June 19, 2002, Business Wire reports that SMC
Networks has announced its latest SMC7004VWBR "Barricade"
series wireless router will feature many enhancements aimed at
security such as Virtual Private Network pass-through support and
Denial of Service protection, along with its 802.11b connectivity
featuring 64/128-bit WEP encryption. It will be available June 14 at
$149.99 US.
[2002/06/19]
June 19, 2002, Business Wire reports that Sharp
Microelectronics has announced that its DC2C1BZ001 BlueTooth(TM)
Compact Flash card will be available in North America. [Dates and
prices were not given. -- JO]
[2002/06/19]
June 17, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Pocket PC
files and nREACH have announced a distribution agreement which will
bring Pocket PC films data products to Airports and retailers
throughout the US through nREACH's Mobile Content Kiosk(TM). Data
will be delivered on "media card" or "disc".
[2002/06/19]
June 17, 2002, PR Newswire reports that PalmSource,
Inc. and AlphaSmart have announced the unveiling of AlphaSmart's
PalmOS based educational product "Dana" which is a laptop
size product based on PalmOS. It will be available from AlphaSmart's
website in the Summer, 2002.
[2002/06/19]
June 18, 2002, Canada NewsWire reports that Toshiba
has announced a number of new laptop configurations. (I am omitting
details. It is a fairly typical set of upgrades. See their website.
-- JO]
[2002/06/19]
June 17, 2002, Canada NewsWire reports that Toshiba
of Canada ISG has introduced its e740 Pocket PC which includes
integrated 802.11b Wireless LAN and a 400 MHz Intel(R) PXA250 CPU. It
also has CompactFlash II and Secure Digital(TM) expansion slots
giving good expandability. The device is immediately available at
prices starting at $949.00 Cdn.
[2002/06/19]
June 13, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Network
Associates, Inc. AVERT has announced that it has found a virus it is
calling "W32/Perrun" which they are calling a ".JPG"
virus. In fact, it is a 2 part virus system with a Visual BASIC
executeable. It arrives as an 11,780 byte portable executable ("PE")
file with an ".EXE" currently called "EXTRK.EXE"
which is an extractor component (5,636 bytes). The system registry
key is modified as follows:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\jpegfile\shell\open\command "(Default)"
= (current directory)\EXTR<.EXE %1
McAfee antivirus
software has been updated to handle this virus system.
[2002/06/16]
June 12, 2002, PR Newswire reports that TheraSense,
Inc. has announced that it has received FDA clearance to market its
"FreeStyle Tracker(TM) Diabetes Management System which works
with a Handspring(TM) Visor(TM) handheld computer. The kits will be
available by June 14, 2002. Prices were not announced.
TheraSense,
Inc. http://www.therasense.com/
[2002/06/12]
June 12, 2002, The Open Mobile Alliance has announced
its formation. Its stated goals are ". . . to foster worldwide
growth in the mobile services market." It expects to achieve
this through development of open standards in the wireless industry.
The Open Mobile Alliance
http://www.openmobilealliance.org/
[2002/06/12]
June 11, 2002, Canada NewsWire reports that C-COM
Satellite Systems Inc. has announced the completion of development
its iNetVu(TM) Mobile 74 antenna, which is a proprietary 2 way
satellite antenna that allows stationary vehicles to maintain high
speed (1 Mbps) connections for Internet use. The antenna was
developed in conjunction with the University of Waterloo. The company
intends to mass produce and market the antenna by Q4 this year.
[2002/06/12]
June 11, 2002, Business Wire reports that The CDMA
Development Group has claimed that there are more than 10 million
CDMA2000 subscribers worldwide and that this accounts for more than
98% of the total number of 3G users.
CDMA Development Group
http://www.cdg.org/
[2002/06/12]
June 11, 2002, Business Wire reports that Fujitsu PC
Corporation has announced that its latest LifeBook(R) P2000 laptop
computer is powered by a Transmeta Corporation 867MHz Crusoe TM5800
CPU. The estimated street price is $1,499 US. [It is not clearly
stated, but it appears to be immediately available. -- JO]
Fujitsu PC Corporation
http://www.fujitsupc.com/
[2002/06/12]
June 10, 2002, NEC Solutions America has introduced
its Versa(R) E120 DayLite(TM) laptop computer which is intended for
outdoor use, having an "illuminated reflective display" and
very long battery life.
NEC
Solutions America Mobile Solutions
http://www.necsolutions-am.com/mobilesolutions/
[2002/06/12]
June 6, 2002, Canada NewsWire reports that LG
Electronics Canada, Inc. has announced the release of its TM-520
which is currently exclusively available through Telus Mobility for
use on Telus' 1xRTT high-speed (up to 144 Kbps) network service. It
is immediately available for $249.00 Cdn.
[2002/06/09]
June 6, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Semotus
Solutions has announced the launch of its J2ME based Equity Market
Pro (EMPro) real-time financial data application for professional
equity traders. The software is mainly aimed at the RIM(TM) 5810
device which operates on GPRS networks.
Semotus
Solutions (RIM financial application) http://www.semotus.com/
[2002/06/09]
June 6, 2002, Business Wire reports that SMC Networks
has announced that it has partnered with Boingo Wireless and will
include Boingo's Wi-Fi software with its 802.11b wireless PC cards.
[2002/06/09]
June 4, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Thales
Navigation and Ashtech(R) have announced the availability of its
Magellan GPS Companion(TM) for Palm m500 Series Handhelds.
[Price was not given in the announcement. -- JO]
[2002/06/05]
May 30, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Pocket PC Films has
announced that it has a multi-year license with Generic Media
to use Generic's "gMovie Player" to include the player on
CD-ROMs, making Pocket PC Films' data available to Palm OS
device users.
Pocket PC Films
http://www.pocketpcfilms.com/
[2002/06/02]
May 30, 2002, Business Wire reports that Casio and Sierra Wireless
have announced that the companies are offering bundles in North
America and Europe which include Sierra Wireless' AirCard 555
CDMA 1X and AirCard 750 GSM/GPRS network cards with Casio's
Pocket Manager BE-300. [Prices and availability were not give
in the announcement. -- JO]
[2002/06/02]
May 30, 2002, Business Wire reports that Toshiba Corporation has
announced that it has increased its minority interest in Audiovox
Communications Corporation up to 25% to increase Toshiba's
interest in the CDMA wireless market.
[2002/06/02]
May 28, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Handspring, Inc. has
introduced its Treo 270 wireless communicator which adds
full colour support, a backlit keyboard and longer battery
life. The list price is $699 US. It measures 4.2" * 2.8"
* 0.82", weighs 5.4 oz. and comes with 16MB memory and a
lithium-ion battery. The current model only supports GSM
but includes an upgrade for GPRS in its price. It is
immediately available.
[2002/05/29]
May 28, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Handspring, Inc. has
also introduced a new "low price" version colour display
Treo, its "90" model which only costs $299 US including
16MB memory and SD and MMC card expansion.
[2002/05/29]
May 28, 2002, Business Wire reports that Legacy Electronics
claims that using low power Infineon Technology memory chips
in its latest SODIMM SDRAM modules it's "Cool-ROM(TM)"
units can save battery power.
Legacy Electronics http://www.legacyelectronics.com/files/56S5DS40-1HAG.pdf
[2002/05/29]
Unfortunately, Canadian Corporate News' site was not
working properly when I was updating this page. I
hope to check it again later this week. The site
recommended contacting Microsoft if problems occur.
This might be because it is using Microsoft software.
[2002/05/26]
May 23, 2002, PR Newswire reports that "[A]n
independent study of enterprise deployment [of Palm OS
and Pocket PC devices] . . . conducted by The
Gantry Group LLC of Concord, Mass., shows that
Palm OS platform delivers a 41 percent annual cost
savings to enterprises. . . ."
Palm v.
Microsoft cost study http://www.palm.com/enterprise/
[2002/05/26]
May 23, 2002, Business Wire reports that according to the
Synergy Research Group, worldwide Wireless LAN sales grew
3% in Q1, 2002 over the prior quarter with sales reaching
$450 US. Enterprise sales were down sequentially 12% but
up 6% year over year. SOHO/home WLAN equipment sales were
up 16% quarter to quarter but up 145% year over year.
According to the report, SOHO/home sales represented almost
55% of the total WLAN market.
[2002/05/26]
May 20 and 23, 2002, Business Wire reports that Intermec Technologies Corp. has introduced its 700 Color mobile computer which features the X-Scale PXA250 CPU in a Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 based handheld computer. [Price and availability were not announced. -- JO]
Further information in an announcement on the 23rd:
The Intel(R) PXA250 CPU runs at 400 MHz. The screen
is '[a] 3.8" (97mm) reflective TFT display.' The unit
also integrates 802.11b Wifi, Bluetooth(R) and either
GSM/GPRS or CDMA 1XRTT, thus covering 3 ranges of
wireless in each device.
Intermec Technologies
Corp. http://www.intermec.com/
[2002/05/22] updated [2002/05/23]
I have found out that if you break or lose a stylus from
a Sony product, you might have problems obtaining a replacement.
Unlike Palm and some other companies which have ensured
that such accessories are easily available to consumers,
stores carrying Sony handhelds apparently are not carrying
replacements, and ordering them from Sony, in at least once
case, costs over $20 Cdn. for a single stylus. If this is
going to be typical Sony practice, I may end up advising
people to avoid Sony in the future.
[2002/05/26]
May 20, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Handspring, Inc.
has announced price reductions. Examples are the
Visor Neo reduced to $149 US and Visor Pro reduced
to $199 US.
[2002/05/22]
May 20, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Apple has announced
an updated version of its iBook laptop computer which features
a 700 MHz PowerPC G3 CPU with more on-chip Level-2 cache
and an upgraded ATI graphics chipset. The new versions are
immediately available at prices starting at $1,199 US.
[2002/05/22]
May 17, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Mobility Electronics,
Inc. has announced a clip which attaches a Palm device (m5xx
series, m130 or m705) to a video projector or monitor for
immediate viewing.
Mobility Electronics,
Inc. http://www.mobilityelectronics.com/
[2002/05/19]
May 15, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Novatel Wireless, Inc.
and Sprint (USA) have announced plans to co-brand and
jointly market Novatel's PCS Connection Card(TM) (Merlin
C201(TM)). Speeds up to 144 kbps are possible with average
speeds of 50 - 70 kbps expected over Sprint's CDMA based
network. Pricing has not been announced. The card and
services will be available "later this summer."
[2002/05/15]
May 15, 2002, Business Wire reports that Socket Communications, Inc.
has announced an enhanced Bluetooth Connection Kit for Pocket PC
devices or other Windows CE 3.x devices enabling connection to
mobile hones by Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia, NTT, DoComo and Sony
working on GSM/GPRS, CDMA, PHS and cdmaONE networks via a
CompactFlash Bluetooth card.
[2002/05/15]
May 13, 2002, Business Wire reports that Insignia Solutions
has announced that Toshiba has included its Jeode PDA Edition
(JVM) implimentation on its GENIO e550G Pocket PC 2002 device
which is intended for the Japanese market.
[2002/05/15]
May 10, 2002, Silicon Motion has announced that OQO
will use its Lynx3DM graphics computer in its XP
"ultra portable" computer. The computer measures
4.1" x 2.9" x 0.9" and weighs less than 9 oz.
Silicon Motion
http://www.siliconmotion.com/
OQO Corporation
ultra portable computer http://www.oqo.com/
[2002/05/12]
May 9, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Roadside Telematics Corporation has announced that it has partnered with CUE Corporation to deliver emergency roadside medical messaging over local wireless networks using "802.11 and Bluetooth technology [sic]." [It appears from the rest of the announcement that the companies are using IEEE 802.11b and not 802.11a. -- JO]
Roadside
Telematics Corporation http://www.roadsidetelematics.com/
[2002/05/12]
May 9, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Good Technology Inc.
ahs announced that its "GoodLink(TM) wireless corporate
messaging system is now available and supports RIM products
as well as its own "Good(TM) G100" wireless messaging device.
Good Technology http://www.good.com/
[2002/05/12]
There have been a number of announcements lately for
wireless networking, particularly regarding 802.11a
products, due to the NetWorld+Interop 2002 Las Vegas
show. Check out your favorite product sources and
you will probably find something to read about.
