Tablet PC 2's News Archive's

June 2003

June 1, 2003

Al Falak inks deal with Zupera Technology for digital and mobile computing products

Zupera is a Microsoft Windows Embedded Partner and an active participant of the development workbench community. Their product range spans Mobile 'digital ink' 'pen computing' Tablet and Web pad devices, with a complimentary range of accessories for active and complete solutions and embedded systems such as the Thin Client Series, based upon Windows CE and Windows embedded XP platforms, protocols, and networking devices. Al Falak will at present be handling the Webpad IO, the Digital Binoculars MX, the Zupera Tablet neXP, the neXP Thin Client and the Zupera Wireless LAN (WLAN) series. 3:14 p.m.

June 2, 2003

Product News: DeLorme’s New Earthmate Receiver

DeLorme, the digital mapping and GPS company, announced the release of its latest Earthmate GPS receiver, a compact, ultra low-power USB device featuring high performance and flexibility not before seen in a GPS receiver.

DeLorme also offers a rechargeable Bluetooth wireless docking station that attaches to the Earthmate GPS receiver, which allows customers to use Bluetooth-enabled PDAs, laptops and Tablet PCs to wirelessly receive GPS signals in-vehicle. Passengers with a Bluetooth-enabled laptop or a PDA sitting in the front seat of the coach can wirelessly connect to the Earthmate GPS receiver on the dashboard and track their exact position on detailed street-level maps. The Bluetooth docking station, sold together with the Earthmate GPS, retails for less than $300, according to the company. 4:44 p.m

TabletSaver 1.0 Available

Tablet Saver Version 1.0 is now available to download. Here's what's new:

1. Pen and eraser tools
2. Manage multiple ink drawings
3. Selectively switch between drawings
4. Delete unwanted drawings
5. New Bounce animation style 4:31 p.m

Purchase the 1 Ghz Motion M1300 Tablet Pc

* Intel® CentrinoTM Mobile Technology
- ULV Intel® Pentium® M
1GHz Processor
- Intel® 855 Chipset
- Intel® PRO/Wireless 2100 networking
* Large 12.1 inch XGA TFT display
* Under 3lbs. - Less than 1" thick
* USB 2.0
* 256 MB RAM standard - Maximum 1GB
* up to 60GB Hard Disk Drive
* Compatible with full line of Motion Accessories

Motion Computing Announces First 1 GHz Tablet PC Powered By Intel Centrino Mobile Technology; Motion's Agile Business Model Gives Users Fast Access To Latest Technology

AUSTIN, Texas - June 2, 2003 - Motion Computing today announced immediate availability of the industry's first Tablet PC to incorporate the power and wireless mobility of Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology running at 1 GHz.

Motion's newest M1300 Tablet PC model is also the company's fastest, running about 8 percent faster than the ultra-low-voltage 900MHz Intel Centrino-based M1300, and up to approximately 40 percent faster than its M1200 Tablet PC.

In addition, the new model offers users Wi-Fi connectivity in thousands of wireless "hot spots" and full compatibility with Motion's broad line of M-Series accessory products.

Today's announcement is the latest in a series of technology "firsts" from Motion, including first to market with slate Tablet PCs featuring a 12.1-inch display last fall, and the 900MHz implementation last month. 9:59 a.m

Itronix Unveils the GoBook Tablet - A Uniquely Portable, Wireless, Rugged Tablet PC

Uniquely Designed for Portability, the Mid-Sized Rugged Slate GoBook Tablet PC
Weighs Less Than 4 Pounds and is Ideal for Wireless Mobile Workforce
Applications

SPOKANE, Wash., June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Itronix Corp., the world's leader for implementing wireless, rugged mobile computing systems, today introduced the GoBook Tablet PC, a uniquely designed, truly portable, wireless, rugged slate Tablet PC. Designed to support mobile professionals in industries such
as telecommunications, utilities, government, and insurance, the mid-sized GoBook Tablet PC weighs only 3.7 pounds, making it the most compact and lightest Tablet PC in the rugged category. The GoBook Tablet PC can support up to three wireless networks concurrently, operates on the Microsoft Windows XP
Tablet PC Edition operating system, and is powered by an Intel ultra-low voltage 866-MHz mobile Pentium III processor. Debuting today at SUPERCOMM (booth #20753), the GoBook Tablet PC will be available for delivery in September 2003. 10:05 a.m

Intel gives Centrino a boost

Intel is polishing up its array of Centrino chips for notebooks.

As expected, the chipmaker on Monday launched three new Pentium M processors running at higher clock speeds and cut prices on existing versions of the chip.

The Pentium M, introduced in March, is the cornerstone of Intel's Centrino family, designed to help PC manufacturers create notebooks that tie into wireless networks. The Centrino line also includes the Intel 855 chipset, which supports the processor and routes data inside a notebook, and Intel's Pro Wireless 2100 802.11b module, responsible for the wireless network connection.

