April/May 2007

Psion Teklogix flagship Workabout Pro ruggedised handheld computer range has been given a head-to-toe makeover, and gained a slew of more advanced features, whilst retaining compatibility with the previous range (it accepts the same expansion modules, for instance).

Gone is the quirky Psion yellow-and-grey colour scheme of the old range (which however remains available); the new version comes in a more sober-looking grey and black that has more in common with other makes in its class.

Under the skin, the new model moves up from a 400MHz Intel XScale processor to the latest 520 MHz PXA270 version, and the operating system is switched from Windows CE .Net 4.2 to Windows CE 5.0 or Windows Mobile 6 (Classic or Professional).

The colour touch screen, at 3.6 in (9.14cm), is slightly larger than before, and the monochrome option has been dropped. More important, resolution has been upped from 240 by 320 pixels to full VGA resolution of 480 by 640, improving readability.

 

As before, there are two models with different form factors - one with a full 52-key alphanumeric keyboard, the other with a shallower 25-key keyboard.

Environmental performance has been enhanced. The water and dust resistance rating is up from IP54 to IP65, and the drop test results are better - 26 drops from 5ft.

The already extensive range of connectivity options of the old Workabout has been retained and enhanced in the new range. You can have a variety of 2D and 3D imaging capabilities, plus an RFID reading capability. You can also have 802.11b/g wireless networking and GPRS/EDGE mobile data via expansion interface. Bluetooth local area networking is built in.

The new model is still called the Workabout Pro, so differentiate it from the old you need to ask for the new-generation model.