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[1997/01/31]

In The News June 15 - 18, 2002

SMC Announces SMC7004VWBR Router With Enhanced Security

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]

Sharp Microelectronics Announces CompactFlash Bluetooth Card

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]

Pocket PC Films And nREACH Bring Films To Airports And Retailers

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]

AlphaSmart Introduces PalmOS Based Educational Product

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]

Toshiba Updates Laptop Lineup

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]

Toshiba e740 Pocket PC Has High Connectivity

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]

In The News June 11 - 15, 2002

Network Associates Warns of JPEG Related Virus

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]

In The News June 8 - 11, 2002

TheraSense Turns Handspring(TM) Handheld Computer Into Glucose Monitor

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]

C-COM Proprietary Mobile Antenna

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]

CDMA2000 Leads 3G Wireless?

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]

Fujitsu Announces P2000 Powered By 867MHz Crusoe

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]

NEC Vesa E120 DayLite For Outdoor Use

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]

In The News June 4 - 8, 2002

Telus Mobility Begins 1xRTT Service w/LG TM-520 Handset

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]

Semotus Announces Equity Pro For RIM 5810

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]

SMC Networks Bundles Boingo Wi-Fi

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]

In The News June 1 - 4, 2002

Magellan GPS Companion For Palm m500 Series

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]

In The News May 28 - June 1, 2002

Pocket PC Films Supports Palm With Generic Media

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]

Casio And Sierra Wireless Bring CDMA2000 and GSM/GPRS To BE-300

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]

Toshiba Increases Investment in Audiovox For CDMA Coverage

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]

In The News May 25 - 28, 2002

Handspring Introduces Treo 270

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]

Handspring Introduces Treo 90

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]

Legacy Claims Memory Chips Extend Battery Life

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]

Source Problem At Canadian Corporate News

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]

In The News May 21 - 25, 2002

Palm Saves Money For Enterprises

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]

Consumer WLAN Growing

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]

Intermec Introduces 700 Colour Handheld

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]

Sony Not Geared To Mobile Computer Realities

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]

In The News May 18 - 21, 2002

Handspring Lowers Prices

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]

Apple Updates iBook

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]

In The News May 14 - 18, 2002

Mobility Presentation Graphics On Palm

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]

In The News May 11 - 14, 2002

Novatel And Sprint To Market 3G1x PC Card

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]

Socket Connects Pocket PC To Mobile Phone Via Bluetooth

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]

Toshiba Includes Jeode Java On Genio e550G

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]

In The News May 7 - 11, 2002

OQO Ultra-Personal Windows XP Computer

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]

Wireless Roadside Medical Messages

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]

Good Technology Announce New Wireless Pocket Technology

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]

Wireless Networking Too Much To List

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]

In The News May 4 - 7, 2002

ARM And LynxWorks Provide Platform For Embedded Linux

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]

Mobile PDR For Handheld Computers Free

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]

Toshiba Launches e310

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]

Nokia A036 Cuts Cost of IEEE 802.11i Public Wireless LAN

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]

In The News Apr. 30 - May 4, 2002

D-Link Bridges Ethernet To Wi-Fi

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]

Bachmann FilePoint Pro Simplifies Palm Data Conversions

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]

Mazingo Brings Timberwolf Audiobooks To Windows CE

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]

In The News Apr. 27 - 30, 2002

LSI Licences ARM7EJ-S Core

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]

W3C issues Scalable Vector Grahics 1.1 and Mobile SVG Profiles

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]

AMD Licences MIPS64

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]

In The News Apr. 24 - 27, 2002

Symantec Warns W32.Klez Virus Spreading Quickly

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]

D-Link Claims First 802.11a/.11b Dual Band Access Point

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]

724 Claims High Performance Mobile Internet Gateway

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]

In The News Apr. 20 - 24, 2002

Perseus MobileForms For Datacollection On Palm

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]

IBM T30 Has New Mouse Controller

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]

Mobile Intel Pentium 4 Processor-M Hits 1.8 GHz.