The company is working to build momentum for the relatively new Centrino chips by launching faster Pentium Ms and by adding new software as well, during what will prove to be a busy month for the chipmaker's notebook product line.

Motion Computing, which manufactures tablet PCs based on Microsoft's Windows XP Tablet PC Edition software, said on Monday that it will offer a version of its M1300 tablet PC that incorporates the 1GHz ultra-low-voltage Pentium M. The new tablet will start at $2,099, a Motion Computing representative said. 10:02 a.m

Intel Delivers Performance and Security Enhancements for Intel Centrino Mobile Technology; Key Milestones Show Strong Industry Acceptance

When introduced in March there were 34 systems enabled with Intel Centrino mobile technology. Today, PC makers worldwide are shipping 58 different models, and Intel expects more than 125 designs to be available for sale by the end of the year. Systems range in style from tablet PCs to thin-and-light designs with large screens to ultra-mobile systems that weigh less than three pounds. In some cases these mobile systems can achieve greater than five hours of battery life on a single charge. Importantly, Intel has now verified the compatibility of Intel Centrino mobile technology with more than 14,000 hotspots worldwide, exceeding its end-of-year goal of 10,000.

Intel Centrino mobile technology is Intel's best technology for mobile PCs and is optimized for thin-and-light, mini and sub notebooks and tablet PCs...9:58 a.m

HP leads Tablet PC market in the Middle East and Africa

HP confirmed today its leadership in the Tablet PC market in the Middle East and Africa. Results are based on the release of Canalys Q1 03 figures.

HP’s award-winning Tablet PC TC1000 stunned the market capturing 61% of the pie. Lagging behind was the next competitor at 33.6% market share. The Tablet PC TC1000’s unique swivel-convertible design has landed it star status on a worldwide and EMEA level. EMEA figures for tablet PCs show a 67% market share for HP, with closest competitor following at 16%. 9:52 a.m

June 3, 2003

Intel Cranks Up Centrino Speed

Centrino already has exceeded Intel's expectations. The number of PC products supporting the technology has increased to 58 from 34 since March, and the company expects that more than 125 Centrino-based designs will be available by year's end.

The world's leading chip manufacturer on Monday unveiled a 1.70 GHz processor, a low-voltage 1.20 GHz chip and an ultra-low-voltage, chip running at 1.0GHz for the Centrino product line, which includes the Pentium M processor, 855 chipset and Wi-Fi Latest News about Wi-Fi (802.11b) wireless local area networking (WLAN) technology for broadband Internet access.

Need for Speed

Centrino was designed for laptops, tablet PCs and next-generation lightweight computing devices sought by an increasingly mobile workforce. In effect, with the speed bump to 1.7 GHz, Intel has broadened the Centrino family to fill a gap in the high end, Aberdeen Group analyst Peter Kastner told NewsFactor. 9:30 a.m

NewsStand Launches Enhanced Reader; New Version Significantly Improves Digital Reading Experience

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 3, 2003--NewsStand Inc., the leading international digital distributor for newspapers, magazines and other print media, today announces the roll-out of its latest NewsStand Reader, a software tool that enables users to download and read their favorite publications on their desktop, laptop or tablet PC.
The NewsStand Reader allows users to view and experience an exact digital version of a publication's print edition. Built based on feedback from subscribers and publishers, the enhanced NewsStand Reader includes many features for easier navigation and increased functionality. As a part of the company's total solution for print publishers, the new Reader includes:

-- One-click zoom for smooth, fast reading

-- Expanded on-page scrolling functionality

-- Pen-enabled capabilities for annotating important items and
working crossword puzzles

-- Animated page turning 9:26 a.m

MapInfo Working with Ekahau to Deliver End-to-End Wi-Fi Solution

Saratoga, CA, June 3rd 2003 - Ekahau has announced joint marketing and development agreement with MapInfo Corporation (Nasdaq: MAPS), to deliver a complete, end-to-end Wi-Fi location management solution. MapInfo offers the ability to accurately map and visualize WLAN networks that are near a given customer, near existing serving facilities or for planned build-out of Wireless LANs tied to existing enterprise networks. Through a combination of accurate street level data, wireless infrastructure data and spatial architecture MapInfo provides the foundation in which WLAN network providers can understand "where" their networks are, "what" is tied to their networks, and provides them the "how" to better plan and manage their networks.

Ekahau, Inc. is a leader in location-enabling Wi-Fi network planning and engineering, using Ekahau Positioning Engine(tm) and the Ekahau Site Survey(tm) software for accurate site-level information. Tracked devices can be PDAs, tablet PC's, laptops, and Wi-Fi phones other 802.11 enabled wireless devices. Free evaluation versions of the Ekahau products are available at http://www.ekahau.com/forum/application.html. For more information about Ekahau, please visit www.ekahau.com 9:23 a.m

Intel Fine Tunes Centrino

Intel Monday said it is refreshing its Centrino brand of mobile chipsets with faster processors and better security to deal with an increased demand for new designs. The company also issued a way to fix a bug that crashes when used with a virtual private network (VPN).