I suggest SMC, D-Link (dlink.com), Cisco and Nortel
Networks for starters.
Networld+Interop 2002 http://www.key3media.com/interop/lv2002/media/index.php
[2002/05/08]
May 8, 2002, PR Newswire reports that ARM and Lynux Works
have announced that LynuxWorks' BlueCat(TM) 4.0 Linux
and VisualLynux(TM) Integrated Development Environment
will be packaged withthe ARM920T(TM) core-based Integrator(TM)
Porting Platform. The kit is available immedately at
$18,000 US.
[2002/05/08]
May 7, 2002, Thomson Medical Economics has announced that its
"mobilePDR(TM)" is a free handheld version of the PDR available
for both the Palm(R) OS and Pocket PC platforms.
The Thomson Corporation (mobile PDR
for Palm and PocketPC) http://www.PDR.net/
[2002/05/08]
May 6, 2002, Canada NewsWire reports that Toshiba of
Canada Information Systems Group has introduced its
Toshiba e310 Pocket PC. The company notes that this
is the first computing product beyond notebooks launched
by Toshiba in Canada in 17 years. It measures 125 mm
* 80 mm * 12 mm and weighs 140 grams, and has a screen
capable of "65,000 colour". The suggested price is
$649 Cdn. and it is immediately available.
[2002/05/08]
May 6, 2002, Nokia has announced that its new A036 public
wireless LAN should cut roll-out costs for operators by 25%.
[2002/05/08]
May 3, 2002, PR Newswire reports that D-Link claims that
its DWL-810 Ethernet to WiFi Wireless Bridge converts any
Ethernet enabled network resource into an IEEE 802.11b
wireless network resource. [Availability and price
were not included in the announcement. -- JO]
[2002/05/05]
May 2, 2002, Business Wire reports that Bachmann Software has
announced that its FilePoint Pro simplifies handling of
Microsoft Office and PDF files for users of PalmOS devices.
The software is immediately available at $49.99.
Bachmann Software
& Services http://www.bachmannsoftware.com/
[2002/05/05]
May 1, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Mazingo is now
distributing audio dramas by Timberwolf Press for listening on
Windows CE devices. [Some information taken from Website.
JO]
Mazingo Network (Windows CE
content distributor) http://www.mazingo.net/
[2002/05/05]
May 1, 2002, PR Newswire reports that LSI Logic Corporation
has announced that it has licensed ARM's ARM1026EJ-S(TM)
processor core and the Jazelle(TM) ARM7EJ-S(TM) core.
The company intends to implement these cores in its
Gflx(TM) 0.11 micron (drawn) and G90(TM) 90 nanometer
(drawn) process technologies.
[2002/05/01]
Apr. 30, 2002, Business Wire reports that the World Wide Web
Consortium (W3C) has issed Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) 1.1
and Mobile SVG Profiles as W3C Candidate REcommendations.
The Mobile SVG Profiles in particular are intended to bring
vector graphics to handheld devices.
[2002/05/01]
Apr. 29, 2002, Canadian Corporate News reports that AMD has
announced that it has licenced the MIPS64(TM) architecture as
an addition to its current MIPS32(TM) based product line.
[2002/05/01]
Apr. 26, 2002, Canada NewsWire reports that Symantec's
Security Response hs upgraded its warning regarding the
W32.Klez virus which is spread as an email attachment
and particularly spreads through "unpatched" versions of
Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express
[2002/04/28]
Apr. 25, 2002, PR Newswire reports that D-Link has claimed
that its new D-LinkAir Pro DWL-6000AP Dual Band Wireless
Access Point is the industry's first fully integrated
IEEE 802.11a/802.11b dual band wireless access point device.
It allows up to 54 Mbps connectivity on 802.11a and 11 Mbps
connectivity on 802.11b devices. It incorporates 2 mini-PCI
slots. The new device will be available in June at $499 US.
D-Link http://www.dlink.com/
[2002/04/28]
Apr. 24, 2002, Canada NewsWire reports that 724 Solutions has
announced availability of its Mobile Internet Gateway which
is aimed at 2.5G and 3G networks. Based on Tandem Cmoputer's
development work, 724 claims benchmarks up to 10,000
transactions per second.
724 Solutions Inc. http://www.724.com/
[2002/04/28]
Apr. 24, 2002, Business Wire reports that Perseus Development
Corporation has announced the release of its Perseus MobileForms
information collection software system, for use with
Palm-Powered(TM) devices, for the market research field.
Perseus Development
Corporation (Palm based survey software) http://www.perseus.com/
[2002/04/24]
Apr. 24, 2002, Business Wire reports that IBM has introduced
its latest ThinkPad T30 model which incorporates its new
UltraNav mouse pointer system has TrackPoint and touch pad
characteristics. The new model will be available May 8, 2002
with prices starting at 2,499 US.
[2002/04/24]
Apr. 23, 2002, Canada NewsWire reports that Intel Corporation
has introduced 3 new mobile processors. These are 1.8, 1.5 and
1.4 GHz. versionf of Mobile Intel Pentium 4 Processor-M.
According to Intel, more than 30 new laptops will be produced
with these processors, at prices starting at $1,999 Cdn.
Prices are $637 US, $268 US and $198 US respectively in 1,000
unit quantities.
[2002/04/24]
Apr. 22, 2002, Toshiba Computer System Group has announced that
it has added its new Toshiba Pocket PC e310 to its line of
handheld computers. The new product is priced at $399 US and
features 64K colours and an SD expansion slot. It is
immediately available.
Toshiba Computer Systems
Group (Pocket PC) http://www.csd.toshiba.com/
[2002/04/24]
Apr. 22, 2002, Business Wire reports that GTRAN Wireless'
DotSurfer(TM) 5000 Modem Card supports both Wi-Fi (802.11b)
and CDMA2000 1X on a single card. [NOTE: Price, availability
and even the card format are not given in the announcement.
One wonders if they actually want people to buy it. -- JO]
[2002/04/24]
Apr. 19, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Central
Command, Inc. has warned that the Internet Worm/Klez.G
mass mailing virus is a growing problem on
the Internet. It exploits a hole in "unpatched"
versions of Microsoft Outlook Express or Outlook.
It attaches random files to outgoing mail, posing
a serious security problem.
[2002/04/21]
Apr. 15, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Mobility
Electronics, Inc. has announced the availability
of software upgrades for its EasiDock(R) 1000EV and
EasiDoc 5000 products. EasiDock v. 3.02 features
hot docking and undocking with Microsoft Windows
XP and 2000.
[2002/04/17]
Apr. 15, 2002, Business Wire reports that Pumatech, Inc. has
announced the availability of Satellite Forms(TM) MobileApp
Designer 5.0 software which is part of the Satellite Forms
software system. The latest version of Satellite Forms
allows for development for Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 devices
as well as PalmOS.
[2002/04/17]
Apr. 17, 2002, Business Wire reports that Toshiba Computer
Systems Group has unveiled its Portege(R) 4010 Series
which features a 933MHz Mobile Intel(R) Pentium(R) III
Processor-M. The base price is $2,199 US. [Availability
was not specified. -- JO]
[2002/04/17]
Apr. 17, 2002, Canadian Corporate News reports that AMD
has announced the coming of its 0.13 micron version
mobile AMD Athlon XP processor. The new version processor
is pin compatible with the older 0.18 part and operates
with a 266MHz front-side bus option. A low power version
in a new "micro Pin Grid Array" (uPGA) is currently
sampling. 1400+ and 1500+ versions began sampling in
Q1 2002 with 1600+ and 1700+ versions available later
this quarter. Prices start at $190 US for the 1400+ version
in 1,000-unit quantities.
[2002/04/17]
Apr. 12, 2002, Business Wire reports that SMC Networks has
announced the launch of its EZ Connect(TM) 11 Mbps Wireless
Compact Flash Card Kit. The kit includes a Type II Compact
Flash card (SMC2642W) and a Compact Flash to PCMCIA adapter.
Maximum transmission distance is 700 feet and 64- or 128- bit
WEP encryption is supported. Supported OSes include Microsoft(R)
Pocket PC 2002, Window(R) 98/ME/NT/2000/XP. The kit will
be available in May in retail stores at a street price of
about $132 US.
[2002/04/14]
Apr. 10, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Summus, Inc. (USA)
has announced that it has ported its "exego(TM)" application
to the Microsoft PocketPC platform which allows sharing
data with BREW(TM)-enabled mobile phones.
Summus, Inc (software)
http://www.summus.com/
[2002/04/10]
Apr. 8, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Compaq Computer
Corporation has announced 2 new Expansion Packs for its
iPAQ Pocket PC Series devices. The new PC Card Expansion
Pack Plus ($150 US) and CompactFlash Expansion Pack Plus
($100 US) respectively use Type II PC Card or CompactFlash
cards. Both use the new Cover Pack design and incorporate
removeable rechargeable Li-Ion battery packs (920 mAh) with
1840 mAh batteries optionally available.
[2002/04/10]
Apr. 8, 2002, Canada NewsWire reports that Toshiba of
Canada Information Systems Group has introduced its
Tecra(R) 9100 which features the Mobile Intel(R) Pentium(R)
4 Processor- M (top speed is 1.7GHz). The suggested list
price starts at $4,749 Cdn and it is immediately available.
[2002/04/10]
Apr. 8, 2002, Canadian Corporate News reports that AMD has
announced its latest Au1100 (MIPS32 based) processor for
the mobile market. Performance ranges from 333 MHz (at
under 200 mW) to 400 MHz (at 250 mW) and to 500 MHz (at
500 mW).
Alchemy Semiconductor,
Inc. (AMD) http://www.alchemysemi.com/
[2002/04/10]
Apr. 5, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Linux Labs
has announced that it has released a new Web
browser "Vagabond(TM)" in beta form for Palm OS.
Its features include support for HTML, WAP, i-mode,
cookies and SSL.
Linux Labs
(Vagabond Web Browser for Palm OS) http://www.linuxlabs.com/
[2002/04/07]
Apr. 4, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Pentax Technologies
Corporation has introduced its DSmobile USB portable colour
scanner which measures 11", weighs less than 12 oz. and
costs less than $99 US.
Pentax Technologies
Corporation http://www.pentaxtech.com/
[2002/04/07]
Apr. 4, 2002, Business Wire reports that Kasten Chase has
acquired the DataGator(TM) )encryption/security software
for Palm OS) assets from the receivers of JAWZ Canada Inc.,
and has contracted many of the development team. The
product will be continued and as part of Kasten Chase'
"Assurence SecureData" product line.
[2002/04/07]
Apr. 2, 2002, Business Wire reports that VOCAL Technologies,
Ltd., has announced tha availability of a proprietary mode
of operation combining asymmetrical use of Low Density
Parity Check (LDPC) Codes and Turbo codes resulting in
battery life increase of 4X.
VOCAL Technologies, Ltd.
http://www.vocal.com/
[2002/04/03]
Mar. 27, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Sun Microsystems,
Inc. has announced its two new "Java(TM) Virtual Machine"
developments (code named Project Monty) Connected Limited
Device Configuration (CLDC) and Connected Device Configuration
(CDC)/Dynamic Compiler. Performance is expected to improve
to about 10 times higher than existing VMs. The work is
in collaboration with ARM and Symbian.
[2002/03/31]
Mar. 25, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Palm, Inc.
has announced the immediate availability of its
Desktop Software 4.0 for Mac. The free downloadable
software adds Mac OS X support, superior synchronization
with vCard and vCal support and multiple languages.
[2002/03/27]
Mar. 25, 2002, Canadian Corporate News reports that iPass(R)
Inc., has announced that over 450 Wayport, Inc.(R) high-speed
Wi-Fi (802.11b) locations in airports and hotels are now
integrated into the iPass Global Broadband Roaming network.
iPass claims over 14,000 wireless and wired broadband and
dialed access points worldwide.
iPass(R) Inc.
http://www.ipass.com/
[2002/03/27]
Mar. 22, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Central Command
has announced the discovery of an Internet worm
which it has named "Worm/MyLife.B". The virus incorporates
a cartoon image of former President Bill Clinton. The
company rates the virus as "fast spreading" with "Medium"
risk.
[2002/03/24]
Mar. 19, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Palm has
announced the availability of its Bluetooth SD card
purchaseable through its website for $129 US.
