Psion Teklogix has taken a further step towards positioning itself as an all-round mobile computing specialist by signing a deal to resell a range of rugged wireless Tablet PCs from Canadian manufacturer Xplore Technologies.

The deal takes the form of a value-added systems integration agreement, in which Psion Teklogix will supply the devices to a range of vertical markets including airports, field service, automotive, supply chain/cold chain, government, ports and transport.

Only recently launched, Xplore's iX604 range runs under Windows XP Tablet Edition. It features an 866MHz Intel Pentium III ULV processor, 256MB of level 2 cache, up to 48MB video RAM and up to 512MB of RAM. It has a 10.4in 1024 by 768 (XGA) colour screen with full pen/touch input.

There are various versions for different markets, including the tough Renegade and the extra-rugged All Terrain, which is rated to IP67 standard and to UL1604 for hazardous material resistance. There are also Dual Mode versions, combining active digitizer and a resistive touch screen for stylus or touch-screen input.

... as entry-level Workabout is upgraded

A new entry-level Windows CE computer for basic batch data collection has been added to the Psion Workabout family.

With a claimed 250,000 already in service, the Psion Teklogix Workabout is a clearly a popular ruggedised handheld. However, the flexibility that makes it adaptable for a wide collection of data collection task means that it is an expensive tool for the entry-level batch computing market.

Enter the Workabout Pro, a unit designed to compete in this rapidly growing sector, yet still retaining the flexibility that made its predecessor such a winner. List price starts at £567 for the M mono-screen model and £912 for the more sophisticated C colour-screen unit.

Todd Boone, senior product marketing manager, says the Workabout Pro is positioned between PDAs and industrial handhelds, targeting businesses that might otherwise try to save money by choosing the former when they need the latter. "It's not overkill, but it's better equipped to survive a harsh environment than a PDA."

The Workabout Pro offers a choice: an entry-level Workabout Pro M with a mono touch screen, 32MB Flash and 64MB SDRAM; or the more sophisticated Workabout Pro C, with its colour screen unit, 32MB Flash and 128MB SDRAM, integrated Bluetooth and printer and scanner accessories. WAN, 802.11b and Bluetooth are available simultaneously.

There is a single-dimension scanner engine, a user-accessible SD memory and Compact Flash card slot, a USB port and a 100-pin high-speed expansion connection.

Both models have an Intel XScale processor, and use the Microsoft Windows CE .NET operating system rather than Pocket PC (to make it easier for developers to customise the units for different data collection tasks).

The Workabout Pro looks similar to the old Workabout, but has actually been completely redesigned. It is lighter, weighing 548g including 802.11b radio, scanner and 86dBA speaker. The 55-key alpha keyboard is backlit for low-light operations and the keys have a hard coating to prevent letters and numbers wearing off during intensive use. There are LEDs for battery status, confirmation of a successful scan and to indicate radio communication mode. The touch-screen VGA display is readable in sunlight.

The standard battery is a rechargeable 19000mAh lithium ion pack, which Psion Teklogix says can complete a full shift on a single charge in batch mode, thanks to improved battery management. For intensive operations there is a 2,7000mAh version, and it will also run on three AA alkaline batteries.