Introduced in March 2003, the Centrino chipset is built around three components: the Intel 855 Chipset Family, the Intel PRO/Wireless 2100 Network Connection and the Intel Pentium M processor.

Intel says it is seeing vendors put its chipsets in systems ranging in style from tablet PCs to thin-and-light designs with large screens to ultra-mobile systems that weigh less than three pounds. In some cases these mobile systems can achieve greater than five hours of battery life on a single charge. 9:21 a.m

Toshiba's new unit is rugged performer

Toshiba's Portege 3500 is a tablet PC tailored, one imagines, to the needs of corporate workers. That it will fit in well for many home or school users — albeit ones with somewhat deep pockets — is a bonus.

Toshiba's notebooks are very well regarded in the business world as rugged, reliable performers. The Portege 3500 is a solid traveler and hard worker, with a number of useful features. With pricing starting at $2,025, it's an affordable alternative among notebooks.

At the heart of the computer is a mobile Intel Pentium III running at 1.33GHz and equipped with that firm's "Speed Step" technology, which adjusts power use for various situations, saving (one would hope) some battery life.

By ordering directly from the manufacturer (portege3500.toshiba.com), users can get an external optical drive either for free or at low cost, solving my one complaint about the unit. Order the Portege 3500 with 512 MB of RAM — which I'd consider a minimum for any portable PC these days — and the price is $2,205, which, all things considered, is a very good deal on a machine likely to last a very long time. 9:19 a.m

BITS AND BYTES: Microsoft touts latest gadgets

Some jobs have more perks than others.

Tracy Overby, Microsoft's product manager for the Windows XP operating system, breezed through Kansas City last week as part of a six-city tour. She was flying through the Midwest trying to sell reporters on the idea that Windows XP could make Father's Day a whole lot better.

So Overby's "job" for the week was to play with a half-dozen or so of the latest cool gadgets while reporters who can't afford them watched and drooled. The message: Windows XP makes gadgets more manageable and easier to use.

For the record, here are the other products Overby was toting that Microsoft thinks would make good Father's Day gifts -- and I won't disagree:

The Creative Nomad MuVo, an ultra-small MP3 player with 128 megabytes of memory that doubles as a USB flash hard drive ($149); the larger and heavier Nomad Jukebox Zen, which holds 20 gigabytes of music ($299); the Acer TravelMate 100 Tablet PC ($1,600 and up); and a Microsoft Pocket PC wireless phone that runs on the T-Mobile network ($500).9:15 a.m

June 4, 2003

xThink - MathJournal

The Intelligent Recognition in MathJournal means more than depicting hand-drawn, two-dimensional equations correctly. Intelligent Recognition means recognition of semantic units in equations and other expressions. Then, after MathJournal identifies the semantic units, it is relatively easy to map these units to the appropriate solution algorithms. For example, MathJournal's algorithms solve polynomials, differential equations, symbolic math, etc. Users can choose to display solutions in any of the following formats: numeric, symbolic, and graphical.

Math students can rely on MathJournal to deepen their understanding by displaying derivations of any solution. Engineers and scientists who use Tablet PCs will appreciate how MathJournal truly frees them to do all their PC-based number-crunching and design with only a pen and a tablet. All users will be happy that MathJournal can transform their mathematics work to universal formats such as MathML or LaTeX. 11:39 a.m

IDG'S PC World Announces Winners of the 21st Annual World Class Awards

Editors Select 60 Winners Based On Performance, Value, Consistency,
And Innovation

SAN FRANCISCO, June 4 /PRNewswire/ -- PC World, the most widely-read technology or business magazine, unveiled the winners of its 21st World Class Awards yesterday. The July 2003 issue features the finest products and services of the last year, from application suites to wireless phones, from ABS to ZoneAlarm. The article will be on newsstands June 17, and is now available at http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,110653,pg,1,00.asp.

This year has seen a trend towards wireless connectivity -- the 2003 Product of the Year is the T-Mobile Sidekick. Editors tout this "hiptop" as" ... the first wireless gadget that feels capable of putting the Web in your pocket." Highlights include new categories such as "Best Tablet PC" and "Best Photo Management Software,

Best Tablet PC: NEC Versa LitePad 10:36 a.m

It's all systems go at first Convention Centre expo

Ultra-modern and bursting with the latest technology, the new Cape Town International Convention Centre opened its doors yesterday to its first exhibition, the Beqsa office automation and information technology expo.

And, although the official opening is still a month away, already the centre has become a hive of activity with Beqsa exhibitors showing off the latest in technology gadgetry.

The building is a prime example of not only Cape Town and South Africa's ability to compete globally, but also Africa's ability to meet the demands of this century.

