News for Tuesday - October 16, 2001

Processor: ARM to Unleash 64-Bit Jaguar
Posted by WiredGuy @ 09:42 AM PST

UK chip designer ARM has plans to unveil a new 64-bit processor designed for handheld computers and mobile phones. According to an article on ZDNet.com, the chip "uses features more often found in servers, but will be used to power a new generation of broadband wireless devices that use third generation (3G) mobile networks."

It's interesting to see 64-bit architecture reaching handhelds. I wonder how fast these processors will operate at. It's sure to be blazing fast.
  

News for Friday - October 12, 2001

iPAQ: Three New Expansion Sleeves Announced!
Posted by WiredGuy @ 06:52 AM PST

Compaq has recently announced three new Compaq iPAQ expansion sleeves! The new accessories include:

• Wireless Pack for GSM/GPRS Networks
  
  
  
  
  • Use the iPAQ Pocket PC for always-on Internet access, WAP browsing,
    e-mail, SMS, and phone calls
    
  • International GSM phone (tri-band: 800, 1800, 1900 MHz)
    
  • Fastest access to wireless data on GPRS network (multi-slot class 10
    GPRS device)
    
  
  
  
• Bluetooth Wireless Pack with CF Card Slot
  
  
  
  • Exchange business cards, calendar appointments, documents, and more
    with other Bluetooth devices.
    
  • Access your Internet and corporate data via a mobile phone with Bluetooth
    wireless technology.
    
  • Synchronize data using ActiveSync on your PC enabled with Bluetooth
    wireless technology.
    
  
  
  
• Dual-Slot PC Card* Expansion Pack
  
  
  
  • Increase the file storage space on your iPAQ Pocket PC.
    
  • Access your company's wireless network (WLAN) for e-mail and Web browsing.
    
  • Access the Internet wirelessly through the cellular phone system.
    
    

Post your thoughts in our Compaq iPAQ Forum!

  

Software: Cresotech Launches PocketLANCE v1.05
Posted by WiredGuy @ 06:40 AM PST

Chresotech has launched their latest version of PocketLANCE, a unique application to allow users to browse and manage LAN resources on their Pocket PC. Here's a quick feature list provided from their website:

• Browsing, managing and transferring Windows Network resources from Pocket PC.
  
• All popular Pocket PC models supported (iPaq, Cassiopeia, Jornada, Symbol, etc.).
  
• Easy-to-use file operations.
  
• Similar to Windows desktop PC, all LAN resources are shown as a single tree structure.
  
• Convenient visual representation of resources.
  
• Acquiring the detailed information on network resources.
  
• All file operations performed in a single step.
  
• Work via standard ActiveSync connection. Network Adapter is not required but recommended.
  
• Mobile network access from any place using RAS or DUN.
  
• Integration with standard File Explorer on Pocket PC.
  
• Different network access rights and security levels are supported.
  
• Available for ARM, MIPS and SH3 CPU's.
  
• User-friendly interface.
  

News for Thursday - October 11, 2001

Discuss: What are your favorite Pocket PC Games?
Posted by WiredGuy @ 04:44 PM PST

I've added a discussion thread in the Pocket PC Software Forum for visitors to post a list of their favorite Pocket PC Games. Check the list to see my favorites and submit your own! This is a great way to show support for the various software developers that make the excellent games you have come to love.
  

Palm: CEO Admits Mistakes to Shareholders
Posted by WiredGuy @ 04:38 PM PST

According to an article on News.com, Palm CEO Carl Yankowski admitted to shareholders that the company has made several mistakes over the past year. I'm sure this has come as a surprise to the shareholders that watched their stocks drop over 90% during the past 12 months. Carl followed with another "we're getting back on track" speech that I'm sure led investor confidence nowhere. Palm plans to launch a new ad campaign targeted at Microsoft's "Software Matters" campaign. Here's a quick quote from the article:

In my opinion, this is the worst thing Palm can do at this point. They, who thing they are far more popular than the Pocket PC, are acknowledging their competition. It will only raise brand awareness for the Pocket PC. How many more nails does Palm need in the coffin?

