Pradotec and Intel Malaysia have announced the release of a new handheld e-passport reader powered by Intel’s Atom processor technology.

The HPT600 reader is designed for ‘on the spot’ e-Passport and Identity reading at any international security checkpoint – even on trans-border trains and ships.

Designed as a compact, all-­in-­one device, the HPT600 has a built­‐in Machine Readable Zone scanner for Basic Access Control, ISO14443 contactless reader, as well as an optional optical biometric fingerprint scanner.

The HPT600 also boasts multiple wireless communications channels for relaying data back to the main server, including quad-­band GSM/GPRS/EDGE, 802.11b/g wireless LAN and Bluetooth.

According to Pradotec, there are currently 90 countries worldwide issuing e-Passports, including Malaysia, the U.S., France, Australia and the United Kingdom.