The convention centre, which was completed in record time, boasts state-of-the-art data cabling that amounts to more than 180km of fibre optic cables.

Among the many other companies punting their hardware are Telkom, who are showing off their latest connectivity services including the new ADSL high-speed connections and Proline, who are demonstrating their Tablet PC.

The official opening of the full centre will take place on June 28 and will feature the international pop-violinist Vanessa Mae playing alongside South African opera star Sibongile Khumalo.

Those interested in attending this gala event should not waste any time getting their tickets as only 3 000 are for sale, more than half of which have already been sold. 9:40 a.m

Analysts: No Quarterly Surprises for Intel

The No. 1 chip company is currently forecasting its second quarter revenues between $6.4 and $7.0 billon with gross margins of about 50 percent. Some analysts say the gloomy economy can't slow down the tech bellwether and the SARS epidemic is having literally no affect on Intel's global sales.

"It doesn't seem to have as big of an impact especially for a global player like Intel, which advised analysts two weeks ago," Deutsche Bank Securities senior analyst Chris Avery told internetnews.com. "SARS at this point depends on a company by company basis. For example on the other end, AMD will probably be more affected because it sells its chips in white boxes, which are big sellers in China."

Avery also says Intel's spring success is based on adoption of Centrino (partially fueled by faster chips) and improved Flash sales are helping to offset the normal seasonality and the SARS impact.

Currently, there are 58 different models of Centrino shipping compared to the 34 versions when the heralded chipset first came out. The company said it expects upwards of 125 designs to be available for sale by the end of the year. Intel says it is seeing vendors put its chipsets in systems ranging in style from tablet PCs to thin-and-light designs with large screens to ultra-mobile systems that weigh less than three pounds. In some cases these mobile systems can achieve greater than five hours of battery life on a single charge 9:36 a.m

June 5, 2003

Japan Press release: 
SHARP Tablet PC " Mebius MURAMASA

The Microsoft Windows (R) the tablet PC " Mebius MURAMASA " PC-TN1-H1W

Display (the indicatory department) you adopt the convertible design which turns. It adjusts, to the method of using such as tablet style and, the usual note PC style which is adjusted to keyboard operation and furthermore is convenient to the presentation the display reversal style which are optimum to pen operation can choose free style. Furthermore, the fingerprint sensor of line system is loaded , the compact design the real security function which it is essential to business was equipped e.g., illegality use of the third party and outflow of the important data are prevented.

Besides the fact that Intel (R ) Centrino TM Mobile * technology was loaded, long battery life of standard approximately 5.0 hours was actualized, it is low voltage edition Intel (R) the Pentium (R) the M processor 1.1gHz, in the high performance design which has approximately 30GB HDD and standard 256MB memory et cetera 2:09 p.m

Through the fog... Better connecting users to technologies
The hope that tablet PCs, peer-to-peer and more can take us up a level

Computing and communications technologies often change our lives - but rarely as much as their providers claim. But, asks Quocirca analyst Jon Collins, what chance the next generation of offerings?

And more recently, we’ve been road testing tablet PCs and their suitability for various application types and looking at peer-to-peer collaboration tools such as Groove Networks. And it is in these areas where things have been getting interesting and indeed disruptive in no small measure.

First, the tablet PC. At first glance, a gadget-lover’s must-have, with the I’m-a-laptop-no-I’m-a-workpad gimmick available at the flick of a screen. Second comes the handwriting recognition, which works like a dream, picking up genuine handwriting rather than some reductionist character set. Out of the box the applications seem useful but not compelling, making one wonder whether the tablet really is no more than a gadget. Surely there must be more that can be done with this device other than its operation as a keyboardless version of a standard laptop?

Indeed there is, if applications such as Mind Manager are anything to go by. Traditionally, Tony Buzan’s mind mapping techniques (think spider diagrams on speed) have translated into adequate, yet somehow lacking, on-screen applications. Mind Manager is one of these. Its capabilities for managing and sharing multiple maps notwithstanding, there is still nothing quite like getting out a fresh piece of paper and a pack of coloured pens to really get the best out of mind maps. After all, they are all about stimulating the right side of the brain, and the combination of a computer screen, keyboard and mouse will not have the stimulating effect for everyone.

Enter the tablet, armed with the latest version of Mind Manager. Maps can be drawn as they were meant to be drawn, they can be edited with the swish of a stylus and then can benefit from all the additional facilities that electronics can provide. So far, so good. 12:58 p.m

HP, Acer to launch new Tablet PCs in July

Two major Tablet PC vendors, Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Acer, expect to launch new Tablet PCs this summer, sources said.

HP expects to launch its second 10.4-inch Tablet PC, manufactured by South Korea-based LG Electronics (LGE), in July, sources said. The new product is expected to have a similar design but better performance than HP’s current Tablet PC, the TC 1000. LGE is expected to produce 30,000-40,000 of the new Tablet PCs in July, sources said.

