Mobile Computing: Avoid Cell Phone Woes

By James A. Martin, PCWorld Mar 17, 2005 1:00 AM

Mobile Computing News, Reviews, & Tips

Notebook News: Dell's Sonoma Portables

Dell recently introduced new Latitude notebooks featuring Intel's Sonoma mobile technology. Sonoma is the latest version of Centrino, Intel's platform for portable computers that includes the Pentium M processor, a mobile chip set, and an Intel Pro/Wireless chip.

Three of the new portables are the first Latitude models to include security hardware known as the Trusted Platform Module, which makes a computer verify its identity to gain access to a network. The new Latitudes cost about $1400 and up.

For more on the announcement, read "Dell Launches New Sonoma Notebooks."

Tablet PC News: Microsoft Tries to Make Tablets Mainstream

Two years after introducing Tablet PCs, Microsoft is lowering their prices in hopes of making them more mainstream. Beginning this spring, expect to see some Tablet PCs in the $1500 to $1600 range--only about $100 to $200 more than comparable notebook models. For example, Toshiba America will ship a new Satellite Tablet PC early this year. Priced at $1599, the Satellite R15-S822 will be the first Toshiba Tablet PC to be sold widely in retail stores, according to Toshiba. Read the full report, "Microsoft Tries to Nudge Tablet PCs Into the Mainstream."

Notebook Review: ChemBook Comes With a Built-In Camera

With a VGA camera built into the top of its lid and a battery that lasted 4.2 hours in our tests, the ChemBook 2037 ($1499 and up) is a desktop replacement with many talents, says PC World's Carla Thornton. With so much to offer, you might forgive the Centrino notebook's shortcomings, which include a stiff lid, poorly designed control switch, and hefty weight of 7.7 pounds.

Wireless Review: New Wi-Fi Finders Much Improved

Earlier Wi-Fi detectors didn't live up to their hype. But the latest generation of these compact devices, designed to sniff out nearby wireless networks, are much better, says PC World reviewer Michael S. Lasky. Of the three devices Michael tested, only Canary's Digital Hotspotter ($50) detects 802.11b and 802.11g signal strength and also reports the network's name, broadcast channel, and whether it's encrypted or open.

Wireless News: Yahoo Local on the Go

Yahoo's new Send to Phone feature lets you send local search results as a text message to your mobile phone from your computer. The new service is available only in the U.S. to customers of Cingular Wireless/AT&T Wireless, Verizon Communications, T-Mobile USA, Sprint, and Nextel Communications. To use the service, your phone must support Short Message Service. Yahoo doesn't charge for the service, but your carrier may apply a fee for receiving text messages.

Gadget First Look: IRiver's Answer to the IPod Mini

It seems like everyone either wants an IPod Mini or wants to one-up Apple's hit MP3 player with a better alternative. IRiver's H10 ($280) is one of the IPod Mini's latest--and best--challengers, says PC World's Eric Dahl. The 5GB, color-screen player is a joy to use. Scrolling through tunes is easy, thanks to a touch-sensitive slider control and improved software. Unlike the IPod Mini, IRiver's new device lets you listen to and record FM radio, record audio with a built-in microphone, and view JPEG photos. The battery is replaceable, and an optional second battery costs $40.