Psion has already fielded a variety of Windows-based handheld computers, including the Neo released in 2008, the Workabout Pro 4 announced in 2010, and the EP10 released later the same year. Its most modular offering has been the XT10, whose swappable features include its keyboard, 1D/2D scanners, camera, pistol grip, GPS expansion module, and push-to-talk speaker/microphone.

Psion claimed that with its dozens of options and modules, the XT10 offered customers more than ten thousand possible configurations. But now, the company's offering the new XT15 (pictured), a similar handheld that's said to be even more configurable -- and more powerful, too.

The XT10 featured a 600MHz OMAP3 processor backed by 256MB of RAM and 512MB of flash storage. Now running either Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 or the previously offered Windows CE 6.0, the XT15 steps up to an 800MHz Sitara AM3715 processor, 256MB of RAM, and 1GB of flash.

Again, the XT15 is available with a 3.7-inch, VGA-resolution display in two different versions. A "high-visibility" model is transflective, with a 165-nit brightness rating, while an "extreme duty" version has a slightly thicker bezel, cutting the brightness rating to 160-nit while offering improved impact resistance and operation down to -4 deg. F (-20 deg. C).

Psion XT15 keyboards

As an example of the greater modularity, however, the XT15 is offered not just with the three keyboard styles that the XT10 was, but now with six in all: alpha-numeric (55 or 59 key), numeric (34 or 36 key), numeric-alpha modified, and QWERTY numeric.

And, instead of the former five barcode scanning options, there are now eight, variously sourced from Intermec, Honeywell, and Motorola. They offer standard-, long-, and auto-range lasers, as well as 1D and 2D imagers.

Other options include a three megapixel camera with autofocus, a push-to-talk speaker, and more. Yet modularity apparently hasn't weakened the XT15, since the device is said to withstand drops from 6.5 feet (2 meters) and to meet IP67 standards for sealing against liquids and dust.

According to Psion, the XT15 has 802.11a/b/g/n wireless networking, Bluetooth 2.0 personal area networking, and an optional GPS receiver based on the popular SiRF starIII chipset. A 2.5G GSM/GRPS/EDGE cellular radio is also available -- something we don't recall seeing on the XT10.

The XT15 also has a 5000mAh battery that's said to provide up to 20 hours of operation. Psion adds that its included battery grading and management tools "take the guesswork out of managing batteries."

Finally, Psion offers a bevy of accessories that include a desktop docking station (USB, Ethernet, and RS232 versions are all offered), chainable quad docking stations, and vehicle cradles. An available pistol grip for the XT15 is robust yet may be removed in the field with simple screws, the company adds.

Features and specifications listed by Psion for the Omnii XT15 include:

• Processor -- TI Sitara AM3715 clocked at 600MHz
• Memory -- 256MB of RAM and 1GB of flash storage
• Display -- 3.7-inch touchscreen with VGA resolution; available in both standard and extreme duty versions
• Keyboard -- alpha-numeric (55 or 59 key), numeric (34 or 36 key), numeric-alpha modified, or QWERTY numeric.
• Camera -- 3 megapixel with autofocus (optional)
• Expansion:
  • microSD slot
  • GPS receiver (optional)
  • RS232, USB, GPIO interfaces (optional)
  • docking station connector
• Networking:
  • WLAN -- 802.11a/b/g/n
  • WWAN -- 2.5G GSM/GPRS/EDGE (optional)
  • PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
• Other I/O:
  • microphone and receiver
  • push-to-talk speaker (optional)
  • 1D/2D lasers or imagers (optional)
• Battery -- 5000mAh; lasts up to 20 hours
• Operating temperature -- -4 to 122 deg. F (-20 to 50 deg. C)
• Dimensions -- 8.9 x 3.7 x 1.7 inches (227 x 95 x 44mm)
• Weight (basic unit with battery) -- 1.34 pounds (610g)

Further information

Psion's Omnii XT15 is said to be available now, starting at $1,999. More information may be found on the XT15 product page and on the Rugged PC Review website.

Jonathan Angel can be reached at jonathan.angel@ziffdavisenterprise.com and followed at www.twitter.com/gadgetsense.

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