Meanwhile, Acer has decided to launch a 14.1-inch Centrino-based Tablet PC, the TravelMate 240, in July. The new product, manufactured by Taiwan-based Wistron, will allow both handwritten and keyboard input, but be equipped with a regular notebook display instead of convertible ones like those on Acer’s earlier Tablet PCs, sources said.

Set to target the low-priced market, Acer’s new Tablet PC is expected to cost about US$100 more than notebooks having similar specifications. Initial monthly shipments of the TravelMate 240 are estimated at 20,000-30,000 units, sources said.

Acer expects to sell about 300,000 Tablet PCs in 2003. Sources estimate that 150,000-200,000 will be equipped with both handwriting and keyboard input while the remainder will either only support handwriting input or be of some unspecified new design, sources said. 10:52 a.m

June 6, 2003

Itronix prepares itself for challenging year

Rugged-computer maker predicts flat sales at best; some positive signs emerge

A wild card in Itronix¹s year is how quickly customers embrace a rugged tablet computer the company plans to unveil later this month. Called the GoBook Tablet PC, the wireless product has a pressure-sensitive screen, also called a touchscreen, and is a rugged alternative to tablet computers currently on the market.

The Spokane manufacturer has conducted trials with the device here and in Europe, and the product has been well-received, Turner says.

³We think this is going to be really, really exciting,² he says. ³In the next couple of years, this could be a significant vehicle of growth for us. 2:26 a.m

June 7, 2003

Itronix Unveils GoBook Tablet PC

Itronix this week took the wraps off the newest member of its GoBook family of rugged mobile computers: a Tablet PC that incorporates three wireless radios.

Like the GoBook II wireless laptop, which was launched last year, the GoBook Tablet PC offers integrated support for 802.11b, Bluetooth and wireless wide area network (WAN) technologies such as CDMA 1xRTT and GPRS. The Spokane, Wash.-based company said the device will be available in September.

The 3.7-pound tablet is powered by Intel's ultra-low voltage 866MHz mobile Pentium III processor and runs Microsoft's Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system. It includes a 30GB hard drive and up to 640MB of memory. Pricing starts at $2,995. 10:28 a.m

June 8, 2003

Running Linux On Acer's C100 Tablet PC

That most manufacturers aren't leaping to provide Linux support on their tablet PCs doesn't mean it isn't possible 9:18 p.m

June 9, 2003

Very New, Very Cool.........

The EluminX Illuminated Keyboard

(SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA)-Auravision LLC, a pioneer computer peripheral
developer, today announces it will display its popular illuminated keyboard from the EluminX . The EluminX Illuminated Keyboard is the first commercially available computer keyboard with internal luminescence or lighting.

The EluminX Illuminated Keyboard remains totally visible even in dark or low-lit workspaces. It helps reduce the glare from task lighting, eases eyestrain, and makes the keys easy to see, offering a perfect solution for late-night web surfers, gamers and other computer users. The EluminX technology is now available in Auravision SlimSeries( models with sapphire (blue), aquamarine, tourmaline (red), and citrine (orange) illumination. The case is available in bone, black, metallic and other colors.

Auravision will also be demonstrating its new optical mouse in coordinating colors to the keyboards. It is specially designed for serious gamers, featuring ultra flex Hardwire for highly accurate input and stabilized 800 dpi input for faster response in critical game play.

A USB version will be out later in the year, but for those who can't wait you can use a ps2 to USB conector can be used with the EluminX on the Tablet PC 4:51 p.m

Toshiba to open retail outlets

BANGALORE: Toshiba in association with HCL Infosystems, a leading Information enabling and integrating company, would open "Toshiba World", flagship Toshiba retail outlets, in six or seven cities, a company official said on Monday.

Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai are among the cities on the list, Jyotin Verma, country head (Sales and Marketing), HCL Infosystems, told reporters after the inauguration of a showroom here, the second after the one existing in New Delhi.

The showroom showcases the latest mobile PC products and technologies from Toshiba, providing a first hand experience of the products including notebooks, tablet PCs and other handheld devices, he said.

The showroom, designed to be a hi-tech hub, would facilitate HCL in its marketing and sales activities and also reinforce Toshiba's commitment to India, he added. 11:51 a.m

Instant Messaging's Achilles Heel

Given the pace of business today, instant messaging Latest News about instant messaging seems like a natural fit for the global enterprise, enabling far-flung employees and contract workers to communicate in real-time throughout the workday.

However, many enterprises are balking for a simple reason: IM and other peer-to-peer applications can pose serious security risks. That point was underscored last week when Yahoo (Nasdaq: YHOO) Latest News about Yahoo released a patch to fix a buffer overflow vulnerability in its IM and chat programs.

The security issue might seem serious enough to keep true enterprise-quality IM on the shelf for a while longer, but vendors are forging ahead with new programs to solve this dilemma and carve out a chunk of market share in this nascent sector. Will they succeed in establishing IM as a must-have enterprise application?

