It seems like a scanner powered palm device might be the ticket. Put the existing database into the palm and you have it. Add on an extra battery and you have long life. There are palms that have the scanner built into them or you could adapt an off the shelf scanner (i.e. Welch Allen.) The application would be a breeze with the palm, just hot sync to update. I have used the Code Warrior for Palm on some like apps.

A durable high quality scanner is the cost point. You are looking at $200 to $300 for a wand. Last time I looked the Palm with scanner was expensive. What is the budget range they are looking for?

Bobby