Socket Communications, Inc. hs announced a new line of products to be built with an antibacterial plastic targeted toward healthcare and other markets that involve hygiene-sensitive environments.

The first product combination to debut in the new line is the SoMo 650 handheld computer and docking cradle, which will be on display at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) annual conference and exhibition.

The new antibacterial product line incorporates the use of an antibacterial additive that gradually releases microbe-fighting metal ions upon becoming moist or wet.

In conjunction with the traditional cleaning and sterilization procedures used on similar data collection equipment in the healthcare and hospitality industries, devices built with antibacterial plastic provide an additional layer of protection against the multiplication and spread of potentially harmful bacteria and microbes, giving organizations the opportunity to enhance the safety of medical staff, patients, workers and visitors.

In addition, the antibacterial plastic reduces, or in many cases eliminates, the need for and dependence on protective skins or shells that can become expensive over time as a consumable-type accessory.

The SoMo 650 handheld computer is a Microsoft Windows Mobile-based Pocket PC with built-in 802.11g Wi-Fi technology, Bluetooth version 2, an Intel PXA270 processor running at 624 MHz, and large standard memory configuration with 128 MB SDRAM and 256 MB NAND Flash.