| Scanning handheld has tilted display |
Sep. 22, 2008
 Psion Teklogix has introduced a Windows CE 5.0 handheld computer that targets light-duty warehousing, retail, utilities, and parcel delivery applications. The "Neo" includes a "unique" tilted display, 2.7-inch touchscreen, optional 1D barcode scanner, and available wireless networking, the company says.
(Click here for a larger view of the Psion Neo)
The Windows CE 5.0 version that ships on Psion's Neo is hardly the latest, but that isn't likely to bother the company's customers, who obviously value a product's stability and longterm availability over many other attributes. Psion says the Neo is designed to replace its Workabout MX handheld, which had a 13-year production run.
The Neo has a case that tilts its 2.7-inch touchscreen QVGA (320 x 240) display slightly upwards at the top. This design is touted as providing "optimal viewing during data capture," while still allowing the unit to be placed in a pocket.
Aimed at "light-duty" warehouse operations, the Neo is said to withstand 26 drops from four feet (1.2 meters) to polished concrete. It also meets the IP54 standard for sealing against dust and water, and has an operating temperature range from -10 to 50 deg. C (14 to 122 deg. F), says Psion.
The device is available in a "batch" model that comes with 26 large numeric keys, plus an optional Bluetooth radio and 1D scanner. A "connected" model, on the other hand, is available with the 26-key numeric keypad or a 48-key alphanumeric option, and features both WiFi (802.11b/g) and Bluetooth radios as standard.
The "connected" model includes a microphone and speaker, making this model compatible with push-to-talk VoIP applications, says Psion. Both Neos are compatible with a forthcoming RFID reader option, the company adds.
Specs
The Neo uses a 312MHz Marvell PXA270 processor, with 128MB of RAM and 64MB of flash storage. Memory may be expanded via a microSD slot, and the Neo has a USB port, too. A docking port, also included, relays USB and RS232 signals to a desktop base, though unlike some other handhelds, there's apparently no option for wired Ethernet.
Psion says the Neo's 3000mAh lithium-ion battery can power the device for up to eight hours, measurable via the device's "built-in gas gauge and performance monitor." Additionally, the unit is said to preserve its memory contents for up to ten minutes while batteries are being changed, and similarly preserves real-time clock settings for up to three days if necessary.
Features and specifications listed by Psion for the Neo include:- Processor -- Marvell PXA270 clocked at 312MHz
- Memory -- 128MB of RAM and 64MB of flash
- Display -- 2.7-inch touchscreen display with 320 x 240 resolution
- Keyboard -- 26-key numeric keypad only on "batch" model; 26-key numeric or 48-key alphanumeric keypads ("connected" model)
- Imaging -- 1D imager/laser scanner
- Wireless:
- PAN -- Bluetooth (optional on "batch"; standard on "connected")
- WLAN -- 802.11b/g ("connected" only)
- Other I/O:
- 1 x USB
- Docking port (passes USB, RS232 signals)
- Audio -- microphone and speaker on "connected" model only
- Operating temperature -- -10 to 50 deg. C (14 to 122 deg. F)
- Dimensions:
- Device -- 6.6 x 2.5 x 1.3 inches (168 x 64 x 34mm)
- Grip area -- 2.2 inches (56mm) wide
- Weight with battery: 0.6 lb (275g)
Further information
Psion said the Neo is "available for order now," but did not provide pricing information. More information may be available on the company's website, here.
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