Intermec 6100 Reference Guide

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As applications are developed for the 6100 Computer (or port existing applicaĆ

tions), keep in mind the following basic considerations, ideas, and suggestions:

1. ROM DOS 5 is the operating system, with Windows 3.1.
2. Understanding how the system configuration files are used in the 6100 enĆ

vironment provides easier application development.  These files include

DOS configuration files: CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT; and Windows

configuration files: SYSTEM.INI and WIN.INI.

3. Become familiar with the tools and techniques for power management.

Monitoring the state of battery power can be an especially critical function.

4. When developing for pen input, remember that interpreting handwriting is

still a developing field; accuracy has not yet reached 100 percent.  FurtherĆ

more, interpreting and storing the results puts an additional load on the

processor.  Excessive use of handwriting recognition software can slow

down an otherwise speedy application.  Instead, try to use buttons, item

lists, and pullĆdown menus for common tasks.

5. When designing a penĆcentric interface, use the area provided by the VGA

screen.  Make buttons, pullĆdown menus, text entry fields, etc. large enough

for easy, accurate use in a mobile or highĆpressure environment.

6. Make your applications driveĆindependent.  Do not hardĆcode drive designaĆ

tions.  Utilize the many available PC Card storage solutions, remembering

that the devices can be moved about as required by different configurations.

The PC Card slots can accept nonvolatile SRAM, flash, hard disk devices,

RF devices, radio or land modems, and other devices.

7. Keep in mind the general system design of the penĆoriented 6100 ComputĆ

er:  flash memory file system, builtĆin CGA screen and keyboard, etc.

8. There are some files listed in this publication that could be useful for your

configuration or application.  If you need any of these files, first look in the

Tool Kit for them.  If not found there, try one of the Product Forums on the

Intermec BBS.

9. Finally, for development purposes you may consider using certain external

devices.  Keep in mind whether these items are available (or practical) for

the application to use in the field.

Note that the following paragraphs apply to the standard configuration for the

6100 Computer; but keep in mind that it can be configured to meet your specific

needs.  Additional RAM can be obtained to bring total RAM to 2, 4, 8, or 16 MB.
The following configuration items are needed for a minimum development, exĆ

cept for items 4 and 5, which are only useful if you do not have a docking station.

1. PEN*KEY 6100 Computer, with two megabytes of system RAM for DOS (or

4 MB of system RAM for Windows) and 1 MB of flash RAM.

2. The DOS Tool Kit or the Windows Tool Kit for the 6100 Computer.
3. Main batteries:  at least one.
4. One 2Ć or 4ĆMB SRAM card (see Note 1).  You need at least one 2ĆMB

SRAM card, which is useful when you need to update the flash software.

For larger storage, SanDisk flash memory cards are available (see Note 2).