (SE1524-ER) or 1D/2D Imager (SE4500-SR) or 1D/2D Long Range Imager (SE4600) or 1D/2D Imager with Driver’s License parsing (SE4500-DL) or 1D/2D Imager with DPM (SE4500-HD) | 1D Laser (SE965) or 1D Laser Long Range (SE1524-ER) or 1D/2D Imager (SE4500-SR) or 1D/2D Long Range Imager (SE4600) or 1D/2D Imager with Driver’s License parsing (SE4500-DL) or 1D/2D Imager with DPM (SE4500-HD) |
| Interactive Sensor Technology (IST) | No | No | Yes | |
| FIPS 140-2 Certification | No | No | Yes | |
| Display | 3.8 in. 1/4 VGA Mono or Color | 3.7 in. QVGA mono or color for Win CE, Windows Mobile models only available in color. | 3.7 in. VGA color available on all models | |
| Gorilla® Glass Scanner Exit Window | No | No | Yes | |
| Hardened Touchscreen | Yes | Yes | Yes — with increased hardness | |
| SD Expansion Slot | SD/MMC card up to 1GB | SD/MMC card up to 1GB | SD/MMC card up to 32GB | |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth v1.1 | Bluetooth v1.2 | Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) | |
| Bluetooth Stacks | StoneStreet | StoneStreet | StoneStreet or Microsoft | |
| Swappable Operating Systems | No | No | Yes | |
Download MC9200 vs. MC9190-G vs. MC9090-G Feature Comparison PDF here.
| Feature | MC9200 Customer Benefit |
| Processor / Memory | Plenty of power to support next generation mobile applications with graphics intensive elegant and intuitive interfaces; simplifies application use and increases user productivity. Ample power to run complex ERP applications - simultaneously. |
| Operating System | Robust mobile operating systems that allow your business to take advantage of the latest mobility feature set, delivering increased flexibility, interoperability and security. |
| Motorola Mobility Platform Architecture (MPA) | The latest Motorola MPA platform provides the latest best-in-class technology architecture, providing an extended lifecycle and future-proofing. In addition, the standardized platform preserves existing application investments by enabling easy and cost-effective porting of applications from other Motorola mobile computers. |
| WLAN | The latest Wi-Fi standard, 802.11n, offers more bandwidth, can support more users and more applications and delivers wired-line style performance over a wireless connection. |
| Scanning Options | Provides multiple data capture options, including long-range capture of 1D and 2D bar codes, as well as Motorola’s latest 1D laser scanner. Four imager options all offer Motorola’s revolutionary imaging technology, with stunning laser-like performance on both 1D and 2D barcodes. The degradation of 1D bar code scanning performance typical in today’s 2D imagers is eliminated; expanding data capture capabilities to include 2D bar codes as well as documents, images and signatures — without impacting user productivity or scanning accuracy. |
| Interactive Sensor Technology (IST) | Enables leading edge motion-based applications. In addition to dynamic screen orientation:
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| FIPS 140-2 Certification | NIST Validated use in government applications. No additional 3rd party supplicants required. |
| Display | Best-in-class 3.7 inch high-resolution backlit color VGA touchscreen display provides great readability in any lighting condition — from bright sunlight to total darkness. |
| Gorilla® Glass Scanner Exit Window | Increases the durability of the scanner exit window with glass that is virtually impervious to damage — including scratches. |
| Hardened Touchscreen | The increased hardness further improves resistance to wear and tear. |
| SD Expansion Slot | Larger expansion slot capacity provides ample storage for the largest applications. |
| Bluetooth Version | The latest Bluetooth technology provides a faster wireless connection to more device types (up to 3 Mbps) over a more secure connection. |
| Bluetooth Stacks | Select the stack that best meets mobility needs. |
| Swappable Operating Systems | The ability to send the MC9200 to a Motorola Service Center to switch between CE and Windows Mobile operating systems eliminates the need to purchase new mobile computers to accommodate a future OS migration. |
Is your organization still using MC9060-G or MC9090-G mobile computers? Maybe it's time to consider an upgrade. Worried about the costs of upgrading? Don't worry, we can help.
Legacy Technology Services routinely buys MC9000-G, MC9060-G and MC9090-G mobile computers from customers, which helps reduce their costs in upgrading to newer models. These devices are repaired and fully refurbished, adding them to our large rental pool for customers who have more short-term inventory needs.