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]

Toshiba Announces Pocket PC e310

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]

GTRAN DotSurfer(TM) 5000 Combines CDMA With 802.11b

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]

In The News Apr. 16 - 20, 2002

Worm/Klez.G Virus Growing Problem

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]

In The News Apr. 13 - 16, 2002

Mobility Electronics Announces EasiDock v. 3.02

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]

Pumatech Announces Satellite Forms 5.0

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]

Toshiba Launches Portege 4010 Series

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]

AMD 0.13 micron Mobile Athlon(TM) XP

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]

In The News Apr. 10 - 13, 2002

SMC Launches 802.11b Compact Flash Card

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]

In The News Apr. 6 - 10, 2002

Summus Brings BREW(TM) Compatibility To PocketPC

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]

Compaq Announces 2 New iPaq Pocket PC Expansion Packs

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]

Toshiba Tecra(TM) 9100 Features Latest Intel P-4

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]

AMD Alchemy Au1100 Gives 400MHz On 250 mWatts

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]

In The News Apr. 3 - 6, 2002

Linux Labs Releases Palm OS Browser

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]

Pentax Introduces DSmobile(TM) USB Colour Scanner

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]

Kasten-Chase Acquires DataGator(TM) Assets

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]

In The News Mar. 30 - Apr. 3, 2002

Vocal Claims 4X Battery Life

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]

In The News Mar. 26 - 30, 2002

Sun Claims Breakthrough Consumer Device Java

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]

In The News Mar. 23 - 26, 2002

Palm Desktop 4.0 For Mac

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]

iPass And Wayport Combine Public Wi-Fi Access

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]

In The News Mar. 19 - 23, 2002

Worm/MyLife.B Virus Alert

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]

In The News Mar. 16 - 19, 2002

Palm Bluetooth Card

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]

Microsoft Releases "DirectPlay(R)" API

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]

Rayovac Announces In Cell Charge Control NiMH Cells

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]

Rogers AT&T Markets Sierra Wireless AirCard 750

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]

Nokia Announces WLAN/GPRS PC Card

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]

Audiovox Pocket PC with Integrated CDMA 2000 1X

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]

MPEG-4 Player in J2ME

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]

In The News Mar. 13 - 16, 2002

Magellan GPS Companion For Palm m500

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]

Olympia Data-phone Uses Bluetooth Wireless

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]

AMD To Ship 0.13 Athlon Thoroughbred" Later This Month

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]

In The News Mar. 9 - 13, 2002

AMD Announces Mobile AMD Athlon 4 1600+

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]

Mitsubishi And Toshiba Mobile Phone Alliance

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]

ACCESS Releases WIP Stacks With WAP 2.0 Support

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]

Incomplete Update

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]

In The News Mar. 5 - 9, 2002

Samsung Sues SanDisk

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]

Tiqit x86 Based Handheld

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]

In The News Mar. 2 - 5, 2002

Symbian OS Powered Sony Ericsson P800 Q3 2002

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]

Toshiba Portege 2000

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]

Handspring Visor Platinum Available Again

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]

Palm i705 Uses Certicom Encryption

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]

Acer TravelMate 630 Laptop Series

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]

Sharp PC-UM20

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]

In The News Feb. 26 - Mar. 2, 2002

Dolch Announces FlexPAC P4 Industrial Portable

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]

Retiring Sony B1207 CDMA

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]

In The News Feb. 23 - 26, 2002

Legend GSM/GPRS To Use TI OMAP

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]

Sharp Announces Better LCD For Handhelds

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]

NetBSD For Intel(R) XScale(TM)

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]

Samsung SPH-a400 GPS Enabled Wireless Handset

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]

Trident Annoucnes Low-Power XP2(TM) Graphics

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]

In The News Feb. 19 - 23, 2002

SplashShopper For PalmOS Virtual Wallet Shopping List

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]

Music Videos On Mobile Devices

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]

Why I Hate Mail-in Rebates

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]

In The News Feb. 16 - 19, 2002

Earthlink Brings Wireless Email to Palm OS And Pocket PC

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]

Palm Licenses Bluetooth Based Chat And Whiteboard Software

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]

Microsoft Announces Mobile Information Server 2002 Enterprise Edition

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]

Sharp and iAnywhere Promote Java Development For Zaurus

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]

