Compaq adds wireless voice, data to IPaq PDAs

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By Douglas F. Gray

(IDG) -- Your existing Compaq IPaq PDA may gain wireless voice and data functions because of a technology upgrade Compaq is developing and expects to begin testing soon.

The technology will permit customers to browse the Web, send e-mail, and send and receive voice calls in Europe and North America using their personal digital assistants, Compaq says in a statement. The service is expected to be available later this year.

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Compaq declines to discuss details but confirms that current IPaq users will be able to use the technology.

The enabling technology that Compaq is developing supports a tri-band global system for mobile communications (GSM) and general packet radio service (GPRS) device. Carriers are expected to begin trials soon.

The line between Pocket PCs and mobile phones continues to blur as phones gain data capabilities and PDAs acquire more communications functions.

IPaqnet Gains Resources

In the meantime, Compaq also has enhanced its Ipaqnet Mobile Internet wireless service by adding content providers. Information will now be available from a variety of new sources, including ABC News, Business Week, ESPN, and Yahoo's portal.

Wireless streaming audio and video is also available for IPaqnet customers using the Ricochet network and Microsoft Windows Media Player 7.1, Compaq says.

North American customers can also now access Lotus Domino messaging through the IPaq BlackBerry Wireless E-mail Solution, Compaq says. BlackBerry Exchange Server for Microsoft Exchange 2.1 is currently available, so IPaq BlackBerry users can synchronize with Exchange, as well as accepting and rejecting meeting notices, the company says.

Compaq got a boost recently when market researchers at Dataquest estimated that Compaq's handheld sales revenues are expected to exceed those of Palm's. However, Palm's devices typically cost less than Compaq's, so its unit sales may still exceed those of Compaq.

Compaq introduced its Pocket PC as part of its IPaq family last year. The Pocket PC runs a version of Microsoft Windows and handheld-size versions of common Microsoft applications.