Bar-Code Point-Of-Care (BPOC), also known as Bar-Code Medication Administration (BCMA) has been a hot topic in health care for a while now. Some people love it while others hate it. Regardless of how you feel about bar-coding it is here to stay for a while and the technology, both hardware and software, is pretty cool.
The Socket Bluetooth Cordless Hand Scanner (CHS) 7X by Socket Mobile, Inc. was recently brought to my attention via a Tweet for its possible use with the iPad. The CHS 7X is extremely lightweight and portable, making its use with the iPad an intriguing combination. The scanner is only 5.3 x 1.2 x 1.5 inches in size and weighs in at a paltry 2.4 oz. Compare that to our current bar-code scanner of choice, the Code Corp 2500 Bluetooth Scanner, which comes in at 4.9 x 1.2 x 1.8 inches and 5 oz. total weight including battery and no handle. The sizes are comparable, but the Code 2500 is more than double the weight. I’m very fond of the Code’s performance and would like to test the CHS 7X side-by-side against the 2500.
Both scanners would offer a nice lightweight solution for use with the iPad which is itself only 1.5 pounds (24 ounces). Our facility thought the idea of a portable scanning solution was a good one and investigated using the Motion C5 tablet PC with a wireless scanner, but nursing felt that the combination was too heavy; the C5 weighs 3.3 pounds or 53 ounces. The C5 is a much more rugged device than the iPad and offers a complete tablet PC experience, but it might as well be a door stop if nursing refuses to use it.
According to an article at marketwire “Socket is currently running a special iPad software developer promotion on the Socket 2D CHS 7X or 7XRx. Now through June 30, 2010 interested developers can purchase either barcode scanner at 20% off MSRP through the Socket Online Store. To take advantage of this offer, enter coupon code “ipad20” for the CHS 7X or “ipad20rx” for the antimicrobial CHS 7XRx upon checkout. This offer is only valid in the United States.†Someone needs to take advantage of that offer and work on something health care related.
From the Socket website:
Socket Bluetooth CHS 7X takes 2D bar code scanning to another level delivering superior high-density scanning performance and long-range Bluetooth all in a pocket-sized, ergonomic, and extra durable enclosure.
Socket Bluetooth CHS 7X takes 2D bar code scanning to another level delivering superior high-density scanning performance and long-range Bluetooth all in a pocket-sized, ergonomic, and extra durable enclosure.
• Xtreme performance for 2D, 1D, PDF barcodes, including small barcodes
• Ruggedized dust, shock and water resistant case withstands 5 ft (1.5 m) drops
• Bluetooth v2.1 with 330 ft (100 m) range
• No software installation required, edit data with special barcodes
• Tactile vibrate recognition for high ambient noise environments
Technical specifications for the CHS 7X can be found here.
Technical specifications for the Code Corp 2500 can be found here.
Technical specifications for the Motion C5 can be found here.
Technical specifications for the iPad can be found here.
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