The Psion XT15 modular rugged handheld computer now comes in two new "freezer and condensation-rated" versions for use in and around freezers
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

On May 14, 2013, Motorola Solutions introduced the Psion Omni XT15f. It's not an entirely new product as the original Omnii XT15 was introduced by Psion in early 2012, but this is a special, optimized version of the product for those who work in and around freezers. The special challenge of such environments is that the extreme cold can slow down displays and drain batteries, and the back and forth between freezer and the much warmer and more humid outdoors leads to destructive condensation. So the Omni XT15f is a special "freezer and condensation-rated" device designed to address all those conditions.

But before I go into the freezer aspects, a few words about the XT15 platform itself: it is a result of Psion's quest to modularize mobile computers so they could offer customers the exact right handheld computer for a given job. Initially, the Modulus approach (see here) provided add-ons for extra functionality to existing products and guard them against obsolescence. Later, Psion made entire platforms modular. The XT15 was introduced in January 2012, allowing customers to opt for either a high-visibility or an extreme duty display; speaker, camera and pistol grip module options; and various interface configuration where customers could select from multiple internal multi-function expansion interfaces with RS232 and TTL serial, USB host, and GPIO ports. Customers could also choose from no fewer than six different keypad modules as well as various laser and imager engines from Motorola Solutions, Intermec and Honeywell.

In the new Omnii XT15f version, this modular approach allowed Motorola Solutions to built a handheld that's specifically optimized for work in and around freezers. This meant some extra functionality and technology, and limiting the number of options to those that make sense in such environments. Specifically, the XT15f offers:

• "Frost-free" scanning via automatic defogging of the scanning window
• Special freeze-resistant keyboards that overcome ice build-up via special keyboard layout and special key spacing
• An optically bonded display with integrated heater that eliminates internal display fogging by eliminating air spaces
• A more powerful battery specially designed for low-temperature duty that provides twice the performance compared to a standard battery
• A choice of "Chiller" (condensation-resistant) and "Arctic" (condensation-free) models.