Symbian Announces Symbian OS 7.0 And "UIQ" User Interface

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]

Columbia University School of Nursing Chooses Palm

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]

Mitsubishi Announces Colour M-Services Mobile Phones

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]

Pretec Announces GPRS/GSM CompactFlash

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]

Novatel Announces Tri-band GSM/GPRS PC Card

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]

Voice Signal Technologies Claims Breakthrough In Speech Interface

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]

Sierra-Wireless Announces GSM/GPRM PC Card

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]

In The News Feb. 12 - 16, 2002

Samsung A300 Theft

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]

2001 Moving Target Mobile Technology Awards

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]

In The News Feb. 9 - 12, 2002

Wireless Village Releases Initial Specification

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]

RF Solutions Announces 802.11a/b/g Power Amp

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]

Red-M Introduces Its Portable Office

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]

Sony Introduces New R505 Laptop Models

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]

Toshiba Plans 400MHz PDA

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]

Microcell Announces 2001 Q4 Results

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]

Handspring Treo In US

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]

GVC Announces Personal Mobile Gateway

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]

Personal Area Networking Unify Bluetooth

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]

Newbury Networks Bring Location Enabled Networking To 802.11

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]

Evolutionary Robotics Announces Open Software Platform

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]

In The News Feb. 5 - 9, 2002

Yambay Mach Push Via Motient To Palm

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]

IntelliWhere OnDemand Mapping For Windows CE

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]

Sun Releases Java(TM) 2 Platform Standard Edition 1.4

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]

AMD And Ferrari

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]

OmniVision To Provide Camera Chips For Hyundai Cell Phones

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]

In The News Feb. 2 - 5, 2002

Toshiba Uses GeForce4 In Satellite 5005-S507

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]

Three-Five Announces 32,000 Colour Displays

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]

Toshiba Introduces 5400 RPM 2.5" HDD

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]

Kontiki Brings Its Digital Media To PalmOS Devices

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]

AMD Goes MIPS

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]

Sega, Metrowerks and Motorola Bringing Sega Games To Dragonball MPUs and PalmOS

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]

MARGI Systems Brings "Presenter-to-Go" To Handera

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]

Palm OS 5 Beta Previewed

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]

FileMaker Mobile 2 Companion for Palm OS

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]

riteMail Coming To Palm

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]

PR Newswire Netscape Freindly Again

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]

In The News Jan. 29 - Feb. 2, 2002

AmbiCom Air2Net(TM) Bluetooth CompactFlash Card

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]

Dolch Announces 6 Slot Portable

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]

Fido GPRS To Desktop Email And Files

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]

Bachmann Brings PrintBoy To CE

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]

QNX Better Than Windows CE

Jan. 31, 2002, Canada NewsWire reports that QNX Software Systems claims that according to a study by Dedicated Systems Experts, QNX RTOS v6.1 significantly outperforms Microsoft's Windows CE 3.0 in several tests, regarding "OS architecture, ease of installation, and various tests of realtime performance, while remaining on par with Windows CE in other categories."

Dedicated Systems Experts http://www.dedicated-systems.com/encyc/buyersguide/rtos/RtosMenu.htm
[2002/02/03]

In The News Jan. 26 - 29, 2002

AMD Announces New Mobile Duron CPUs

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]

PowerCAD For Windows CE

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]

Lawrence Livermore Bans Wireless For Security Reasons

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]

PenRight! Releases MobileBuilder 2.1

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]

ScanSoft Announces Voice Support For Pocket PC

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]

PocketMed Announces 2.0 Billing Software For Pocket PC

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]

Palm Announces i705

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]

Toshiba Announces New Satellite Laptops

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]

AMD Announces New 1500+ Mobile AMD Athlon 4 Processor

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]

Socket Brings Barcode To Pocket PC

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]

In The News Jan. 22 - 26, 2002

Lineo Contributes MIPS Port RTAI For Linux

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]

Nextel, RIM and Motorola Work Together For Voice Handheld

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]

Samsung Notemaster 486S/25N: Another Era Ending

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]

In The News Jan. 19 - 22, 2002

Lexar Announces 1GB CompactFlash

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]