[2002/03/20]
Mar. 19, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Microsoft Corp.
has announced the availability of its DirectPlay(R) API
for Pocket PC 2002. This free download for developers
enables applications including games, to connect and
interoperate over wired and wireless networks.
[2002/03/20]
Mar. 19, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Rayovac Corp. has
announced the development of a patent pending "In-Cell
Charge Control" (I-C3) rechargeable NiMH battery cell
which shortens recharge time to 15 min. or less.
[2002/03/20]
Mar. 19, 2002, Business Wire reports that Rogers(TM) AT&T(R)
and Sierra Wireless have announced that Rogers will support
the Sierra Wireless AirCard 750 for GSM/GPRS in Canada.
[2002/03/20]
Mar. 18, 2002, Business Wire reports that Nokia has announced
that is Nokia D311 GPRS WLAN PC card supports 802.11b WLAN
and GPRS connectivity. It will be available Q3 2002. The
Type II/III card is supported on Windows 98 SE, ME, 2000,
XP, CE 3.0 and Linux.
[2002/03/20]
Mar. 18, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Audiovox Communications
Corporation has launched its newest Windows Powered Pocket PC
"Thera(TM)" which features "fully-integrated CDMA 2002 1X"
support, which will be distributed by Verizon Wireless this
spring.
[2002/03/20]
Mar. 18, 2002, Business Wire reports that Philips and Sun
have demonstrated an MPEG-4 player on Java(TM) 2 Platform,
Micro Edition (J2ME(TM))
[2002/03/20]
Mar. 15, 2002, Business Wire reports that Thales Navigation
has announced that its Magellan GPS Companion for the Palm m500
will be available Spring 2002. According to Thales, the
main breakthough is that the battery life is up to 12 hours
which Thales claims is 5x the battery life of competing products.
[2002/03/17]
Mar. 14, 2002, Canadian Corporate News reports that Olympia
International Holdings has announced that its "Data-phone"
cordless phone based on NewLogic Bluetooth chip technology
supported integrated voice and data transmission over public
phone systems and other Bluetooth enabled devices. Production
is planned for July 2002.
[2002/03/17]
Mar. 13, 2002, Canadian Corporate News reports that AMD has
announced plans to begin shipping 0.13 micron process
Athlon "Thoroughbred" CPUs by the end of this month.
According to Siegle "Our closest competitor's most recently
announced processor on 0.13 micron technology is nearly 83
percent larger than AMD's 0.13 process solution." AMD
expects to migrate all "Athlon" processors to 0.13 by
the end of the year, with 0.13 "silicon-on-insulator"
"Hammer" devices by the end of the year.
[While this does not directly speak to mobile CPUs, the
announcement, and past AMD practices, seems to imply that the
mobile versions will occur within the general timeframe. It
does seem to leave open the migration of Duron and mobile
Duron processor. -- JO]
[2002/03/17]
Mar. 13, 2002, Canadian Corporate Newsw reports that AMD
has introduced its "mobile AMD Athlon 4 1600+" CPU for
laptop computers. Price and availability information were
not given in the announcement for this 0.18-micron device.
[2002/03/13]
Mar. 13, 2002, Business Wire reports that Mitsubishi Electric
Corporation and Toshiba Corporation have announced that
they have agreed to collaborate in the development of
3G mobile phones.
[2002/03/13]
Mar. 12, 2002, PR Newswire reports that ACCESS Co., Ltd. has released a new version of its AVE-TCP(TM), (IPv4/IPv6 dual TCP/IP protocol stack) and AVE-SSL(TM) (an SSL/TLS-compliant security protocol stack) optimized for small handheld devices. Support is included for WAP 2.0, and may include ACCESS' microbrowser 2.5G/3G.
In a separate announcement on the same day, ACCESS
announced that its microbrowser is available on Symbian OS
for the TI OMAP(TM) platform.
ACCESS CO., Ltd.
(software) http://www.access.co.jp/english/
[2002/03/13]
Unfortunately, Canadian Corporate News was not working when
I was updating this file. It is a slow period, so I don't
think I missed anything, but I'll try to check it again
later in the week.
[2002/03/10]
Mar. 8, 2002, Business Wire reports that SanDisk Corporation
has announced that Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has filed
a Patent infringement suit against SanDisk based on US Patents
5473563, 5514889, 5546341, and 5642309.
[2002/03/10]
Mar. 7, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Tiqit
Computers will unveil its "eightythree" an X86
based handheld computer at CeBIT. The form factor
is 5.4" * 4" * 1.1" and weight is about 20 oz.
It is based on a National Semiconductor Geode
266-300 MHz CPU.
Tiny ubiQuitous Technology
http://www.tiqit.com/
[2002/03/10]
Mar. 6, 2002, Business Wire reports that Symbian has
announced that the Sony Ericsson P800 multimedia smartphone
using Symbian OS v. 7.0 and UIQ interface will ship
in Q3, 2002.
[2002/03/06]
Mar. 5, 2002, Canada NewsWire reports that Toshiba of
Canada ISG has launched its Portege(R) 2000 laptop
computer which features a magnesium-alloy case (0.6"
thick) and weighs 2.6 lbs. Prices start at $3499 Cdn.
and they are immediately available.
[2002/03/06]
Mar. 5, 2002, Business Wire reports that Handspring, Inc. has
announced that its Visor Platinum is immediately available
again for a limited time. The price is $169 US.
[2002/03/06]
Mar. 5, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Certicom has
announced that Palm's new i705 wireless handheld
was developed using Certicom's Security Builder(R)
toolkit and "Elliptic Curve Cryptography".
[2002/03/06]
Mar. 4, 2002, Canada NewsWire reports that Palm has introduced its m130 and m515 handheld computers:
m130 - 8MB RAM - colour screens with 65,000 colours - rechargeable battery - $449 Cdn. m515 - 16MB RAM - colour screens with 65,000 colours (new, brighter screen) - $649 Cdn.
Both are immediately available in most countries.
[2002/03/06]
Mar. 4, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Acer America
Corporation has announced the addition of its
TravelMate 630 laptop computers featuring Mobile
Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 Processor-M.
[2002/03/06]
Mar. 4, 2002, Business Wire reports that Sharp
Systems of America has announced general availability
of its new PC-UM20 ultra-light laptop computer $1,699
US.
[2002/03/06]
Feb. 27, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Dolch Computer
Systems has announced that its FlexPAC P4 industrial
portable computer features an Intel Pentium 4 in a
multi-slot portable package.
[2002/03/03]
On Mar. 1, 2002, I retired my original Sony B1207 CDMA
handset. I have replaced it with a later version of
the same handset that I obtained second hand. Having
used it since the Fall of 1997 (about 4 1/2 years) it
has given good service. In fact, the circuitry and
battery are still working. The only problem is that
after many drops, the case is cracked the looseness
is causing erratic functioning.
[2002/03/03]
Feb. 27, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Legend Holding
Limited has announced that it has selected TI's OMAP(TM)
processors for its 2.5G and 3G handheld Internet
devices.
[2002/02/27]
Feb. 26, 2002, Business Wire reports that Sharp Microelectronics
of the Americas has announced the availability of a 3.5"
High-Reflective Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display
(HR-TFT LCD) LQ035Q2DD54. Contrast ratio is 8:1 with 6-bit
digital colour and power consumption of less than 56 mW.
[2002/02/27]
Feb. 26, 2002, PR Newswire report that Wasabi Systems
has announced "its support for the Intel IOP321 I/O processor
based on the XScale(TM) core.
Wasabi Systems
(NetBSD for Intel XScale) http://www.wasabisystems.com/
[2002/02/27]
Feb. 25, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Sprint PCS and
Samsung Telecommunications America have launched the
SPH-a400 GPS enabled handset in the US market. It is
available now at Sprint Stores for $199.99 US.
[2002/02/27]
Feb. 25, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Trident Microsystems,
Inc. has announced that it is delivering its CyberBLADE XP2
family 200 MHz discrete XP2 chip and support chips for
notebook computers.
Trident Microsystems,
Inc. http://www.tridentmicro.com/
[2002/02/27]
Feb. 22, 2002, Business Wire reports that SplashData
has announced that its "SplashShopper(TM)" is a shopping
list manager. It is immediately available for $9.95 US.
The price will double on Feb. 28, 2002.
SplashShopper
http://www.splashdata.com/
[2002/02/24]
Feb. 19, 2002, Canadian Corporate News reports that Alcatel,
Compaq and Packet Video have jointed to demonstrate music video
charts and clips over GPRS enabled Pocket PC devices such
as the Compaq iPaq Pocket PC.
[2002/02/24]
On Feb. 21, 2002, I received the two rebate cheques
for the SMC LAN products. I'm still waiting for the
HP camera rebate. But it doesn't change my opinion
of mail-in rebates. I'd rather have an in-store
discount, even for a little less of a saving.
[2002/02/23]
On Nov. 15, 2001, I mailed in a rebate applications to
Future Shop for an SMC network kit ($40 Cdn. rebate) and
another for an SMC 10/100 LAN PC-Card ($30 Cdn. rebate).
On Dec. 31, I sent in a rebate application for an HP PS-315
camera ($20 Cdn. rebate). As of Feb. 20, 2002, none of
these have arrived. Even if they do, I'll have had to
keep track of all this paperwork in the meantime. I
think in most cases, I'd prefer a $20 discount over a
$30 mail-in rebate.
[2002/02/20]
Feb. 20, 2002, Business Wire reports that EarthLink has
announced that its "EarthLink Wireless Email and Internet
Service" is now available on select Palm OS and Pocket PC
handheld devices.
[2002/02/20]
Feb. 20, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Colligo
Networks, Inc. has announced that Palm, Inc. has
licensed two of its Bluetooth based "Portable
Collaborative Networking" (PCN) applications --
its BlueChat (private messaging and chat application)
and BlueBoard (shared real-time imaging software).
Palm's Bluetooth card and the software are expected
to begin distribution on Mar. 4, 2002.
Colligo Networks
(Palm bluetooth software) http://www.colligo.com/
[2002/02/20]
Feb. 20, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Microsoft Corp.
has announced the availability of its Mobile Information
Server 2002 Enterprise Edition.
Microsoft
Mobile Information Server 2002 Enterprise Edition
http://www.microsoft.com/miserver/
[2002/02/20]
Feb. 20, 2002, PR Newswire reports that iAnywhere Solutions,
Inc. and Sharp Electronics Corp. have announced special
promotions, pricing and technical information are available
for their developers to promote Java development on
the Sharp Zaurus SL-5500.
[2002/02/20]
Feb. 20, 2002, Business Wire reports that Symbian has
announcedits UIQ user interface for Symbian OS 7.0.
It focuses on "peer-to-peer messaging, including
Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)." Also announced
was Symbian OS v. 7.0 which enables 2.5G and 3G
mobile phones.
[2002/02/20]
Feb. 20, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Palm, Inc.
has announced that Columbia University School of
Nursing has selected Palm(TM) handheld computers
"an initiative designed to promote evidence-based,
error-free patient care in nursing." The school
is providing Palm devices for student nurses for
use in documenting patient care. The basic platform
used is the Palm m500 with ePocrates databases.
[2002/02/20]
Feb. 19, 2002, PR Newsiwre reports that Openwave Systems Inc.
and Mitsubishi Electric Telecom have announced the availability
of "the first colour, M-Services compliant mobile phone, the
Trium Eclipse, with multimedia download capabilities and
GPRS." The Trium Eclipse has a 120 * 143 * 256 colour display.
Mitsubishi
Electric Telecom http://www.mitsubishi-telecom.com/
Openwave Systems Inc.
http://www.openwave.com/
[2002/02/20]
Feb. 19, 2002, Business Wire reports that Pretec Electronics
Corp. has announced that it will demonstrate its new
"CompactGPRS(TM)" card GPRS/GSM CompactFlash card working
with Microsoft Pocket PC devices. The company claims speeds
roughly twice as fast as 56K land-line modems and 10 times
faster than GSM data. The device has also been demonstrated
with Sharp's SL-5000 Linux based PDA.
[2002/02/20]
Feb. 19, 2002, Business Wire reports that Novatel Wireless
has announced the development of its Merlin G300(TM)
Series tri-band (900/1800/1900) GSM/GPRS Type II PC Cards.
[2002/02/20]
Feb. 19, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Voice Signal(TM)
Technologies, Inc. claims to have a breakthrough
technology for voice control of handheld devices, expanding
vocabulary and eliminating training.
