PC Expo: Handhelds grab show spotlight

From...

June 30, 2000
Web posted at: 10:55 a.m. EDT (1455 GMT)

by James Evans

NEW YORK (IDG) -- Sony unveiled its handheld prototype. Palm opened up its operating system for more expansion possibilities. Throughout PC Expo this week in New York, it seemed handheld computers and gadgets stuck out rather than PC innovation -- a fact not lost on show visitors.

"I think the main focus is more gadgets, more enhancements and PC expandability," said Chris Vaughan, a product manager for Compaq in Houston, who was walking through the Jacob Javits Center. "The end game is to (make) your device so you don't have to have your PC."

The market for such devices is hot.

	MESSAGE BOARD
Wireless world

"There's a lot of gadgets," remarked Arthur Belanger, technical manager for Yale University's School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. "Our users are using them quite a bit. Physicians are using them all the time at the medical school."

Handheld makers Palm and Handspring highlighted expansion possibilities for their products that allow use of digital cameras, additional memory, paging and Internet access. Handspring had many third-party developers on hand to show the growing possibilities of the PDA (personal digital assistant).

Some of the new handheld hardware on display includes:

MORE COMPUTING INTELLIGENCE

IDG.net home page

Make your PC work better with these tips

ITWorld.com

E-BusinessWorld

TechInformer: The Thinking Internaut's Guide to the Tech Industry

Reviews & in-depth info at IDG.net

How-to and advice from IDG.net

Download free PC software from PCWorld.com

Questions about computers? Let IDG.net's editors help you

Product reviews and computing news from IDG.net

Search IDG.net in 12 languages

News Radio

Fusion audio primers

Computerworld Minute

• Franklin Electronic Publishers' eBookman -- The electronic book will come in three models based on varying memory capacity and will run on the Microsoft Reader operating system. The reader has a 240-by-200 pixel display, provides MP3 capabilities, and holds personal information contacts. Prices start at $129.99 for an 8M-byte reader and will be available by September in North America.



• Casio's Cassiopeia IT-70 and IT-700 -- The hand-held models run on the Microsoft Windows CE 3.0 operating system and are shock and splash resistant. They will come standard with 32M bytes of RAM, an optional Multi-Dimensional Space Rotation, a common key encryption system and a Compact Flash card slot. Each IT model has a 240-by-320-pixel display and weighs about 10.33 ounces (289.24 grams). Both models will be released in September or October.



• Sony's Palm OS-based prototype PDA -- The prototype runs on the Palm OS operating system. It supports the Sony Memory Stick media slot, possesses Jog Dial control and is expected to feature digital imaging capabilities. Sony's PDA is expected out this fall, but no prices have been announced.



• Glenayre Technologies' ActiveLink wireless messaging module -- The module plugs into the Springboard module and allows users to receive messages, e-mail and access Internet data. It weighs 3.2 ounces (91 grams) and runs on two AAA batteries. The unit accepts messages even while not plugged into the Springboard module slot. No pricing is available yet on the module that will be released in early August.

Sony debuts Palm OS prototype at PC Expo
June 29, 2000
HandSpring gains wireless Web access
June 29, 2000
Wireless wonders steal the show
June 28, 2000
Palm adds secure digital expansion slot
June 28, 2000
Palm shortage drives up retail prices in Asia
June 28, 2000

Do handhelds need virus protection?
(PCWorld.com)
More wireless news from PC Expo
(PCWorld.com)
IBM's wearable PC may debut soon
(IDG.net)
Franklin writes a new chapter in e-books
(PCWorld.com)
HandSpring gains wireless Web access
(InfoWorld.com)
Sony debuts Palm OS prototype at PC Expo
(PCWorld.com)
Palm adds Secure Digital features
(PCWorld.com)

Casio
Sony
Glenayre
PC Expo

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.