Handango Announces Mobile Forms For Mixed Environments

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]

Hawker Introduces Reformulated Lead-Calcium Batteries

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]

Intel Announces New Mobile Processors

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]

Toshiba Claims World's Thinnest Ultraportable

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]

In The News Jan. 15 - 19, 2002

Cornwall Police Goes XWAVE

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]

In The News Jan. 12 - 15, 2002

Toshiba Introduces 10GB And 20GB 1.8" Hard Drives

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]

Sony Announces Two New CLIE Models

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]

FieldCentrix Brings FX Mobile(R) To Palm, Pocket And RIM

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]

NetMotion Brings Roaming Proxy Server To New Windows

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]

In The News Jan. 8 - 12, 2002

IBM ThinkPad Certified As CATIA V5 Mobile Workstation

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]

In The News Jan. 5 - 8, 2002

Pendragon Announces Pendragon Forms(TM) 3.2 For Palm

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]

Guidance Software Announces Forensic Software For Palm

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]

Sharp Commits Zaurus SL-5500 To Q1 2002

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]

Casio Offers Software Upgrade For BE-300

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]

ATI Announces IMAGEON 100 Display Processors For Handhelds

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]

CompactFlash Warns Of Damage Through Mail

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]

Magellan GPS Companion For Palm m500 Features Improved Software

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]

Toshiba Announces Satellite Pro 6000 Series

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]

Webtech Announces Rugged GSM/GPRS Modem

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]

Aperto Networks Cleared For 3.5 GHz Band

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]

Apple Announces 14" iBook

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]

In The News Jan. 1 - 5, 2002

TI Announces Voyage(TM) 200 Handheld Educational Device

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]

In The News Dec. 29, 2001 - Jan. 1, 2002

Microvision Ships Nomad Personal Display System

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]

Qualcomm Announces 3G Handsets Shipping

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.

Symantec Warns of ZaCker Virus

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]

New Horizons Launches Disposable Cell Phone

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]

In The News Dec. 25 - 29, 2001

[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

Candidates For The "Moving Target" Mobile Products And Achievements Awards For 2001

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.

Rules:

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.

1. Laptops:

Best Laptops: No Award

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.

2. Pocket Computers:

Best Pocket Computer: Sony Clie PEG-S320

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.

Most Promising Pocket Computers: Casio BE-300, Compaq iPaq (again), Franklin Bookman and Sharp SL-5000d

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.

3. Subnotebooks:

Best Subnotebook: Psion netBook

4. Wireless Services:

Best Services: Bell Mobility And Fido

5. Best Technology:

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.

Best CPU: Casio/NEC VR-4131

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.

Best Input: Sony Jog Wheel

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.

Best Display: Sony 320 * 320 Screen

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.

6. Looking Ahead to 2002:

Cheaper Flash Memory:

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.

Linux: Coming To Your Pocket? (still waiting)

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]

In The News Dec. 22 - 25, 2001

No News For Now

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

Happy Holidays!

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]

In The News Dec. 18 - 22, 2001

ATI's Mobility Radeon 7500 In Dell Inspriron 8100 Laptop

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]

In The News Dec. 15 - 18, 2001

SiPix Pocket Printer A6

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]

AMD Announces 1 GHz Mobile AMD Duron CPU

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]

In The News Dec. 11 - 15, 2001

Symantec Announces AntiVirus 2002 for Palm OS

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]

Symbian Ports 2.5G OS To StrongARM

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]

In The News Dec. 8 - 11, 2001

Compaq Announces New Evo N180 and N160 Laptops

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]

Gateway Announces Solo(R) 1400 Laptop

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]

Gateway Announces Solo 5350 Laptop

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]

QNX Announces MOST Kit For Automotive

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]

Impulsesoft Announces Windows CE Bluetooth Stack

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]

D-Link Announces 100Mbps Wireless LAN

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]

In The News Dec. 4 - 8, 2001

[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]

Recent Price Drops

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]

Palm OS 3.5 On Palm IIIx

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]

In The News Dec. 1 - 4, 2001

WORM_GONE.A Virus

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]

Linksys(R) Announces Wireless CF Card

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]