Voice Signal
Technologies, Inc. http://www.voicesignal.com/
[2002/02/20]
Feb. 18, 2002, Business Wire reports that Sierra Wireless
has announced that its AirCard(R) GPRS/GSM Type II PC Card
is a tri-band device supporting speeds up to 56 Kbps.
[2002/02/20]
Feb. 14, 2002, Business Wire reports that 26,000 units of
Samsung's A300 mobile phones were stolen from Samsung's
warehouse in Hayes (west London, England) last week.
About 2/3 are still unrecovered. There is a reward for
the return of the remaining units.
[2002/02/16]
I am pleased to present the Moving Target Awards for 2001.
I am particularly pleased to have additional comments
on these awards by Emru Townsend who is a fellow product
evaluator with many years and column inches of experience.
2001 Awards
[2002/02/16]
Feb. 13, 2002, Business Wire reports that the Wireless
Village initiative has announced the release of its
"Wireless Village version 1.0" specification for
enabling the interoperability of mible instant messaging
and presence services (IMPS).
Wireless
Village http://www.wireless-village.org/
[2002/02/13]
Feb. 13, 2002, PR Newswire reports that RF Solutions, Inc.
has claimed that its new FRS P5910 is the worlds first
dual-band power amplifier capable of supporting 802.11a,
b and g. It is suitable for both "orthogonal frequency
division multiplexing" (OFDM) and "direct sequence spread
spectrum" (DSSS).
RF Solutions, Inc.
http://www.rf-solutions.com/
[2002/02/13]
Feb. 13, 2002, Business Wire reports that Red-M(TM) has
announced that it will showcase its "portable office"
at the 3GSM Congress (Feb. 19-22). It combines a number
of wireless technologies including GSM, GPRS, Bluetooth
and 802.11.
Red-M (portable office)
http://www.red-m.com/
[2002/02/13]
Feb. 12, 2002, Business Wire reports that Sony
Electronics has introduced new models of its
SuperSlim Pro(TM) line of VAIO(R) R505 laptop
computers. The new R505DS and R505DL will be
available next month.
[2002/02/13]
Feb. 12, 2002, Business Wire reports that Toshiba
America Information Systems Inc. (TAIS) has announced
plans to sell a Pocket PC PDA based on the Intel(R)
PXA250 Applications Processor which is based on
the Intel XScale(TM) core running at 400MHz. The
new device will be available in Q2 2002. Price
was not announced.
[2002/02/13]
Feb. 12, 2002, Microcell Telecommunications Inc. has announced its unaudited Q4 2001 results:
Microcell Telecommunications Inc.
Three months Twelve months
ended ended
Dec. 31 Dec. 31
2001 2000 2001 2000
Revenues 145,822 123,079 560,837 428,813
EBIDA (before
restructuring
charges) 13,332 (43,231) (9,803) (112,332)
...
Monthly average
retail revenue
per user (ARPU)
Postpaid $59.42 $56.38 $60.56 $56.69
Prepaid $18.47 $24.61 $20.99 $27.14
Blended $40.14 $41.47 $41.14 $43.55
Cost of
acquisition
of a retail
subscriber $262 $374 $321 $388
Net retail
subscriber
additions
Postpaid 51,814 38,169 169,880 119,770
Prepaid 48,535 96,485 116,803 218,270
Total 100,349 134,654 286,683 338,040
Churn rate 2.8% 2.3% 2.6% 2.2%
Total Retail
Subscribers
at end of
period
Postpaid 637,698 467,818 637,698 467,818
Prepaid 571,512 454,709 571,512 454,709
Total 1,209,210 922,527 1,209,210 922,527
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for
pre-share data).
[2002/02/13]
Feb. 11, 2002, Business Wire reports that Handspring, Inc.
has announced that its Treo Communicator which combines
a mobile phone and Palm OS organizer is now available
in the US in 2 versions for $399 US when bought with
a service plan from Cingular Wireless. The Treo 180
comes with a built-in QWERTY keyboard and the Treo 180g
uses Graffiti handwriting software. The device is
4.3 * 2.7 * 0.7" and weighs 5.2 oz. and will support
GPRS via user installable software this coming summer.
[2002/02/13]
Feb. 11, 2002, PR Newswire reports that IXI Mobile,
Inc. and GVC has announced the availability of the
first Personal Mobile Gateway and 2 new Bluetooth-enabled
devices. The two devices are a "Sleek Handset" (Bluetooth
phone) and "Sleek Messenger" (Bluetooth messaging device).
[Prices and availability were not announced. -- JO]
[2002/02/13]
Feb. 11, 2002, PR Newswire reports that IXI Mobile, Inc.
has introduced its mobile communcations software and
reference designs. Its "Personal Mobile Gateway" (PMG)
is a micro router and server for Bluetooth devices
and forms the core of "Personal Area Networking"
(PAN). Aside from the micro router PMG includes a micro
server and applications server. It bridges the cellular
network and connects to SMS, voice and IP.
IXI Mobile, Inc. (Bluetooth
Personal Area Networking) http://www.ixi.com/
[2002/02/11]
Feb. 11, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Newbury Networks, Inc.
has announced the availability of its LocaleManager(TM) and
LocaleServer(TM) which it claims are "the industry's first
and only software solutions for managing and deploying
location-enabled networks and applications" over 802.11
based Wireless LANs.
Newbury Networks,
Inc. (location-enabled 802.11 WLANs
http://www.newburynetworks.com/
[2002/02/13]
Feb. 11, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Evolutionary Robotics,
Inc. has announced the availability of its "Evolution Robotics
Software Platform which it expects to become the dominant open
software platform for personal robotics. It will be available
for Linux in March.
[2002/02/13]
Feb. 7, 2002, Business Wire reports that Yambay Technologies
Pty. Ltd. has announced that it is launching with Motient
Corp., Yambay's MACH(TM) Wireless Platform (Enterprise
Edition) on the Motient(TM) network. The system brings
wireless push with acknowledged delivery. The first target
platform is Palm OS.
Yambay Technologies Pty.
Ltd. (enterprise wireless push) http://www.yambay.com/
[2002/02/10]
Feb. 7, 2002, Business Wire reports that Intergraph Mapping
and GIS Solutions has announced IntelliWhere OnDemand vector-based
mapping software will be available in April, 2002.
IntelliWhere vector
mapping for Windows CE http://www.intelliwhere.com/
[2002/02/10]
Feb. 6, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Sun Microsystems, Inc.
has announced the immediate release of its Java(TM) 2 Platform,
Standard Edition (J2SE(TM)) version 1.4. [While this product
is mainly aimed at "enterprise" use, all Jave 2 are closely
related. -- JO]
Java 2 SE 1.4
http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4/
[2002/02/10]
Feb. 6, 2002, Canada NewsWire reports that AMD has announced
that it is sponsoring Ferrari's F-1 racing team. Ferrari
will use AMD based PCs for its team computers. [There is
no announcement whether it would use AMD parts in on-board
computer systems, which would be "mobile" computing. -- JO]
[2002/02/10]
Feb. 6, 2002, PR Newswire reports that OmniVision Technologies,
Inc. has announced that it will provide CameraChip modules
for Hyundai Curitel's cell phones. The technology offers
resolutions up to 1.3 mega-pixel.
[2002/02/10]
Feb. 6, 2002, PR Newswire reports that NVIDIA(R) Corporation
has announced that Toshiba is using NVIDIA's GeForce4(TM) 440
Go mobile GPU in Toshiba's Satellite 5005-S507 laptop
computer.
[2002/02/06]
Feb. 6, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Three-Five Systems,
Inc. has announced it has added new 32,000 colour STN
(passive) LCD displays as standard products in its line.
According to the company "the CSTN modules incorporate
advanced color drive schemes and sophisticated internal
cell structures to provide the additional viewing dimension
that color adds."
Three-Five Systems, Inc.
http://www.threefive.com/
[2002/02/06]
Feb. 6, 2002, Business Wire reports that Toshiba has announced
what it claims is the industry's first 9.5mm 5400 RPM drive
family, including 20GB, 30GB and 40GB capacities, using
an areal density of 34.7 gigabits per square inch.
[2002/02/06]
Feb. 6, 2002, Business Wire reports that Kontiki Delivery
Network will support Palm, Handspring, Sony and other
handheld devices with its digital media delivery services.
Kontiki Delivery Network
[PalmOS] http://www.kontiki.com/
[2002/02/06]
Feb. 5, 2002, Business Wire reports that MIPS Technologies,
Inc. has announced that AMD has become a MIPS licensee with
its acquisition of Alchemy Semiconductor.
[2002/02/06]
Feb. 5, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Motorola has announced
that Sega and Metrowerks (a Motorola company) will develop an
API for "next-generation Palm Powered devices" which will be
integrated into CodeWarrior(TM) for the PalmOS platform.
Also, ". . . Motorola plans to optimize the hardware capabilities
that accelerate SEGA 3D games applications on its DragonBall
platform. . . " [It's not clear whether the announcement
means that both the 66MHz MC68000 based DragonBall Super VZ
and the 200MHz ARM based DragonBall MX1 devices will have
circuitry revisions to add 3D graphics. -- JO]
[2002/02/06]
Feb. 5, 2002, Business Wire reports that MARGI Systems
has announced a partnership with HandEra. From March 1, 2002,
MARGI's Presenter-to-Go will be available for HandEra
products based on MARGI's type II CompactFlash module.
[2002/02/06]
Feb. 5, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Palm announced that
its Palm OS 5 beta (for ARM processors) would be "previewed"
on Feb. 5, 2002. Attendees at the PalmSource Conference
(Feb. 5 - 8) would receive the software and associated support
files on CD-ROM and the software would be downloadable via
the Internet. "In addition to running on powerful ARM-
compliant processors, Palm OS 5 will focus on enhanced
performance, data security, multimedia and compatibility
with existing Palm OS software programs."
[2002/02/06]
Feb. 4, 2002, PR Newswire reports that FileMaker has
unveiled FileMaker Mobile 2 Companion for Palm OS which
synchronizes with FileMaker Pro 5.5 v2 databased.
Priced at $49 US, the software will ship on May 2002.
[2002/02/06]
Feb. 4, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Parascript(R)'s
Pen&Internet(TM) division has announced that a beta
version of its riteMail(TM) electronic ink and mail
software is immediately downloadable from its website.
Parascript riteMail beta
http://www.ritemail.net/
[2002/02/06]
After a year of having to use Microsoft Internet
Explorer to use PR Newswire's website, today I
found that the company's latest website revision
is usable with a Netscape browser. I don't know
why it took over a year for this to be done.
I think it might actually be better to use than
Business Wire, but there has been a substantial
reorganization of the data, so I have not really
come to such a decision yet.
[2002/02/06]
Feb. 1, 2002, PR Newswire reports that AmbiCom has
announced worldwide availability of its Air2Net
Bluetooth Type I CompactFlash card. The suggested
retail price is $109 US including a Type II PC-Card
adapter. It can be used with Windows CE 3.0, Pocket
PC, Pocket PC 2002, XP, 2000, ME and 98SE.
AmbiCom http://www.ambicom.com/
[2002/02/03]
Jan. 31, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Dolch Computer Systems has
announced its new 6 slot version of its FlexPAC(TM) products.
The name denotes room and connections for 6 full size PCI or ISA
cards.
Dolch Computer Systems
http://www.dolchPR.com/
[2002/02/03]
Jan. 31, 2002, Canada NewsWire reports that Microcell
Solutions Inc. and 01 Communique have announced that Fido
customers can use 01 Communique's "I'm InTouch(TM)"
service to access email, files and calendar date on home
or office computers via GPRS. The rates are $7.50 per
month or $75 per year (Cdn) above Fido's GPRS rates.
[2002/02/03]
Jan. 31, 2002, Business Wire reports that Bachmann Software
has introduced its "PrintBoyCE" whichs allows Pocket PC
devices to print via infrared, 802.11b or Bluetooth. The
software is available online for $39.99 US. PalmOS
users can use PrintBoy(TM) Deluxe 3.0 which supports
margins and paper size.