For example, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) Latest News about Microsoft unveiled a beta version of an upgraded real-time communications (RTC) platform in March, saying its server Latest News about Servers platform would greatly expand the realm of collaborative communications.

"Microsoft's vision is that real-time communication goes well beyond instant messaging," Anoop Gupta, vice president of IM at the software giant, told the E-Commerce Times. "We think if given the tools, corporations will change the way they communicate."

Gupta noted that e-mail, barely present within enterprises less than 15 years ago, is now almost universally available. "I think you'll see a similar trend with IM," he said, adding that Microsoft envisions workers sharing documents and images in real-time across networks that range from desktop PCs to mobile devices, such as the Tablet PC platform.

Enterprise-quality IM offerings are key because consumer programs not only may be less secure, but also are gaining notoriety in corporations as time-wasters. Of particular concern is unauthorized downloading and use of such programs, which leaves corporate networks vulnerable to viruses, trojan horses and other threats.

But Gupta said adoption of consumer IM is just further evidence of users' appetite for this technology. "No one has to be convinced this can be a useful tool for their workers," he said. 11:48 a.m

Corporates slow to take tablet

A LACK of mainstream applications and high prices has hampered the worldwide sales of tablet PCs.

Sales of the devices to traditional business markets remained slow, which added a hindrance to broader mass-market adoption, according to market research firm IDC.

Still, the firm says specific vertical markets are demonstrating a healthy desire for tablet PC products and, as product prices are reduced, new designs appear and an increased number of applications with handwriting support emerge, it expects tablet PC products to increase in popularity.

The tablet PC is a broad-based industry initiative that builds on the capabilities of Windows XP Tabled PC Edition as well as digital pen and speech technologies.

Promisel says the form factor's ability to deal with Asian language input more easily than traditional keyboard-equipped notebooks remains a powerful driver in Asia.

He also says the tablet PCs got off to a fast start after Microsoft introduced its Windows XP Tablet PC Edition software in November 2002.

"Penetration into the corporate segment, which IDC sees as critical for widespread tablet adoption, is still at least six to 12 months away," Promisel says. 11:41 a.m

Intel enhances performance for mobile technology

Key milestones show strong industry acceptance

Karachi: Intel Corporation today disclosed new performance enhancements, support for more robust wireless security standards and a number of key market acceptance milestones for Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology-based systems.

When introduced in March there were 34 systems enabled with Intel Centrino mobile technology. Today, PC makers worldwide are shipping 58 different models, and Intel expects more than 125 designs to be available for sale by the end of the year. Systems range in style from tablet PCs to thin-and-light designs with large screens to ultra-mobile systems that weigh less than three pounds. In some cases these mobile systems can achieve greater than five hours of battery life on a single charge. Importantly, Intel has now verified the compatibility of Intel Centrino mobile technology with more than 14,000 hotspots worldwide, exceeding its end-of-year goal of 10,000. 6:12 a.m

Impact Labs Launches Master Archive 3.5 Family of Image Compression Applications

New Applications to Provide High-Volume Compression for Group Four TIFF Images, DICOM Medical Images, and High-Resolution Photographs, Maintaining Image Fidelity, While Shrinking File Size, Freeing Bandwidth and Storage Capacity

Impact Labs today announced the launch of the Master Archive(TM) 3.5 family of image compression applications. Impact is developing three specialized server "editions" of Master Archive for high-volume image compression: Document Edition for Group Four TIFF images (scanned documents), Medical Edition for DICOM medical images (digital X-rays, CT scans, etc.), and Image Edition for high-resolution imagery (satellite, commercial and art photography, illustration, etc.).

The Viewer software will be distributed free of charge, so that anyone using a Windows PC, laptop or tablet PC can view, magnify, save, print, delete and share ICF files.

In addition to providing advanced compression, Master Archive 3.5 will also include encryption capabilities so that customers have options for securing their files from loss, theft, or other subversive activities. 4:51 a.m

Lightweight magic in your hands

Taking lightweight, wireless portability to a new level, along comes the TravelMate C110 - a convertible TabletPC from Acer complete with Intel’s Centrino core logic chipset and a built-in Wireless Fidelity feature.

An advantage of the C110 is that it comes with all necessary features, requiring no upgrades. It has 512 megabytes of double-data rate (DDR) memory. Its hard disk is huge with 40 gigabytes of space.

The package has an external DVD/CD-RW combo drive, allowing you watch DVD movies and record data, music and videos on CDs.

The Tablet PC operating system is for people who prefer taking notes by hand or voice, rather than typing. It comes with Windows Journal, which features handwriting recognition. It can be used as electronic paper on which the user can write or make sketches that are treated as graphic files, and which can be seen on other machines that don’t have the Tablet PC edition by using Microsoft Windows Journal Viewer. The C110 also comes with a Sticky Notes application.4:41 a.m

June 10, 2003

The Toughest Tablet

NEW YORK - Software giant Microsoft certainly got a lot of ink when Chairman Bill Gates started touting the Tablet PC concept at computer-industry trade shows more than two years ago.