Sharp Announces SL-5500 PDA

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]

AMD Claims World's Fastest CMOS Transistors

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]

In The News Nov. 27 - Dec. 1, 2001

Elmic Develops Wireless IP Roaming

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]

Royal Victoria Hospital Uses Wireless PDAs

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]

In The News Nov. 24 - 27, 2001

MARGI Announces Presenter-To-Go For Casio Handhelds

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]

Fujitsu Chooses Symbian for Handsets

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]

Intel Announces Transistor Technology Breakthrough

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]

In The News Nov. 20 - 24, 2001

D-Link Announces Wireless Access Point Firmware Upgrade

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]

Samsung GT9000 Laptop Features Fingerprint Security

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]

In The News Nov. 17 - 20, 2001

Cloakware Announces Signature Based Security

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]

In The News Nov. 13 - 17, 2001

802.11g Draft

[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]

In The News Nov. 10 - 13, 2001

Psion Teklogix Announces New netpad(R) Products

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]

Audiovox Announces 3G Phone With GPS and Bluetooth

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]

Zarlink And Cochlear Announce New Speech Processor Chip

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]

AMD Announces 1.2 GHz Mobile AMD Athlon 4 and 950 MHz Mobile AMD Duron Processors

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]

Truth is. . .

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]

In The News Nov. 6 - 10, 2001

[Nothing of note. Comdex getting in the way. -- JO]
[2001/11/11]

In The Context of War

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]

In The News Nov. 3 - 6, 2001

Avaya Software Lets Palms Dial Internet Phones

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]

Fonix Speech Enables Pocket PC Time Management

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]

Cirque Offers Keyboard For Handspring(TM) Visor(TM) Edge

] 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]

Fossil Announces PDA Linked Wrist Watches

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]

Sharp Taking Orders For Linux Palmtop Developers Release

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]

In The News Oct. 30 - 3, 2001

Texas Instruments Announces I2C Touch Screen Controller

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]

Minor Book Update

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]

In The News Oct. 27 - 30, 2001

Voluntary Recall of Some Compaq Laptop AC Adapters

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]

MELCO Claims First 22Mpbs Wireless LAN

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]

Parachute III Brings Wireless PC Card To Palm III

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]

New GP Computer OSes

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]

In The News Oct. 23 - 27, 2001

Casio And Sierra Wireless To Bring AirCards To BE-300 And Pocket PC E-200

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]

In The News Oct. 20 - 23, 2001

KDS Announces 1 GHz Valiant Laptop

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]

Smith Micro Announces QuickLink(R) Mobile for PocketPC

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]

Sony Brings Clie To Canada

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]

Kingston Announces 128MB SD Card

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]

In The News Oct. 16 - 20, 2001

Acer Shows Chinese PalmOS Device

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]

Smith Micro Announces QuickLink(R) Mobile for Palm OS(R)

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]

New "Anthrax" Computer Virus

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]

Bell Labs Develops Organic Transistors

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]

In The News Oct. 13 - 16, 2001

Motient Announces MobileModem For Palm

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]

ARM Discloses Extendible PrimeXsys Wireless Platform

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]

Matsushita And Toshiba To Combine LCD Business

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]

Altair Claims Breakthrough Battery Technology

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]

Apple Titanium PowerBook G4 Hits 667MHz

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]

Apple Announces Newest iBook

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]

Certicom Extends VPN Security To Pocket Computers

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]

Toshiba Announces Newest Satellites(TM)

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]

GeneSys(R) Maximus Rugged Pen Computer w/Colour

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]

In The News Oct. 9 - 13, 2001

CareCentric Announces Mobile Software

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]

Kingston Announces DDR SO-DIMMs

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]

In The News Oct. 6 - 9, 2001

HandEra To Support Symbol 802.11b WLAN Adapter

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]

IBM Announces Latest ThinkPads

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]

Eyring Announces New Embedded OS

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]

LXE Introduces MX3-CE Ruggedized Computers

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]

In The News Oct. 2 - 6, 2001

PocketPC 2002 Devices

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]

Toshiba Tecra 9000 and Portege 4000 Have Integrated Wireless LAN and Bluetooth(TM)

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