[2002/02/03]
Jan. 30, 2002, Canadian Corporate News reports that
AMD has introduced 1.1 GHz and 1.2 GHz mobile AMD
Duron(TM) processors. Prices are $130 and $160
each in quantities of 1,000 units. [It is
unclear in the announcement whether this is US
or Cdn. -- JO]
[2002/01/30]
Jan. 30, 2002, Business Wire reports that GiveMePower
Corporation claims that its PowerCAD CE(TM) is
the world's first 2 and 3D CAD system for Windows
CE(R) based computers. 3 CE versions were announced:
PowerCAD CE Viewer(TM) $99 US, PowerCAD CE Classic(TM)
$249 US and PowerCAD CE Pro(TM) $495 US. Supported
file formats include standard DWG, DXF and FLX. A free
60-day trial version is downloadable.
GiveMePower
Corporation http://www.givemepower.com/
[2002/01/30]
Jan. 30, 2002, Alorie Gilbert writes for CNET
News.com that Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
which researches nuclear weapons and other US national
defense technologies has disabled 2 wireless LANs
because security experts have warned that information
is often unprotected and easily intercepted.
[2002/01/30]
Jan. 29, 2002, Business Wire reports that PenRight!
Corporation has announced the availability of its
MobileBuilder 2.1 update of its crossplatform
(PalmOS and Windows CE) mobile application development
system.
[2002/01/30]
Jan. 29, 2002, PR Newswire reports that ScanSoft, Inc.
has announced the immediate release of Dragon PDsay(TM)
which adds voice control and speech output capabilities
to Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE- based Pocket PC devices.
The prices is $39.99 US.
ScanSoft
vox support for Pocket PC http://www.ScanSoft.com/PDsay/
[2002/01/30]
Jan. 29, 2002, Business Wire reports that PocketMed has
announced the release of its PocketBilling version 2.0
for PocketPC, bringing the software cross platform from
PalmOS. The software cost $49.99 US and there is a 30-day
trial version downloadable.
PocketMed
http://www.pocketmed.org/
[2002/01/30]
Jan. 28, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Palm has introduced
its i705 wireless handheld device which includes AOL
Instant Messaging service. Wireless connectivity is
via Mobitex-based packet data network (Cingular Wireless).
The main computer spec is Palm OS(R) v.4.1 on a 33MHz
Motorola Dragonball VZ CPU with 4MB Flash memory and
8MB RAM, a rechargeable lithium polymer battery, USB
hot synch, 4.65" * 3.06" * 0.61", and weight of 5.9 oz.
The device will be available in the US this week at an
estimated street price of $449 US.
[2002/01/30]
Jan. 28, 2002, Canada Newswire reports that Toshiba of Canada ISG has introduced its Satellite 5000-X1Z and 1900-OFS laptop computers with advanced multimedia technology and 1800-VF1 and 1800-HV9 lower cost laptops. All are immediately available at the following price ranges:
Satellite 5000-X1Z prices start at $2,999 Cdn. Satellite 1900-OFS prices start at $2,799 Cdn. Satellite 1800-VF1 prices start at $1,899 Cdn. Satellite 1800-HV9 prices start at $2,399 Cdn.
[2002/01/30]
Jan. 28, 2002, Canadian Corporate News reports that AMD
has introduced its mobile AMD Athlon(TM) 4 processor
1500+. According to AMD, the Compaq Presario 700 laptop
computer will be immediately available using this
CPU. The processors are made in Fab 30 in Dresden, Germany
using 0.18-micron copper process.
[2002/01/30]
Jan. 28, 2002, Business Wire reports that Socket Communications,
Inc. has announced the release of its Type I CompactFlash format
In-Hand Scan Xtreme PDF417 laser bar code scanner for Pocket PCs
and other Windows CE based handheld computers. The device
operates on the lower 3.3V standard.
[2002/01/30]
Jan. 24, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Lineo(R), Inc. has
announced that it has developed a port of the Real-Time
Application Interface to the MIPS family of processors
and has released generic MIPS support to the open source
RTAI development group.
Real-Time Applications Interface (Linux)
http://www.aero.polimi.it/projects/rtai/
[2002/01/27]
Jan 24, 2002, Canadian Corporate News reports that Nextel
Communications, Inc., Research in Motion Limited and Motorola, Inc.
have annouced that they have agreed to develp a new
"Nextel/Blackberry(TM)" handheld device with both voice
and data capabilities, to work on Motorola's iDEN(R) digital
wireless network technology.
[2002/01/27]
I'm in the process of decommissioning my Samsung Notemaster 486S/25N laptop computer. I have about 20MB of data left to reassign, and then decide what to do with the computer itself. It's not in the best shape. The hard drive might have been damaged. I'm not sure. The floppy drive is going bad. It was my first substantial move into mobile computing -- or more accurately, it's immediate predecessor was, since it was actually my second unit of the same type. The original unit "introduced" me to the major mobile technology concern of being stolen.
If I consider hours of use, I probably spend about equal time using pocket computers as I do using desk computers and laptop computers. If I separate the time using my laptop from my desk computers, I probably spend about 2/3rds of my time using mobile technology as opposed to fixed technology. Some people would consider that a misleading statistic since I usually use my laptop computer at a stationary location, but in fact, due to space limitations, it would be impractical for me to use a desk computer in its place, so even if mobility is not absolutely necessary, the characteristics of its mobile nature provide a substantial advantage for its use.
For the last few years, since I replaced it as my main laptop with my Compaq 1130, it has been used as a print-out computer. In fact, it was only used to print out black and white pages since it was far too slow to support colour print-out. Some time in the coming week that role will no longer be necessary. I will be connecting my printer to a printer server and at least 2 computers, and possible 4 or more computers, will be doing their own printing.
Back when I bought my first Samsung many people were skeptical about the value of mobile computers -- even laptops. How could merely being mobile be of significant value? To an extent, that skepticism remains. Today I talked to someone who recently started using a Palm device and he was surprised at the revolutionary effect of simply having a ToDo list manager "with you at all times." I've told people this before many times, but you can't really grasp it until you've used one. Moreover, having a cheap "disposable" unit removes the incentive to "leave it behind -- in a safe place." But it's being better understood now.
This is a time of transition for me in many ways. There
is a lot I'd like to say about the changes I'm involved
in, but unfortunately, I can't right now. I can only say
that mobile technology will probably continue to provide
substantial advantages for me in my activities. The
Samsung was a part of the proof of that concept for me.
I have little nostalgia for the "bad old days" and I
don't expect to miss the Samsung, but I'm glad I bought
it when I did.
[2002/01/27]
Jan. 23, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Lexar Media Inc.
has announced it will begin shipping what it claims
is "the industry's first speed-rated 1-Gigabyte capacity
CompactFlash Type II card by January 31, 2002. The
16X-speed 1GB Professional Series card clocks a sustained
write speed of 2.4MB per second and has a suggested list
price of $1,199." [US dollars]
[2002/01/23]
Jan. 22, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Handango Software has
announced the availability of Handango Form(TM) is now
available for BlackBerry Wireless Handhelds(TM), with
compatible with versions for Microsoft's Pocket PC
and Palm OS(R) to become available in this quarter.
Handango Software
http://www.handangosoftware.com/
[2002/01/23]
Jan. 22, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Hawker Energy Products
Inc. has announced the introduction of its new PowerSafe G
family of reformulated sealed lead-calcium 6-volt and 12-volt
rechargeable batteries.
[2002/01/23]
Jan. 21, 2002, Business Wire reports that Intel Corporation
has announced seven new mobile processors which use 0.13-micron
fabrication process, completing the company's transition to
the new technology for its mobile '86 processor line.
The processor lineup now includes the 1.06 GHz Mobile Intel(R)
Celeron(R) processor priced at $107 US (in quantities of 1K
units), a 650 MHz "Ultra Low Voltage Mobile Intel(R) Celeron(R)
processor at 1.1 V. and ranges upward to an 866 MHz version
"Low Voltage Mobile Intel(R) Pentium(R) III processor-M"
priced at $316 US (in quantities of 1K units).
[2002/01/23]
Jan. 21, 2002, Business Wire reports that Toshiba claims that
its latest Portege(R) 2000 portable computer is the world's
thinnest at 0.6" holding its 2.6 lbs. The new model will
be available in early February at about $2,199 US.
[2002/01/23]
Jan. 15, 2001, Canada NewsWire reports that XWAVE
has announced that it has delivered its "remote office
and dispatch system" (ROADS) and wireless network
infrastructure to the Cornwall Community Police Service.
xwave http://www.xwave.com/
[2002/01/20]
Jan. 16, 2002, Business Wire reports that Toshiba Storage
Device Division (SDD) has announced its 1.8" embedded hard
disk drives (HDDs) are available in 10GB and 20GB capacities.
The drives are 54mm wide and 78.5mm deep and weigh 51 g. or
62 g respectively and will ship in early March and early
February respectively. Prices were not in the announcement.
[2002/01/16]
Jan. 15, 2002, Business Wire reports that Sony has introduced
two new Palm OS based products. The CLIE(TM) PEG-T615C
is a slim colour device featuring 16MB memory, PalmOS 4.1,
Sony's 320 * 320 TFT display, Memory Stick slot, Jog Dial(TM)
and bundled software for $400 US in the US, later this month.
The monochrome CLIE PEG-S360 features 16MB of memory, PalmOS 4.0,
Media Stick(R) slot, Jog Dial(TM) and bundled software for
$200 US and will be available in the US in February.
[2002/01/16]
Jan. 14, 2002, FieldCentrix(R) has announced that it has
brought its FX Mobile(R) wireless field service software to
PalmOS(TM), Pocket PC(TM) and Research in Motion operating
systems. The list price is $1,250 US per seat. Palm and
Pocket PC versions will be available in Feb. 2002 with
RIM support shortly after.
FieldCentrix(R)
http://www.fieldcentrix.com/
[2002/01/16]
Jan. 14, 2002, Canada NewsWire reports that NetMotion(R)
Wireless Inc. has announced that it is extending its
NetMotion Mobility(TM) software to Microsoft Windows XP
and Pocket PC 2002. The company claims that it brings
"true application session persistence" to these platforms,
allowing uninterrupted roaming without loss of application
sessions.
[2002/01/16]
Jan. 11, 2002, Business Wire reports that Dassault Systemes
and IBM have announced that the IBM ThinkPad(R) A30p has
been certified for Dassault's CATIA Version 5 3D application.
IBM is the first hardware vendor to been given this
certification. The Thinkpad A30p features ATI Mobility
Radeon graphics.
[2001/01/13]
Jan. 9, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Pendragon Software
has announced the release of Pendragon Forms(TM) 3.2 which
features data storage through the Virtual File System
API to storage card devices.
[2002/01/09]
Jan. 9, 2002, Business Wire reports that Guidance Software
has announced the immediate availability of "EndCase(R)
version 3.18" which features the ability to "acquire and
preview the physical memory of any Palm OS(R) handheld
device" for investigative purposes.
[2002/01/09]
Jan. 8, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Sharp Electronics
Corporation has announced that its Linux(R)/Java(TM) ARM
based Zaurus(TM) SL-5500 Personal Mobile Tool will be available
to consumers in the US in the first quarter 2002.
[2002/01/09]
Jan. 8, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Casio, Inc. has
announced an upgrade for its CASSIOPEIA Pocket Manager
BE-300 to Windows CE .NET which includes Pocket Internet
Explorer and Windows Media Player. The upgrade will
be available on CD-ROM for $29 US.
[2002/01/09]
Jan. 8, 2002, Business Wire reports that ATI Technologies has
introduced its IMAGEON(TM) 100 display co-processor for
handheld devices. The device offers increased processing
capability for display of MPEG4 and JPEG data with low
power requirements. Samples are currently available with
mass production due in Feb. 2002.
[2002/01/09]
Jan. 7, 2002, the CompactFlash Association (CFA) has announced
that semiconductors used in electronic systems including
CompactFlash(TM) and CF I/O cards would be irreparably damaged
if subjected to the 55 kGy electron beam irradiation process
being used by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to sanitize mail
since Oct. 2001. Other goods also damaged by this process
include pharmaceuticals, contact lenses, biological samples
and photographic film.
[2002/01/09]
Jan. 7, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Thales Navigation
has introduced its latest Magellan GPS Companion(TM) for
Palm(TM) m500 series handheld computers featuring Rand
McNally StreetFinder(R) Deluxe Travel Navigation Software
and Magellan NAV Companion(TM) software. According to
the companies, "this is the only GPS attachment and
navigation software package able to calculate and download
a route to a Palm handheld and provide audio-prompted,
turn-by-turn GPS guidance on a moving map."