But now that manufacturers are actually selling computers based on the concept, there's an irony about the products. Microsoft (nasdaq: MSFT - news - people ) and others have generally positioned Tablet PCs for use in the workplace, where their cost and feature set make the most sense. But it is in the workplace where a Tablet PC will also get the most abuse, particularly in the so-called "vertical markets" where workers walk around factory and shop floors and rarely sit at desks.

Having handled about a half a dozen different Tablet PC models from different manufacturers, we'd certainly hate to drop any of them on a concrete floor. But a small company in Spokane, Wash., last week announced a Tablet PC model designed to survive abusive owners. The company is Itronix, and it competes in many product segments against the Toughbook line of ruggedized notebooks from Matsushita (nyse: MC - news - people ) unit Panasonic.

The product is the GoBook Tablet, which weighs in at less than four pounds and sports an Intel (nasdaq: INTC - news - people ) Pentium III processor running at 866 megahertz and optimized for low power consumption.

Built with mobile field workers in mind, it can withstand rain, snow, extreme temperatures, dust, shock, vibration and exposure to chemicals. That goes above and beyond usual annoyances like a spilled drink or a casual drop.

Aside from that, it's able to maintain three distinct wireless networking connections at once. Depending on your needs, it can connect to Wi-Fi wireless networks, Bluetooth, and wireless phone networks like CDMA and GPRS networks all at once. The standard configuration includes a 30-gigabyte hard drive and 640 megabytes of memory. It will ship in September with a starting price of $2,995, which is higher than other tablets. But we'd hate to see other tablets after being dropped and splashed with coffee a few times. 9:58 a.m

Secure Paperless Billing System Technology Is Assisting Area Physicians

CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 10, 2003--Two Tri-State companies are joining forces to offer hospitals and medical groups with a secure, paperless billing solution that provides efficiency and increased cash flow.

Mycom Group, Inc. (OTCBB:MYCO), a technology products, managed services, and software development company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, announced it is working with Comprehensive Medical Management (CMM) to provide technical support and security for CMM's launch of its' new paperless billing system for physician groups. The new system uses secure, wireless technology and addresses the challenges that medical practices face with delayed billings and collections from insurance carriers.
Comprehensive Medical Management is a Newport, Kentucky based medical billing and financial services company, specializing in supporting anesthesia and emergency room physician groups in hospitals. CMM may be reviewed at www.comp-med.com.

CMM is leveraging their expertise in medical billing and cash flow management while applying leading edge technology, allowing physician groups to transmit billing and patient data and demographics to CMM via secure, wireless technology, at the time of service. Paperless billing shortens the normal billing cycle by up to several weeks.

Traditional paper based systems may soon be replaced by this new, web based, charge-capture system using PDA's, tablet PC's, laptops, desktop computers, and mobile phones. Doctors can use the wireless device of their choice to capture billing charges, which are transmitted to the CMM billing system electronically, significantly reducing accounts receivable time. For large physician groups this can translate into hundreds of thousands of dollars of increased cash flow per year. In addition to the benefit of more accurately transmitting charges, the system reduces billing errors and claims rejections that often run as high as 30% for some insurance carriers and physician groups. 9:56 a.m

Is the Pocket PC going the way of the Newton?

I do agree that most people will not see much difference between PPC 2002 and 2003, similar to Palm OS 4 and OS 5. Smartphones look like they are the wave of the future and their use seems to be growing as Joel indicated. By the way, now that I own a Newton I have to say that the community is still kicking and there are some great people out there keeping it going. I don't know if there would be the same "community" feel if the Pocket PC went the way of the Newton, as Jeff is predicting. Is Microsoft focusing on smartphones and Tablet PCs and letting the Pocket PC slip from the radar? 9:54 a.m

Tablet PC sales continue to grow: report

The company's research says that in Europe's seven biggest economies, tablet PC sales through indirect channels were up nearly 14 percent in April over March. ...

Tablet PCs are similar to laptops in terms of size, weight and power, but what sets them apart is their mobility and ease of use on the go. Tablet PCs are far more powerful than their PDA cousins, and easier than a laptop to use in a meeting, while standing, or on an airplane. Instead of the "clam shell" design that most laptops have, tablet PCs consist of a flat-screen and no keyboard.

Context also said that of the major tablet PC makers, HP dominates with about 74 percent of sales, followed by Toshiba with almost 14 percent of the market. Acer comes in third with just over 9 percent of the market and FSC rounds out the top four with a near 3 percent share. 9:48 a.m

June 11, 2003

Gateway feels lure of consumer electronics

NEW YORK--Gateway believes the key to ending its PC market funk is to become the next big consumer electronics brand in the United States.

