Psion says its new Workabout Pro 3 is the latest version of a series of handheld computers that began an amazing 18 years ago with the original Workabout. The device is compatible with software and hardware accessories produced for earlier models, such as the 2004 Workabout Pro and the 2007 second-generation version, according to the company.

The second-gen version had already been upgraded to a sunlight-readable VGA touchscreen, which is again featured here, but Psion says brightness has been increased to 165 nits. The device is available in two form factors: The taller Model C (below left) features a numeric keypad and letter keys in alphabetical order, while the Model S is available either with a QWERTY keyboard (part of which can be shifted into a numeric keypad mode, as pictured below middle) or a dedicated numeric keypad (below right).

The three versions of Psion's Workabout Pro 3

According to Psion, the third-generation Workabout Pro still has a Marvell PXA270 processor, but clock speed is up from 520MHz to 624MHz. Memory, meanwhile, has doubled to 256MB of RAM, while flash storage has quadrupled, to 1GB, the company adds.

Tougher than ever, the Workabout Pro 3 is still sealed against rain and dust to the IP65 standard, and is now said to withstand multiple six-foot drops onto concrete. Operating temperature ranges from -4 to 122 deg. F (-20 to 50 deg. C), and both 3300 and 4400mAh batteries are available, says Psion.

Psion says the Workabout Pro 3 has a combination connector that offers RS232 and USB On-the-Go functionality, plus a docking connector and both SD/MCC and CompactFlash slots. An end-cap USB interface allows adding a GPS receiver, while a 100-pin interface permits adding a variety of expansion modules, according to the company.

Available expansion modules, which are either factory- or user-configurable, are said to include 802.11a/b/g wireless networking, quad-band (850/900/1800/1900MHz) GPRS/EDGE, tri-band (850/1900/2100MHz) HSDPA, and Bluetooth 2.0 -- all available simultaneously. Other modules add 1D/2D barcode scanning and RFID (HF, LF, or UHF), according to Psion.

Featuring a mono speaker, microphone, and beeper, the Workabout Pro 3 is available with VoIP software, Psion says. Other software includes terminal emulation and Internet Explorer 6.0, while the device's operating system may be either Windows CE 5.0 or Windows Mobile 6, the company adds.

Features and specifications listed by Psion for the Workabout Pro 3 include:

• Processor -- Marvell PXA270 clocked at 624MHz
• Memory -- 256MB of RAM and 1GB of flash storage
• Display -- 3.7-inch touchscreen with VGA resolution
• Keyboard -- alphanumeric (Model C); numeric-only or QWERTY (Model S)
• Expansion:
  • CompactFlash slot
  • SD slot
  • Docking connector
  • Expansion connectort
  • USB endcap for optional GPS receiver
• Networking:
  • LAN -- Ethernet (via docking connector)
  • WLAN -- 802.11a/b/g (optional)
  • WAN -- quad-band (850/900/1800/1900MHz) GPRS/EDGE, tri-band (850/1900/2100MHz) HSDPA (optional)
  • PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0 (optional)
• Other I/O:
  • Barcode scanner (optional)
  • RFID -- HF, LF, or UHF (optional)
  • RS232
  • USB On-the-Go
• Battery -- 3300 or 4400mAh (life n/s)
• Operating temperature -- -4 to 122 deg. F (-20 to 50 deg. C)
• Dimensions:
  • Model C -- 8.78 x 3.94 x 1.65 inches (223 x 100 x 42mm)
  • Model S -- 7.87 x 3.94 x 1.65 inches (200 x 100 x 42mm)
• Weight (without battery):
  • Model C -- 1 pound (455g)
  • Model S -- 0.86 pounds (390g)

Mike Doyle, chief technology officer at Psion, stated, "The new Workabout Pro 3 extends our heritage in modular design, and underlines our new strategy for open source mobility. We know our devices are often used in some of the most demanding computing conditions, and while we continuously strive to improve our products, they are also designed to last a lifetime and withstand the elements."

Further information

Psion did not release pricing for the third-generation Workabout Pro devices, but says they are available now. More information may be found on the company's website, here.

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