Thales
Navigation (Magellan) http://www.thalesnavigation.com/
[2002/01/09]
Jan. 7, 2002, Canada NewsWire reports that Toshiba of Canada,
Information Systems Group has announced the launch of its
Satellite Pro 6000 Series laptop computers which feature
Secure Digital (SD) Media technology and optional wireless LAN.
The computers are available immediately at prices starting
at $2,849 Cdn.
[2002/01/09]
Jan. 7, 2001, Canadian Corporate News reports that
WebTech Wireless Inc. has announced the commercial
availability of its WebTech Connector i1000, which
it claims is the first ruggedized wireless modem
for the GSM/GPRS network. The device can be used
with PDAs, laptop computers and other devices.
Current data rates are 30 - 56 kbps. The device
is immediately available [price was not give in
the announcement. -- JO]
WebTech Wireless Inc. http://www.webtechwireless.com/
[2002/01/09]
Jan. 7, 2001, Canadian Corporate News reports that Aperto
Networks has announced that it has received regulatory
approval of its "end-to-end PacketWave(TM) multiservice
platform" from Industry Canada for operation in the 3.5
GHz band, and has begun shipment to Canadian wireless
providers. The company notes that it had received Industry
Canada aprroval for its 5 GHz band equipment last year.
According to the company "The 3.5 GHz spectrum is emerging
as a global band for fixed broadband wireless access, with
spectrum allocations already complete in many countries
and more to follow . . . ."
[2002/01/09]
Jan. 7, 2002, PR Newswire reports that Apple has announced
its latest iBook laptop computers featuring 14" active TFT
screens, at prices starting at $1,199 US with a 12.1" screen.
[2002/01/09]
Jan. 6, 2001, PR Newswire reports that Texas Instruments
has announced that it has launched its Voyage(TM) 200 personal
learning tool (PLT) which features the functionality of
its previous TI-92 Plus but with increased Flash memory
(2.7 MB) and a new shape. The retail price is $200 US.
but availability is not clear in the announcement.
[2002/01/06]
Jan. 2, 2002, Business Wire reports that Microvision, Inc.
has announced that it has begun shipping its Nomad(TM)
Personal Display System to customers.
Microvision http://www.mvis.com/
[2002/01/02]
Jan. 2, 2002, Business Wire reports that Qualcomm has announced that operators in North America have begun receiving volume shipments of "third-generation (3G) CDMA2000 1X products, based on the QUALCOMM CDMA Technologies (QCT) MSM5105(TM) Mobile Station Modem (MSM(TM)) chipset, system software and integrated applications software." Data rates supported range up to 153 kbps.
Jan. 1, 2002, Business Wire reports that Symantec has warned
of the W32.Maldal.D@mm virus which is spread through EMail with
the subject line "ZaCker". The virus deletes various files
including antivirus software and spreads through by using the
Outlook address book.
[2002/01/02]
Dec. 31, 2001, PR Newswire reports that New Horizons
Technologies International has announced that it will
launch its "Cyclone(R)" recyclable, rechargeable
"Next Generation Disposable Cell Phone(R)" at the
2002 ICES. The show starts on Jan. 8, 2002.
[2002/01/02]
[Not much happened last week. Nothing noteworthy in this industry. In case you missed it, I'm posting my announcement of candidates for the Moving Target Awards for 2001. This announcement was sent via the Newsgroups On Dec. 18, 2001. -- JO]
Newsgroups: comp.sys.palmtops,comp.sys.handhelds,comp.sys.laptops
Subject: Moving Target Award Candidates 2001
Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 23:23:12 GMT
As is usual, I will NOT give awards for 2001 until 2001 is over. Realistically though, with only two weeks left in the year, the following list is unlikely to change.
As in previous years, these are awards for "products and achievements," but the focus is on "commercial products". To qualify as a commercial product, it should have been available to end users within 2001. Otherwise it may qualify as an "achievement" if the achievement could be adequately verified in 2001.
Something available in 2001 is still a product even if no customers actually bought them. It might be called a "failed" product, but it was still a product.
These are products and services available in the world at large, but with preferences to North America, Canada, Ontario and Toronto -- where this Webzine is produced. Products do not have to be "new" in 2001. If a product is the best, that's what counts. If nobody has produced anything better after a year or more, then even more credit should go to those who created it.
The Moving Target Jim Omura, 2001/12/18.
As in previous years, there is no "best laptop" award. The usual reason still applies. For the most part, comparing the major Windows brands, you pretty much get what you pay for.
Sony finally came to Canada and the Clie PEG-S320, a competitor to Palm's m500, at $299 Cdn (under $200 US) revolutionized the industry specifically due to its price point.
Compaq repeats because of minor changes to the H3800 series which should correct problems. The Sharp is mentioned below, as a Linux product. The Casio BE-300 is the cheapest multimedia pocket device with colour screen. The Bookman has a unique form factor.
The following awards are for individual pieces of products. I consider them achievements worthy of awards, regardless of the rest of the products they comprise.
There is no doubt that the NEC VR-4131 is the best processor in current use in the pocket computer field. With its double issue superscalar pipline design, the 200MHz version is the most powerful processor in current use outright and the lower 166MHz speed version has significant power saving.
Don't confuse this with the rocker switches used on PocketPC devices. The Sony wheel is like the scroll wheels that are now popular on desk computer mice. The fact that even Microsoft uses scroll wheels on mice instead of rocker switches like the PocketPC devices shows that it's recognized as a clearly valuable input method.
The screen on the Sony PEG-N710/N760 is a outstanding colour screen with its daylight usability, 320 * 320 resolution and 64K colours. But right now, it's only available at a very high price. Hopefully that situation will change in the near future.
While the dropping of Flash memory prices has been dramatic, particularly in 2001, the real impact will be felt in 2002. It doesn't make wireless irrelevant, but it reduces the need for remote storage access. When you consider that the Palm devices have proven themselves to be useful with less than 8MB of memory for storage, it's strange to think that next year, we'll probably be buying 100 - 200 MB Flash devices for under $100 Cdn.
The Agenda VR3 was the first Linux based pocket computer. It has achieved some limited succcess. I might yet test one myself, but that won't be till 2002.
Sharp has already been selling a Linux based pocket computer in
Japan. I have no sales figures or reviews for this product. It
is, of course, the SL-5000 series device which we will see in
North America next year.
[2001/12/30]
No relevant news so far this week, which is no surprise. I expect the same could be true for the rest of this week. -- JO
I'm a bit late with my holiday greetings this year, but
may you have a happy and prosperous new year in 2002. My
expectations for the computer industry in general in the
coming year are actually quite positive. So I feel that
my best wishes for all of you have a good chance of being
fulfilled.
[2001/12/26]
Dec. 20, 2001, ATI Technologies Inc. has announced that its
Mobility(TM) Radeon(TM) 7500 graphics processor is now
shipping and is being used in Dell's Inspiron 8100 laptop
computer.
[2001/12/23]
Dec. 19, 2001, PR Newswire reports that SiPix, Inc. has
announced that its Pocket Printer A6 now fully supports
Pocket PC version 2.0 to 3.1 devices based on StrongARM,
Hitachi SH3 or MIPS processors. Other supported devices
include laptop computers (Pentium or higher, running
Windows 98, 98SE, ME 200 or XP) and PalmOS 3.0 - 4.1
devices (Infrared enabled and Hot Sync compatible).
The printer is thermal technology weighing 14 oz.
(including four AA batteries).
SiPix, Inc. (portable
printer) http://www.sipix.com/
[2001/12/19]
Dec. 17, 2001, Business Wire reports that AMD has announced
a 1 GHz mobile AMD Duron(TM) processor. Compaq Computer
Corporation is immediately offering the new CPU in its
Compaq 700 series laptop computers. The new CPU is priced
at $160 US each in quantities of 1,000 units.
[2001/12/19]
Dec. 12, 2001, Symantec Corp. has announced the release
of Symantec AntiVirus 2001 for Palm OS. It is included
with Norton AntiVirus 2002 Professional Edition or
by itself for $39.95 US. Current users can get a
$10 US rebate.
[2001/12/16]
Dec. 12, 2001, Business Wire reports that Symbian has
announced that it has ported its 2.5G enabled Symbian
OS version 6.1 to the Intel StrongARM SA-1110 CPU.
[2001/12/16]
Dec. 12, 2001, PR Newswire reports that Compaq Computer
Corporation has announced their Evo Notebook N180 and
N160 laptop computers. The N180 is a "desktop
replacement" computer with prices starting at $1,599 US.
The N160 is a thinline design with prices starting
at $1,219 US.
[It is not clear in the announcements, but both
products seem to be immediately available. -- JO]
[2001/12/12]
Dec. 11, 2001, PR Newswire reports that Gateway, Inc.
has introduced its Solo(R) 1400 laptop computer which
features coverage of essential computer capabilities
at prices as low as $1,199 US. The new model
is immediately available.
[2001/12/12]
Dec. 11, 2001, PR Newswire reports that Gateway, Inc.
has introduced its Solor(R) 5350 laptop computer
for users requiring more portability. The case is
1.36". The computer is immediately available at
prices as low as $1,999 US.
[2001/12/12]
Dec. 11, 2001, Canada NewsWire reports that QNX Software
Systems has announced a "Media Oriented Systems Transport"
("MOST") Software Kit for the QNX(R) realtime operating
system. According to QNX "MOST< a fiber-optic network
optimized for the automotive industry, is the European
standard for building multimedia networking products."
[2001/12/12]
Dec. 11, 2001, PR Newswire reports that Impulsesoft
Pvt. Ltd. has announced the release of it's WinCE(TM)
Bluetooth(TM) protocol stack which is a Bluetooth 1.1
compliant set for OEMs and ODMs.
[2001/12/12]
Dec. 7, 2001, PR Newswire reports that D-Link
has launched its new D-LinkAir DWL-A series IEEE
802.11a compliant series of wireless LAN
products, based on the Atheros AR5000 chip set.
Operating in the 5.2 GHz frequency band, it
does not conflict with 802.11b, Bluetooth and HomeRF
equipment. Security features include 1280bit
Encryption Key and 24-bit Initialization Vector.
The products will be available in small
pre-production quantities this month with
high production in Q1 2002. MSRP for the DWL-5000AP
access point is $439 US and $169 US for the DWL-A650
PC Card adapter.
[2001/12/12]
[Not much happened this week, and when I looked
at what I had, I decided to include a couple of short
articles instead. -- JO]
[2001/12/09]
Two notable price drops I've seen at the local Future Shop recently were the Casio BE-300 which has dropped to $299.99 Cdn and the Palm m125 which has also come down to $299.99 Cdn. (though the Palm m125 also includes a mail in rebate for a 16MB SD card). The $299.99 price is also current for the Sony PEG-S320 and the Handspring Visor Neo (which, like the Palm, includes a mail in rebate for a "module of your choice"), making it the action price for the season.
I'll take this opportunity to restate a couple of points I've made before. First, pen based pocket computers wear out. The touch sensor screens themselves wear out. The current products will probably last about 2 years of relatively heavy use -- for some people, even less. Repairing the devices is generally expensive, because by the time the screen has worn out, the rest of the case is also probably going "soggy" and the motherboard is starting to oxidize, and rechargable batteries are also probably deteriorating.
How do you make a pocket device last a really long time? Put it in your desk drawer and don't use it. But then, why did you buy it?
All this is the first reason to buy at the cheap end of the price scale: Pocket devices are "consumables."
The second point is that if you integrate one of these devices into your lifestyle, you can't live without it. Downtime is not acceptable. So if you are finding it useful, then you should buy a backup unit -- immediately. My personal pattern is to buy a new model and test it immediately, and then put it in storage. I use my oldest product daily (a Palm IIIx at this minute). When my current device fails, I can re-install my data and programs into my newer device and keep going.
Stated simply, "If you can't afford 2, then you can't afford 1."
Again, it is smarter to buy 2 $300 devices than 1 $800 device. Or you could buy a $300 device and a spare $500 device. If a salesman tell you you can buy two for the price of one, he might be joking. I'm not. It's a real documented advantage. Moreover, last year's big hit adavantage of integrating an MP-3 player is dead. I can buy MP-3 players for under $100 now, and they don't glitch like PocketPC's.
