The PIM-800 is a rugged, handheld industrial data terminal designed for real-time data capture in harsh environments. First introduced in the early 2010s, it became a staple in warehouses, manufacturing floors, and logistics hubs where standard tablets and smartphones fail.
What Makes the PIM-800 Different From Regular Tablets?
If you’ve ever dropped a phone in a warehouse or spilled coffee on a laptop during a shift, you know consumer devices don’t last long in industrial settings. The PIM-800 isn’t built for Instagram or video calls. It’s built to survive drops from 6 feet onto concrete, resist dust and water ingress, and keep working in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C.
Unlike consumer tablets with glass screens and thin batteries, the PIM-800 has a rubberized shock-absorbing casing, a high-contrast sunlight-readable display, and a replaceable battery that lasts up to 14 hours on a single charge. Its keypad is mechanical, not touch-only, so workers wearing thick gloves can still scan barcodes, enter batch numbers, or confirm shipments without fumbling.
It runs a hardened version of Android, optimized for industrial apps. No bloatware. No ads. No automatic updates that crash mid-shift. Companies like DHL, Siemens, and Ford have used it for over a decade because it doesn’t quit when the temperature drops or the forklift shakes the floor.
Core Specifications You Need to Know
Here’s what’s inside the PIM-800:
- Processor: ARM Cortex-A9, 1.2 GHz - fast enough for barcode scanning and ERP sync, not overkill for power-hungry apps
- Memory: 2 GB RAM, 8 GB internal storage (expandable via microSD up to 128 GB)
- Display: 5.7-inch transflective LCD, 800x480 resolution, visible in direct sunlight
- Barcode Scanner: Integrated 1D/2D imager (up to 120 scans per second)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, optional 4G LTE
- IP Rating: IP65 - completely dust-tight and protected against water jets
- Battery: Removable 3800 mAh Li-ion, hot-swappable
- Weight: 580 grams with battery
It doesn’t have a front-facing camera. No fingerprint sensor. No speaker louder than a beep. That’s intentional. Every feature was stripped down to what matters on the factory floor.
Where Is the PIM-800 Actually Used?
You won’t find the PIM-800 in an office. You’ll find it in places where mistakes cost money - or worse.
- Warehousing: Used for picking, packing, and cycle counting. Workers scan items as they move them from shelf to pallet. The device syncs with SAP or Oracle in real time, reducing mispicks by up to 92% in field tests by the Material Handling Institute.
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Tracks batch numbers, expiration dates, and GMP compliance logs. The device’s tamper-proof logs meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
- Automotive Assembly Lines: Guides technicians through torque sequences and part verification. If a bolt isn’t tightened to spec, the PIM-800 stops the line and alerts the supervisor.
- Logistics & Freight: Used at loading docks to confirm shipment manifests. Drivers scan pallets, sign digitally, and upload proof of delivery - all without leaving the truck.
- Utilities & Field Service: Electricians and gas technicians use it to log meter readings, service history, and safety inspections in rain, snow, or extreme heat.
One warehouse in Belfast reduced inventory errors by 87% after switching from paper lists and basic barcode guns to PIM-800 units with custom apps. The ROI paid for itself in under six months.
How Does It Connect to Your Existing Systems?
The PIM-800 doesn’t come with built-in ERP software. That’s on purpose. It’s a tool, not a solution.
It connects to your backend through standard protocols:
- Wi-Fi or 4G: Pushes data to cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure IoT or AWS IoT Core
- Bluetooth: Pairs with printers, scales, or RFID readers
- Serial Port (RS-232): Integrates with legacy machinery still running on older protocols
- USB-C: For fast charging and direct data transfer to PCs
Most companies use middleware like Zebra’s Mobility DNA or Honeywell’s Device Manager to deploy and manage hundreds of PIM-800 units remotely. You can push app updates, lock down settings, or wipe a lost device from a central dashboard - no one needs to touch the hardware.
Why Companies Still Buy the PIM-800 in 2025
You might think, ‘Why not just use an iPad with a rugged case?’
