Symbol Technologies has announced its first new handheld since the firm was acquired by Motorola in January. The MC35 is a semi-rugged device aimed at field workers rather than its traditional vertical markets such as warehouse automation, the company said.

The MC35 Enterprise Digital Assistant (EDA) is based on Microsoft's Windows Mobile 5.0 software and is designed as a platform for mobilising enterprise applications. It joins Symbol's existing MC50 model, but features GPRS/Edge wireless connectivity as standard to support workers in the field.

"There's a growing move to mobilise white collar workers, such as the sales force," said Neil Bonner, product manager at Motorola's Enterprise Mobility Division, of which Symbol now forms the core.

"The MC35 is for field-based workers that don’t need a fully rugged device, but have a requirement for mobile data access. It's durable enough to pass drop-and-tumble tests, but the kind of people using it won’t be standing around in the rain with it," Bonner said.

Like the MC50, the new MC35 has a mini qwerty keyboard below its 2.8in colour screen to make data entry easier. It is based on a 416MHz Intel XScale PXA 270 processor with 64MB memory, built-in GPS radio to support applications like satellite navigation, and push-to-talk capability. It has no dedicated barcode reader, but an optional 2 megapixel camera can be used for this function. Bluetooth capability is built-in, while Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) is optional.

Based on Microsoft's Windows Mobile 5.0, the MC35 supports push delivery from Exchange email servers and the ability to make phone calls, but it is first and foremost an enterprise application platform, Bonner said.

The device will chiefly be available through application integrators that can provide customers with a complete package, including wireless service, integration with back-end systems, and technical support.

The Motorola MC35 Enterprise Digital Assistant will be available from Q2 2007, and costs from $640 (£326) to $750 (£382), depending on configuration.