Mobile Computing: Traveling Light

By James A. Martin, PCWorld Feb 24, 2005 1:00 AM

Mobile Computing News, Reviews, & Tips

Notebook News: Intel Updates Centrino

The Intel Centrino platform for notebooks, which premiered nearly 2 years ago, is getting an upgrade. The enhanced platform includes improved Wi-Fi connectivity and security; PCI Express, which supports more powerful graphics cards and hard drives than does its predecessor, the PCI bus; DDR2 memory, which runs faster than DDR memory; and support for Dolby Digital and Dolby 7.1-channel surround sound.

The new Centrino platform can be found in the Dell Inspiron 6000 and Latitude D610, the Hewlett-Packard NX6120, and others. But check the specs closely, as Intel is allowing computer makers choices in the Centrino platform. Two wireless adapters are available in the platform, for instance, but only one supports 802.11a networking.

Notebook Accessory Review: A Portable TV Tuner

Weighing just 6 ounces, AVerMedia's $99 UltraTV USB 300 is a portable TV tuner designed to pump television programming into notebook PCs. The tuner is fairly simple to use and gets its power from the computer's USB port. But there's no remote control, and programs recorded at the 720 by 480 resolution were jerky when viewed at high-quality settings.

Notebook Accessory News: A Bag With Sidewall-Impact Protection

Targus's new HP Evolution Ultra Portable Leather Notebook Case ($80) is the first computer bag to feature a sidewall-impact system designed to protect a notebook's screen during travel, the company claims. The HP-branded bag, which weighs less than 3 pounds, is expected to be the first in a line of bags featuring the protection system, says Targus.

Wireless Software Review: AvantGo Optimized for Wireless Devices

The new version of AvantGo is a big improvement for the mobile content-delivery service, says PC World Senior Editor Yardena Arar. AvantGo now makes it easier to download articles and information on wireless PDAs and smart phones, such as a PalmOne Treo 650. You have more flexibility in getting content updates and managing channel subscriptions via a wireless connection. And the new, tabbed interface can be customized with fonts and color schemes. AvantGo is a free download, too (supported by ads).

Gadget Accessory News: IPod Charger/Transmitter

IPod fans take note: Now you can keep Apple's MP3 player charged while beaming tunes to your car's FM radio. Kensington's new FM Transmitter/Auto Charger ($60) plays and charges IPods using your wheels' FM radio and power port. The device offers "enhanced noise reduction and excellent stereo separation," the company claims.

Wireless News: BlackBerry Addicts, Are You Being Watched?

Some RIM BlackBerry users send and receive messages using a BlackBerry's personal identification number instead of an e-mail address. Why? PIN messages are believed to be private, as they're sent directly to another BlackBerry instead of traveling over an enterprise server, where they could be logged and archived. But a lawsuit filed in Toronto by the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce reveals that PIN messages sent by some bank employees had indeed been logged. Read more in "Is Your Boss Watching Your BlackBerry?"