Because an iPad doesn’t have a mechanical keypad. It doesn’t have a replaceable battery you can swap in 3 seconds. It doesn’t work when the screen is wet or covered in grease. And if it freezes during a shift, you’re stuck until it reboots - which can take 90 seconds. In a busy warehouse, that’s 90 seconds of lost productivity.
The PIM-800 has a 7-year product lifecycle. That means companies buy them in bulk, know exactly what they’re getting, and don’t have to upgrade every 18 months. Spare parts are still available. Firmware updates are still released. Support is still active.
Even manufacturers like Zebra and Honeywell now sell refurbished PIM-800 units with 12-month warranties. The demand hasn’t faded - it’s just matured.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Even rugged devices can have issues. Here are the top three complaints and how to solve them:
- Barcode scanner not reading: Clean the lens with a microfiber cloth and isopropyl alcohol. Dust builds up fast in factories. If that doesn’t work, recalibrate the imager via Settings > Scanner > Calibration.
- Battery drains too fast: Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use. Use the power-saving mode in the device manager. Replace the battery if it’s over 3 years old - lithium cells lose capacity over time.
- Device won’t connect to network: Check the SSID and password. Make sure the access point is on 2.4 GHz, not 5 GHz. The PIM-800 doesn’t support 5 GHz Wi-Fi. Also, verify the device isn’t in airplane mode - the toggle is easy to hit accidentally.
Most issues are solved with basic maintenance. The device isn’t magic - it’s durable because it’s simple.
Alternatives to the PIM-800
If you’re shopping today, here are three comparable options:
| Model | Display | Battery Life | IP Rating | Replaceable Battery? | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PIM-800 | 5.7" transflective LCD | 14 hours | IP65 | Yes | $450-$600 |
| Zebra TC52 | 5.7" touchscreen | 12 hours | IP65 | No | $750-$900 |
| Honeywell CT60 | 5.5" full HD touchscreen | 10 hours | IP65 | No | $800-$1,000 |
| Datalogic Skorpio X3 | 4.3" sunlight-readable | 16 hours | IP64 | Yes | $550-$700 |
The PIM-800 wins on cost, battery replaceability, and simplicity. The others offer better screens and more power - but at a higher price and with less longevity.
Final Thoughts: Is the PIM-800 Right for You?
If you need a device that just works - day after day, shift after shift, in freezing warehouses or scorching factories - then the PIM-800 is still one of the best choices in 2025.
It’s not flashy. It doesn’t have a camera or voice assistant. But it does exactly what it was built to do: capture data, survive abuse, and keep running. That’s why it’s still in use across 40+ countries, from automated distribution centers in Germany to manual packing lines in Vietnam.
Don’t upgrade just because something looks newer. Upgrade because it solves a real problem. The PIM-800 still solves more problems than most modern devices ever will.
Is the PIM-800 still being manufactured?
Yes, the PIM-800 is still in production, though in limited quantities. The original manufacturer, Pimtek, shifted focus to newer models, but licensed partners like Sager Electronics and Industrial Tech Solutions continue to produce and sell new units. Refurbished units are widely available from certified resellers.
Can I use the PIM-800 with my ERP system?
Yes. The PIM-800 supports standard protocols like HTTP, FTP, and ODBC. Most ERP systems - including SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, and Infor - have pre-built integrations or APIs that work with the PIM-800. Custom apps can be developed using Android SDK or low-code platforms like Mendix or OutSystems.
How long does the battery last before needing replacement?
The original 3800 mAh battery typically lasts 2-3 years with daily use (8-10 hours per day). After that, capacity drops below 70%, and scan times slow down. Replacement batteries cost around $35 and take under 2 minutes to swap. Most companies keep a stock of spares on hand.
Does the PIM-800 support 5G or Wi-Fi 6?
No. The PIM-800 supports Wi-Fi 802.11n and Bluetooth 4.2. It does not support 5G or Wi-Fi 6. This is intentional - industrial environments rarely need high-speed data transfer. Reliability and battery life matter more than speed. If you need 5G, consider newer models like the Zebra TC77.
Can I buy a PIM-800 without a barcode scanner?
No. Every PIM-800 unit comes with an integrated 1D/2D imager. There is no version sold without a scanner. If you need a device without scanning, consider a basic rugged tablet like the Panasonic Toughpad or Getac B300.
