London-based Psion Plc, which is forecast to announce a substantial increase in profits for the year to December 31 when it reports in March, was somewhat annoyed by having its strategy for the next few months previewed in a Sunday Telegraph report. The company will launch a rugged and colourful version of its Series 3 handheld computer called Workabout this year, costing around รบ200. It is likely to be aimed at the fast growing mobile communications sector for small to medium businesses. In other news, Psion has recently designed a system for the UK Central Statistical Office to help it collate the figures for the Retail Prices Index. It will use bar code reading software written by Psion to eliminate the temptation for the data collectors merely to stay at home and speculate on supermarket prices, which has been known to happen in the past. Psion also has software in the pipeline that will enable users effectively to run their Series 3a handheld machines under Microsoft Corp’s Windows through a link to their personal computer. Plans are also afoot for links to the Groupe Speciale Mobile digital cellular network using the existing ports in a Series 3a, as well as developing electronic mail capabilities for the handheld similar to those on conventional desktop computers. Psion continues to improve its position in the US, making around 30,000 Series 3a computers per month, and selling the machines in more than 1,200 retail outlets.