  

News for Wednesday - October 10, 2001

Xerox: Patent Battle vs. Palm Continues
Posted by WiredGuy @ 09:52 PM PST

According to a news item on AllNetDevices.com, the Xerox vs Palm case will see some life after death. Here's are two quick quote for those of you interested:

"Xerox commenced legal action against Palm in April 1997 because it claimed U.S. Robotics, which was purchased by Palm, was using a handwriting recognition technology closely resembling Unistrokes, a patented architecture forged in Xerox's research center in Palo Alto, Calif., in Palm handheld devices. The technology, as it appeared on Palm's personal digital assistants, was called Graffiti."
  

Margi: Presenter-to-Go Compatible with @migo & iPAQ
Posted by WiredGuy @ 08:18 PM PST

As mentioned in the last news item, the Margi Systems Presenter-to-Go is compatible with UR There's @migo Pocket PC. In addition to that, the PowerPoint solution is compatible with Compaq's iPAQ. As probably expected, you will need a PC Card sleeve to use it.

Note: The graphs *red* columns represent Pocket PC, and the *blue* represent Palm :).
  

@migo: UR There to Bundle Presenter-To-Go!
Posted by WiredGuy @ 08:10 PM PST

According to a press release on PresenterToGo.com, UR There has teamed up with Margi Systems to deliver Presenter-To-Go with their @migo Pocket PC. Here's a quick quote:

I've seen this system connected to a Handspring Visor in the past. It's great to see accessory manufacturers flocking to the Pocket PC marketplace! Post your thoughts in the WG Forums!
  

Palm: Chief Slams Microsoft's Pocket PC
Posted by WiredGuy @ 09:26 AM PST

This is quite amusing. In an article posted on Silicon.com, Mike Weatherley (Palm Vice President EMEA) said:

"Microsoft is trying very hard to improve the user experience. They've grafted a lot of apps from Palm."

He goes on to say:

"It's very definitely more PC than Pocket, in terms of what I have seen."

What's wrong if it is more "PC". That typically means more features. As long as it still fits in my pocket, I'm happy :). Buying a Palm OS device is like buying a 200 MHz computer. Why not set yourself up for the future of mobile computing?
  

News for Tuesday - October 9, 2001

HotDealz: Special 20% Off Jornada for Dell Shoppers
Posted by WiredGuy @ 07:17 AM PST

An unregistered member of the WG Forums posted a link to a HotDealz page offering 20% off the purchase of a Jornada 567/568 Pocket PC! Here's a quick quote:

"First time customer can receive 20% off ALL Software & Peripherals when purchased online from Dell Small Business Store Software & Peripherals section"
  

Mazingo: AvantGo's Competition Has Arrived!
Posted by WiredGuy @ 07:06 AM PST

Applian technologies has put together a new and improved rich media delivery system very similar to the popular AvantGo software. Mazingo, from the concept "Magazines to Go", allows publishers (like WiredGuy.com) to deliver content to mobile devices much like AvantGo offers.

AvantGo charges publishers that deliver content to 5,000+ subscribers. Mazingo, on the other hand, has decided to go with a free service, a paid service, and a licensed service. You can choose the level of participation you need. If the basics are all you need, you can view published content for free! On the other hand, if a website wants to offer special content to paying users, Mazingo makes that possible too!

Subscribe to the WiredGuy.com Channel on Mazingo.
Post your thoughts in the Pocket PC Software Forum.
  

Unveiled: NEC and Fujitsu PDAs Coming!
Posted by WiredGuy @ 06:56 AM PST

According to an article on CNN.com, NEC unveiled their "PocketGear PDA" on Friday. To make the evening more interesting, rival electronics manufacturer Fujitsu also announced plans to enter the increasingly crowded PDA market. Both will be based on Microsoft's new Pocket PC 2002 Operating System.

NEC's PocketGear will have a 3.8" screen (same size as iPAQ), 32MBs ROM and RAM, Compact Flash (CF) expansion, Secure Digital (SD) expansion, and PC Card expansion! I wonder if the PC Card will be a sleeve like device as Compaq and Casio are offering, or if it will be built in like the @migo. It would be interesting to see a device with three expansion options built-in, but it would probably lead to a bulky device that doesn't interest many consumers.
  

Comparison: Smart Phones & PDAs - No Comparison
Posted by WiredGuy @ 06:49 AM PST

The Gartner Group has posted an interesting article on ZDnet.com. This is a must read for those of you who would like to learn more about the difference between today's Cellular Phones and Smart Phones of the future. It's a short and interesting comparison with several key defining points.