Please note: This page’s content was updated to reflect the most up-to-date information as of May 27, 2015
Formed as Brown School in 1838, Duke University has since grown into a community of more than 8,000 employees and almost 15,000 students occupying an 8,600-acre campus. The key to organizing the campus activities of this large and ever-changing group of Duke students is the DukeCard, a comprehensive ID that is used for completing purchases and arranging services within the campus and surrounding community of Durham, North Carolina, as well as more traditional identification functions.
The DukeCard currently accounts for up to 600,000 transactions per day via 1,800 card readers, many of which are built into hand-held computers that are deployed throughout the campus at numerous event venues. Duke’s 25 retail and service operations generate more sales per student than any other independent university in the U.S., but whether it’s managing transactions as disparate as concession sales, event ticketing and access, or book returns, mobile devices play an increasing role in implementing the DukeCard system.
In order to improve connectivity and efficiency of its mobile-device infrastructure, Duke upgraded to hand-held computers and printers that feature Bluetooth technology. As shared in the Zebra Technology success story, Duke University; Bluetooth Keeps Blue Devils Mobile, Zebra’s MZ 220 mobile printers were selected to play a critical role in Duke’s student-ID systems. Given that its Bluetooth-connected mobile computers and printers would often be checked out temporarily to students for use at remote events, durability, ease of use, and battery life were critical elements Duke’s equipment requisition.
Zebra’s MZ/iMZ printers are ideal for such on-the-go receipt-printing applications. In addition to their IP42 durability rating, these Zebra printers are:
- Compact and lightweight
- Ideal for clipping to a belt or tossing into a backpack
- Easy to integrate with existing mobile computers and enterprise networks
- Compatible with iOS, Android and Windows operating systems
Control is via intuitive, prominent operational buttons. Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds to turn the printer on. A power LED confirms that it is on and even indicates battery charge level. Another LED confirms 
the wireless connection. Loading new print media is easy, too – just push a button and drop in a new roll of paper.
Connectivity options include USB 2.0, IrDA, Bluetooth 2.0 and 802.11b/g. While the MZ/iMZ mobile printers are impressively durable in their bare, standard configurations, their durability can be enhanced by the options of a protective case or silicone skin. Media options include direct-thermal paper or UV-coated media.
View the Zebra MZ Series Mobile Printer’s datasheet for more information and specs.
So, when your application calls for affordable mobile printers that offer both Bluetooth and WiFi wireless connectivity, plus durability and ease of operation, remember the Duke Blue Devils … and Zebra.
*Note: Duke University, the Duke Blue Devils, and the Duke University Logo shown above are solely owned by Duke University. We assume no rights or benefits from the use of the trademarks or logo above.