Put simply, this is why the $300 price is currently
where you should probably be buying. If it lasts 2
years, it will have costed about $0.50/day. Even
that much will shock some people who will remind you
that a paper address books costs a few dollars per
*year*. The data re-usability of a pocket device
can at least justify that much of an expense, but
not much more.
[2001/12/09]
When I've been asked about Windows CE, I've said on occasion that it tends to be a story of "2 steps forward and 1 - 1.5 steps back -- and maybe a step sideways in there too." No version of Windows CE has lived up to its hype in day - to - day usage. That thought came to me as I thought about writing this short comment on PalmOS 3.5.
Simply put, Palm OS upgrades have never claimed big jumps, and in the long run, they have generally shown more clear improvement from generation to generation than Windows CE. They have generally not had any real drawbacks compared to their predecessors. But when I moved to PalmOS 3.5 from 3.1, I was faced with a significant problem.
I've been having a lot more trouble with Graffiti input after this upgrade. The cause is not obvious. While Palm has tried to add a lot of new short-cut features, I don't know of any new characters or symbols, so I don't know why the digitizer response has been affected. I can say without doubt now, that the "d", "p" and "b" characters fail more often now, and I think the "c" and "l" characters might also be giving me more problems than before. Other problems such as "s", "e" and "c" swapping, and "o" and "g" and "q" swapping are still there, but I don't think are any worse.
Because of these problems, the shortcuts are also affected. I waste a lot more time trying to cancel dangerous errors in the shortcuts than I did before ("delete" instead of "paste") and I think I've even had accidental loss of data when I was in a hurry, though only once or twice.
I expect that the changes probably came from adjustments made to the software for the Palm m100 and m500 devices. I would guess that the input is better on those devices than my old technology Palm IIIx. I haven't heard negative comments from people who have upgraded by buying new devices, so for now, I'll assume this is probably the case. But it makes this latest upgrade disappointing, -- and more like the Windows CE upgrades have traditionally been.
I should add that I have used the new "Duplicate
Address" function and that it works well. This
alone would have made the upgrade worthwhile.
As time goes on, newer software will also need
the new system calls, making it likely that there
will eventually be more software that won't work
on pre-3.5 devices. But that won't really help
me much.
[2001/12/09]
Dec. 4, 2001, Canadian Corporate News reports that Trend Micro has announced that a new "high-risk" virus has appeared which is being called "WORM_GONE.A" (aka "Gone.scr") which is capable of spreading through the ICQ messaging program as well as Microsoft Outlook. When spread through EMail the attachment is called "GONE.SCR"
"Subject: Hi. Message: How are you? When I saw this screen saver, I immediately thought about you I am in a harry, I promise you will love it!"
The company has an update to its antivirus software
to cover this virus.
[2001/12/05]
Dec. 3, 2001, PR Newswire reports that Linksys(R)
has announced the immediate availability of its Instant
Wireless(TM) Network CF Card (WCF11) for Pocket PC
and Windows CE devices. The software is unique
because it can connect directly to other wireless
PC's or other wireless PDAs without going through an
access point ("ad hoc" mode). The estimated street
price is $129 US.
Linksys http://www.linksys.com/
[2001/12/05]
Dec. 3, 2001, PR Newswire reports that Sharp Electronics
Corp. has announced that it is working with Aether Systems,
Inc. to develop a custom, corporate e-mail system for
its Zaurus SL-5500 which was announced on Dec. 3, 2001.
[2001/12/05]
Dec. 3, 2001, Canadian Corporate News reports that AMD
has announced that it has developed a device with a
15 nanometer gate length (0.015 micron) which it claims
has the fastest switching speed reported -- 0.3-ps or 3.33
trillion switches per second. The company plans on
using this device for 30-nanometer process (0.03-micron)
which it expects to use by around 2009.
[2001/12/05]
Nov. 29, 2001, Business Wire reports that Elmic Systems
USA has announced the release of "mobile IP host
software that will allow mobile wireless devices
to move between IP networks yet maintain continuous
connectivity through a single IP address."
[My apologies for the long quote, but there wasn't
any better way to put it. - JO]
Elmic Systems USA
http://www.elmic.com/
[2001/12/02]
Nov. 27, 2001, Canadian Corporate News reports that
OnX Incorporated and the Transplant Research Group of
the Royal Victoria Hospital (Montreal) have announced
that the group is using wireless PDAs for patient
record retrieval and modification.
[2001/12/02]
Nov. 28, 2001, MARGI Systems has announced that its "Presenter-
To-Go" is available for Casio E-125, EG-800 and BE-300 devices
based on Compact Flash display technology. Software is
integrated as a virtual printer device in Windows applications
and is displayed on the Type II Compact Flash output device
with 1024 * 768 resolution. The product is currently available
with an introductory price of $249.00 US till Dec. 31, 2001
($299.00 US regular price).
[Some information taken from the company's website. -- JO]
MARGI Systems
http://www.margi.com/
[2001/11/28]
Nov. 28, 2001, Business Wire reports that Symbian Co., Ltd.
has announced that Fujitsu Limited has licensed Symbian OS
for 3G mobile phone handset.
[2001/11/28]
Nov. 26, 2001, Intel Corporation has announced the development
of a "depleted substrate transistor" and a new material called
"high k gate dielectric" which together reduce current leakage
and power consumption. "The new structure is being called
the Intel TeraHertz transistor. . ."
[2001/11/28]
Nov. 21, 2001, PR Newswire reports that D-Link has announced
that a free firmware upgrade is now available for its
D-Link Air DWL-1000AP Access Point which adds a 128-bit RC4
based extension of the WEP encryption and other security
enhancements and user interface.
D-Link (wireless LAN) http://www.dlink.com/products/wireless/dwl1000ap/
[2001/11/25]
Nov. 21, 2001, Business Wire reports that STMicroelectronics
has announced that Samsung's latest GT9000 laptop computer
features fingerprint biometric security developed by
STMicroelectronics.
STMicroelectronics (biometric
security) http://www.st.com/
[2001/11/25]
Nov. 19, 2001, Canadian Corporate News reports that Cloakware
Corporation has announced the immediate availability of
it "Cloakware/Signature(TM)" password-replacement system
for "stylus-based" mobile devices. The system replaces
passwords with actual signature recognition.
Cloakware Corporation
http://www.cloakware.com/
[2001/11/21]
[Ironically, I've lost my copy of an article which
alerted me to the finalizing of the draft for the
802.11g wireless standard which takes wireless LAN to
the next level, supporting 22Mbps and, I believe, 56Mbps
data rates in the 2.4GHz frequency band. I'll try
to find this again. It can probably be found on
the IEEE website or the US FCC website. -- JO]
[2001/11/18]
Nov. 13, 2001, Canadian Corporate News reports that
Psion Tecklogix has announced it new netpad 1200 and
netpad 3500 are hand-held tablet computers which
feature scanning and "enhanced navigation capabilities."
[2001/11/14]
Nov. 13, 2001, PR Newswire reports that Audiovox
Communications Corporation has announced a 3G CDMA
handsets with GPS. The 9155GPX is a CDMA tri-mode
unit costing $299 US and features GPS and Bluetooth.
Audiovox Corporation
http://www.audiovox.com/
[2001/11/14]
Nov. 13, 2001, Canada NewsWire reports that Zarlink
Semiconductor and Cochlear Ltd. have announced Cochlear's
ESPrit(TM) 3G BTE speech processor chip is based on the
Babel 24 low-power analog-digital microchip and "works
with an internal implant to bring sound to people with
profound or severe hearing impairment."
Cochlear Ltd.
(speech chip for hearing impaired) http://www.cochlear.com/
[2001/11/14]
Nov. 12, 2001, Canadian Corporate News reports that AMD has
introduced 1.2 GHz mobile AMD Athlon(TM) 4 and 950MHz
mobile AMD Duron(TM) processors for the portable computing
industry. Both processors feature a 200 MHz front-side
bus. Compaq has announced plans to produce Presario 700
laptop computer featuring both processors starting Nov.
21, 2001. The 1.2 GHz AMD mobile Athlon 4 is priced at
$525 US each in quantities of 1,000 units and the 950 MHz
mobile AMD Duron processor is priced at $160 US each also
in quantities of 1,000 units.
[2001/11/14]
Nov. 8, in a press release sent across PR Newswire entitled
"New Operating System Is Creating Early Holiday Excitement,"
Microsoft claims that "Since its retail debut Oct. 25,
Microsoft Corp.'s newest operating system, Windows(R) XP,
is achieving high demand worldwide. So high that some
retailers are having trouble keeping store shelves stocked
with Windows XP." The truth is, that I was in one of
Toronto's biggest retailers' stores on the afternoon of
the introduction ("Future Shop") and there was no-one
buying Windows XP despite having probably the best price
in the city. The truth is, I have been in that branch
a couple of times since, and I haven't seen Windows XP sold
in that store at all. There is NO shortage of Windows XP
in boxes on shelves in that store, nor in 2 other stores
I've been in since that day. In fact, I haven't personally
seen even 1 copy of Windows XP sold yet. This kind of
distortion of the truth really bothers me.
[2001/11/11]
[Nothing of note. Comdex getting in the way. -- JO]
[2001/11/11]
I don't often comment beyond the computer industry, on this site, but in a sense, I've made the media an issue already today so I'll give this a little more space. Today was Rememberance Day, and the Canada and the US are in the process of fighting a war. Working at home these past few years, I've spent many Rememberance Days, taking a few minutes around 11:00 to watch ceremonies on Canadian TV. As usual, there were many specials on. Since I don't flip through channels that much while actually watching something, I don't know much about what happens on other channels. But as far as I could tell today, there was almost nothing on the US networks. I checked ABC, CBS, CNN and NBC, around before and after 11:00 and there seemed to be almost no acknowledgement of Rememberance Day. The US stations might have shown a notice for a minute exactly at 11:00, but I don't know.
I'm not criticizing anyones' activities during the
time, but I thought it was odd, in the context of an
ongoing war, that the US stations didn't seem to be
interested in Rememberance Day, while Canadian stations,
have generally always made a substantial effort to cover
the ceremonies. I don't know what that tells me. It
is an odd difference in cultures.
[2001/11/11]
Nov. 6, 2001, Canada NewsWire reports that Avaya Inc.
has announced that Applied Global Technologies' "AGT
Dialer" will enable PalmOS devices to dial its Internet
Protocol based phones via infrared ports in the phones.
The program costs "$19.95" and runs on PalmOS 3.1 - 4.0.
[The currency is not clearly stated in the announcement.
-- JO]
Applied Global
Technologies (Avaya IP phone dialer) http://www.dialer.vtcmanager.com/
[2001/11/07]
Nov. 6, 2001, PR Newswire reports that Fonix Corporation
has introduced its TimeTalk Alert which reads appointments
out using text-to-speech using a synthesized voice.
Fonix Corporation
http://www.fonix.com/
[2001/11/07]
]
Nov. 6, 2001, PR Newswire reports that Cirque Corp. has
announced the availability of its PDA Pocket Keyboard(TM)
for $41.95 US.
Cirque Corp. (keyboard
for Visor Edge) http://www.cirque.com/
[2001/11/07]
Nov. 6, 2001, PR Newswire reports that Fossil, Inc. has
announced its "Wrist PDA(TM)" and "Wrist PDA/PC(TM)"
which are wrist watches which can carry PDA software
downloaded from PalmOS or Pocket PC based devices via
infrared beaming. The watches have 190KB of available
memory. They will be available in early 2002 at a
suggested retail price of $145 US.
Fossil, Inc (PDA
linked wrist watches) http://www.fossil.com/
[2001/11/07]
Nov. 5, 2001, Canadian Corporate News reports that Sharp will
display its "SL-5000D" Linux based handheld at Comdex
in the Trolltech booth and is accepting pre-orders from
developers. The software is based on Trolltech' products.
Sharp
Linux Based Handheld Developers Kits
http://www.developer.sharpsec.com/
[2001/11/07]
Nov. 2, 2001, PR Newswire reports that Texas Instruments
has announced a new touch screen controller with "I2C"
interface for PDAs. The device is immediately available
at $2.30 US each in 1,000 piece quantities.
[2001/11/04]
My last update on this page was on 2001/09/05.
This latest change consolidates my current advice
for purchasing handheld computers.
