The same day it announced that its CN3 handheld would get a Windows Mobile 6.1 version, Intermec has also unveiled a brand new mobile computer that also works on Microsoft's latest OS. Called Intermec CK3, this "highly durable handheld" combines lots of features into a single device. 

The CK3 comes in a "gun" form factor and brings the following: 1D and 2D barcode scanning, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, VoIP, speech recognition, support for lots of Intermec mobile printers, a 3.5 inch TFT QVGA display, a 520 MHz processor, 128MB of RAM, 256MB of ROM, micro SDIO card slot, and so on. Being rugged, the CK3 supports multiple 1.5-meter drops (on concrete, steel and other hard surfaces) and it can operate at temperatures between -10 and +50 degrees Celsius.

A complete line of Intermec accessories will be available together with the CK3, including: attachable scan handles, docking stations and a snap-on IP30 RFID reader.

Talking about the new Windows Mobile device, Patrick J. Byrne, president and chief executive officer of Intermec, stated, "At a time when the economy and our customers are demanding immediate solutions that streamline operations, maximize efficiencies, and reduce costs, the CK3 and our global solution partners are ready to respond."

"ScanSource is excited about the introduction of the Intermec CK3 as an industry-leading rugged mobile computer. This latest innovation from Intermec helps extend their leading position in the AIDC industry, and we're looking forward to witnessing the strong impact it will have on end-users," says Mike Baur, chief executive officer at ScanSource, one of Intermec's partners. 

Intermec CK3 will hit the market in late October 2008 – hence it will be the second commercially available Windows Mobile 6.1 handheld from Intermec (since the CN3 starts shipping this month). For the moment, the retail price of the new CK3 is not known.