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Pocket PC Moves Full Steam Ahead

Software developers and add-on vendors hop on Pocket PC train, with cargo of applications and services.

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Pocket PC Takes Flight

Wireless communications are key to that market lead. Palm is growing its wireless Internet access options, and Pocket PC vendors are partnering to offer communications add-ons.

Compaq's upcoming IPaq Pocket PC will be marketed alongside a wireless package this summer. Pricing isn't available, but it's estimated that for about $600 [the basic IPaq should list at $499], the wireless package will include a modem card and a "jacket" adapter to connect to the Web.

Using Infowave enterprise software, the Sierra Wireless AirCard 300 CDPD modem will wirelessly connect the IPaq Pocket PC to Exchange e-mail, the Internet, and company intranets. Pricing and availability are not yet released.

Hewlett-Packard is touting two wireless bundles from Socket Communications. Available now for around $150, the Socket Digital Phone Card and cable connect a Pocket PC to a CDMA or GSM mobile phone to enable wireless Internet access, e­mail, message service, and remote access to corporate servers.

Wireless in the Works

Socket is also developing a Bluetooth network card. Expected in the third quarter for around $99, the Socket Personal Network Card is a CompactFlash Type I Bluetooth module. It eliminates the need for a cable connection between a mobile phone and Pocket PC.

InfoMove will use wireless and GPS technologies to deliver custom Internet information to cars on Cassiopeia Pocket PCs. Applications include real-time traffic reports, audible turn-by-turn directions, vehicle diagnostics, maintenance alerts, emergency services, location-based ads, and speech-enabled e-mail.

To keep you productive on the road, Think Outside plans to release its $99 Stowaway portable keyboard for the Pocket PC in the third quarter. The company offers a similar keyboard for Palms.

Despite the full train of support at Pocket PC's debut Wednesday, Microsoft still has a long haul out of the station. Devices powered by Palm's operating system claim nearly 80 percent of the handheld market, compared to Microsoft's current meager 10 percent, according to GartnerGroup analysts. Still, as more vendors sign on from both sides of the track, the handheld market continues to gather steam.

Cameron Crouch contributed to this report.

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