Handheld Computers
[2001/10/31]
Oct. 31, 2001, Canada NewsWire reports that CSA International
and Compaq Cmputer Corporation of Houston, Texas have
announced a worldwide voluntary recall and replacement program
for approximately 1,400,000 AC adapters for some laptop
computers due to potential fire hazard from overheating.
The adapters came with Compaq Armada models M300, M700, E500,
V300, 100s, 3500, 110 and E500s, and Prosignia models 170
and 190, and the Notebook 100. The AC adapters have the
serial numbers PPP003SD, PPP003 and PP2012 (this latter only
for Armada 3500). See Compaq's Website for details.
Compaq Adapter Recall
http://www.compaq.com/products/notebooks/adapterrecall
[2001/10/31]
Oct. 31, 2001, PR Newswire reports that MELCO INC. has
announced that its new generation of "Buffalo wireless
LAN" (WLAN) AirStation 2x(TM) offers double the data
rate of 11Mbps AirStation(TM) models and is teh first
deployable 22Mbps product in the 2.4GHz band.
Buffalo
Technology (USA), Inc. http://www.buffalotech.com/
[2001/10/31]
Oct. 29, 2001, PR Newswire reports that Parachute Technologies
has announced that its Parachute(TM) III adapter allows Palm
III devices (excluding Palm IIIc) to use Type II PC Cards
including wireless connectivity cards. The device is
available for immediate delivery at $149 US.
Parachute
Technology http://www.parachutetech.com/
[2001/10/31]
I don't think I have to mention that Microsoft Windows XP became available on Oct. 25, 2001. Other "general purpose" OSes that became available recently include the latest version of Mandrake Linux, and Red Hat Linux 7.2. In the case of Windows XP, an number of computer manufacturers have announced products, particularly laptop computers available with the OS. I'm trying to weed out the "previously released" products and find truly new products to mention. Linux of course is loadable on an current laptop. In particular, as far as I can tell, Compaq's lineup seems to be repackaging, but I'm not sure about Toshiba, which might actually have a newer version (faster CPU?) in at least 1 product. If I confirm this, I'll post it later.
[2001/10/28]
Oct. 25, 2001, Business Wire reports that Casio and
Sierra Wireless have announced that they are working
together to bring CDMA and GPRS "AirCard" PC Card
wireless modem products to Casio's CASSIOPEIA Pocket
Manager BE-300 and Pocket PC E-200.
[2001/10/28]
Oct. 24, 2001, PR Newswire reports that KDS has announced
that it is shipping a new 1 GHz Valiant laptop with
Microsoft Windows XP. The price is $1399 US.
KDS (laptop computer)
http://www.kdsusa.com/
[2001/10/24]
Oct. 23, 2001, PR Newswire reports that Smith Micro
Software, Inc. has announced that its new QuickLink(R) Mobile
for Pocket PC will allow Internet connection through mobile
phones.
Smith Micro Software,
Inc. http://www.smithmicro.com/
[2001/10/24]
Oct. 23, 2001, Canada NewsWire reports that Sony of Canada
Ltd. has introduced the "Communication Linking Information
& Entertainment" (CLIE(TM)) device line to Canada beginning
with the PEG-N760C which features MP3 music playing, a
320 * 320 16-bit colour screen and the Sony Memory Stick
expansion system. Also introduced was the PEG-S320 which
features a 160 * 160 by 16 level grey scale display.
The N760C is priced at $799 Cdn. (MSRP) and will be
available at the end of October, 2001. The PEG-S320 has a
list price of $299 Cdn. Both will be available from
Sony's Canadian Sony Style website.
[Availability for the PEG-S320 was not clear. -- JO]
[2001/10/24]
Oct. 22, 2001, PR Newswire reports that Kingston(R)
Technology Company, Inc. has announced the release of
its 128MB SecureDigitalCard (SD), immediately available
at $199.00 US MSRP.
[2001/10/24]
Oct. 21, 2001, Sumner Lemon writes for CNN.com that Acer has
developed its S10 Chinese language PalmOS based handheld
computer. Acer has exclusive writes to offer a Chinese
device for "many months." Features include multiple
Chinese input methods, trainable handwriting recognition,
the ability to run applications written to run on the
English version, built in microphone, audio recording,
MP3 player and 2 Memory Stick expansion slots. It
is 4.7" * 3" * 0.5", weighs 5 oz. and is based on the
Motorola 33-MHz DragonBall VZ CPU with 16MB of SDRAM, a 16
[level] grey scale screen and rechargeable lithium-ion
battery, and is priced at $390 US.
[The article does not state whether the device
is currently selling. -- JO]
[2001/10/21]
Oct. 18, 2001, PR Newswire reports that Smith Micro
Software, Inc. has announced that its new QuickLink(R) Mobile
for Palm OS(R) will allow Internet connection through mobile
phones.
Smith Micro Software,
Inc. http://www.smithmicro.com/
[2001/10/21]
Oct. 18, 2001, Sam Costello writes for CNN.com that a new
computer worm has been circulating in English and Spanish
versions that is contained in an attachment called
"Anthraxinfo.vbs" or "Anthraxjpg.vbs" which deletes .VBE
and .VBE files and re-sends itself to addresses in
the Outlook address book.
[2001/10/21]
Oct. 17, 2001, Lucent Technologies' Bell Labs has announced
in the Oct. 18th issue of "Nature" that they have created
organic (carbon based) transistors with single- molecule
channel length.
[2001/10/21]
Oct. 17, 2001, PR Newswire reports that Motient
Corporation has unveiled its MobileModem by Motient(TM)
for Palm V/Vx(TM), IBM(R) WorkPad(R) c3 PC Companion.
This wireless modem weighs 4.8 oz. and will be available
"this Fall."
[No price was given in the announcement. -- JO]
Motient Corporation
http://www.motient.com/
[2001/10/17]
Oct. 17, 2001, PR Newswire reports that ARM has released
details of its PrimeXsys(TM) Wireless Platform which
will be based on the ARM926EJ-S(TM) CPU core.
[2001/10/17]
Oct. 17, 2001, Business Wire reports that Toshiba
Corporation and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
have announced that they will unify their LCD and
next generation display businesses in a joint venture
company to be incorporated in April, 2002.
[2001/10/17]
Oct. 16, 2001, PR Newswire reports that Altair
Nanotechnologies Inc. has announced that work with
the J. Heyrovsky Institute and Ecole Polytechnique
Federal de Lausanne has resulted in a breakthrough
in storage battery technology using nanosized lithiated
titania for increased charge and discharge rates.
Altair
Nanotechnologies, Inc. http://www.altairnanotechnologies.com/
[2001/10/17]
Oct. 16, 2001, PR Newswire reports that Apple(R) has
introduced its latest Titanium PowerBook(R) G4 laptop
computer which now features a 667 MHz PowerPC G4 CPU
and a new system buss running at 133 MHz, and ATI
Mobility Radeon AGP 4X graphics. The new version
is immediately available at $2,199 US.
[2001/10/17]
Oct. 16, 2001, PR Newswire reports that Apple(R) has announced
that its latest iBook laptop computer will feature a 600MHz
PowerPC CPU running on a new system buss speed of 100 MHz.
Prices start at $1,299 US.
[2001/10/17]
Oct. 16, 2001, Canada NewsWire reports that Certicom
has announced that its "movianVPN" client software
available for pocket computers using Palm and Windows
for PocketPC 2002. The VPN security software is
downloadable and can be tried for 30 days. Individual
licenses are $29.95 per seat on an annual subscription
basis.
[2001/10/17]
Oct. 15, 2001, Canada NewsWire reports that Toshiba of
Canada Information Systems Group has unveiled its
latest Satellite(R) laptop computers, the 5000-Z59,
3000-Q65, 1800-1PK, and 1800-4K1. All are available
immediately at prices as low as $1,799 Cdn. for the
1800-1PK.
[2001/10/17]
Oct. 15, 2001, Canada NewsWire reports that Xplore Technologies(R)
Corp. has announced that its GeneSys(R) Maximus rugged mobile
computer line is now available with a 12.1" Active Matrix
Color Transflective LCD which allows it to be used outdoors
in full sunlight. The computer weighs about 5 lbs. and is
powered by an Intel(R) Pentium(R) III. The computer will
begin shipping in this quarter at prices starting at $5,895 US.
Xplore Technologies(R)
http://www.xploretech.com/
[2001/10/17]
Oct. 12, 2001, PR Newswire reports that CareCentric, Ic.
has announced the release of its Visit Assistant(TM)
for PDAs. [The platform, price and availability were
all missing from this announcement. JO]
CareCentric, Inc.
http://www.carecentric.com/
[2001/10/14]
Oct. 11, 2001, PR Newswire reports that Kingston(R)
Technology Company Inc. has announced the immediate
availability of its DDR PC1600 and DDR 2100 Small-Outline
DIMM (SO-DIMM) modules for OEM customers.
Kingston(R) Technology
Company Inc. http://www.kingston.com/
[2001/10/14]
Oct. 10, 2001, Business Wire reports that HandEra, Inc.
has announced plans to support Symbol's 802.11b
Wireless LAN Compact Flash device. Software
drivers for the HandEra 330 are currently in Beta
testing and are expected to be available around
mid-November 2001.
[2001/10/10]
Oct. 9, 2001, Canada NewsWire reports that IBM has
introduced its latest ThinkPad laptop computers with
new security, management and wireless integration
features. The new "R Series" R30 starts at $1,999
Cdn., The new "A Series" A30 features integrated
802.11b LAN and Bluetooth, two modular bays, starting
at $2,499 Cdn. The improved "X Series" also offers
integrated wireless and security features at prices
starting from $3,799 Cdn. The latest "T Series"
has similar upgrades.
<[2001/10/10]
Oct. 8, 2001, Canada NewsWire reports that Eyring Corporation
has announced the release of its new prioritized multitasking
Real-Time OS for 32-bit x86 computers EYRX(R). The company
describes it as "compact, modular, scaleable, deterministic
and easily customizable. . . ." It is priced at under $2,000
US for a standard development package.
Eyring Corporation
http://www.eyring.com/
[2001/10/10]
Oct. 8, 2001, Canada NewsWire reports that LXE Inc. has
announced its new MX3-CE series rugged mobiel computers.
Based on Windows CE and a 133MHz Intel SA-1110 CPU the
device has industrial oriented features such as glow-in-
the-dark phosphorescent keypads. [Price and availability
were not announced. -- JO]
LXE Inc. http://www.lxe.com/
[2001/10/10]
Oct. 5, 2001, Douglas F. Gray writes for CNN.com that HP's Jornada 560 series will feature more memory (Jornada 565 with 32MBRAM at $599 US and Jornada 568 with 64MB RAM at $649 US), longer battery life (removable batteries rate as giving up to 14 hrs.) and less weight (about 6 oz.) than the 540 series.
Also planning to announce devices are Compaq, Casio, Toshiba and Symbol. All will use the Intel 206MHz StrongARM processor.
The Compaq H3700 series is an upgrade of the H3600 series. The H3800 series features an SD card slot. All will support 64K colours and have better battery life. They will include IBM ViaVoice Mobility Suite which all some voice command capabilities. The H3700 series will be available from Thursday in North America (starting at $499 US) with the H3800 series coming in November starting at $599 US.
Symbols PPT2800 and PDT 8100 with colour screens
will feature barcode readers and are available now
with prices starting at $1,795 US.
Casio's E200 has 64MB RAM and slots for both SD and
Compact Flash, will be available in November at
prices starting at $599 US.
The Toshiba e570 will also feature both SD and
Compact Flash slots and will be available in
November at prices starting at $569 US, though
Toshiba warns of limited availability till Q1
2002.
[There are a number of annoucements which I'm not
going to cover at this time, primarily because I
ran out of time, due to Internet problems. Check
Microsoft's Website. -- JO]
Microsoft PocketPC 2002 Devices
http://www.microsoft.com/mobile/pocketpc/hardware/default.asp
[2001/10/07]
Oct. 4, 2001, Canada NewsWire reports that Toshiba of Canada, Information Systems Group has announced that its latest Tecra(R) 9000 and Portege(R) 4000 laptop computers have antennae embedded into cases to support Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11b and Bluetooth(R) wireless connectivity. The Tecra 9000 series starts at $4,449.00 Cdn and the Portege 4000 series starts at $3,979 Cdn. and both are imme