The Poway, Calif., company is embarking on a new strategy that it hopes will take it from relying on sales of PCs and PC-related products to overseeing a consumer-electronics lineup with several new sources of income. The changes, though, may well open it to a new set of well-established competitors.

Moving toward a business model it calls "branded integrator," Gateway is preparing to unveil a wide range of consumer-electronics products that work together and share content. It is also designing services to help customers install and operate their new gear. 1:24 p.m

Gateway Puts Centrino Laptop, Tablet Front And Center

Gateway added two new products to its expanding lineup on Wednesday -- a wireless laptop and a Centrino-equipped Tablet PC -- that it will start shipping this week.

The new Gateway 200, a 4.3-pound ultra-light laptop packed with Intel's Centrino wireless technology, will be priced between $1,599 and $1,999. A 14.1-inch screen is standard, but the 200 can be configured with a either a 1.4MHz or 1.6MHz Pentium-M processor, up to 1GB of memory, and a variety of optical drives.

Also to ship Thursday is the Gateway Tablet PC, the company's first entry into the pad-style portable market that includes Centrino wireless networking. The Tablet comes with 256MB of RAM, a 40GB hard drive, and a 12.1-inch display. Prices begin at $2,399.

The effort, which the company began earlier this year, will include the launch of 50 products in 15 new categories by the middle of November. New products introduced Wednesday, though, were on the PC side: a lightweight notebook and a tablet PC.

"Clearly we want to have everything ready for this holiday season," Waitt said. "But then we'll continue to move through 2004 with a stream of product announcements." 1:25 p.m

Motion Computing first to market with Centrino-based Slate Tablet PC

New M1300 from top-tier Tablet PC maker runs faster, longer
African Gateway Connection has announced the introduction of the first Tablet PC in SA based on Intel Centrino technology - the Motion Computing M1300.

Carl Roode, GM of African Gateway Connection, says: "The international success of the M1300 is already apparent and distribution rights have been snatched up by reputable companies worldwide, including Dell who have the distribution rights in the US, and ourselves, with the exclusive rights to distribute in the southern African region.

It is the first "pure slate" on the market to feature Intel's most advanced mobile architecture, and delivers more processing power and longer battery life. Compared with the Motion Computing's former top-line product, the award-winning M1200, the M1300 operates up to 30% faster and extends typical battery life by 10% to 15%.

The Motion M1300 leverages each component of the Intel Centrino mobile technology: an ultra-low-voltage Pentium M processor running at 900MHz, the Intel 855 chipset and the Intel PRO/Wireless 2100 Network Connection for WiFi connectivity in thousands of wireless "hot spots".

The new model also retains the popular three-pound design and industry-leading 12.1-inch display, which allows a full-size page view, and is fully compatible with all Motion M-Series accessories. Motion's lightweight, ultramobile and durable slate design is similar in size to a spiral-bound notebook, making it ideal for pen-enabled computing in new ways and places, from hallways and subways to patient waiting rooms and living room couches. The design also avoids hinges and internal fans, two of the most fragile components of conventional notebooks and "convertible" Tablet PCs. Effective immediately, like all of Motion's Tablet PC models, the M1300 will be built to customer specifications and fully tested before delivery.8:38 a.m

Motion Computing becomes player
Austin-based tablet PC maker says it hit the black within 18 months of founding

Austin startup Motion Computing Inc. seems like a long shot in a computer hardware sector dominated by multibillion-dollar heavyweights.

But deep industry connections, a promising new product and shrewd distribution moves have the 2-year-old startup emerging as a viable player in the fledgling market for tablet PCs.

Even more impressive: The company turned a profit in the first quarter, less than 18 months after it was founded, said chief executive Scott Eckert, although he declined to disclose financial details. 8:36 a.m

Gateway updates ultraportable notebook, Tablet PC

Gateway is preparing new notebooks and a Tablet PC refresh for launch this week, as the company updates some of its mobile hardware with Intel's Centrino technology.

Gateway will release the updated Gateway 200 series and Gateway Tablet PC through its Web site and retail stores on Thursday. The products will be available in the U.S. only.

Gateway also plans to refresh its Tablet PC product with a new Intel Pentium M processor. Gateway doesn't produce its own Tablet PC, preferring instead to resell Motion Computing's designs. Motion launched its Centrino Tablet PC in May, and Gateway is now offering a model with a 1.0GHz ultra-low voltage Pentium M processor released earlier this month.

Gateway's Tablet PC costs $2,399 and comes with the 1.0GHz Pentium M chip, 256MB of DDR SDRAM, a 40GB hard drive, and Intel's Pro/Wireless 2100 chip for 802.11b networks. 8:11 a.m

Sharp unveils its first Tablet PC

Sharp Corp. has taken the wraps off its first Tablet PC, a convertible notebook-type device that will go on sale in Japan in two months from now and eventually overseas.

The PC-TN1-H1W Mebius Muramasa is based on Intel Corp.'s Centrino package of Pentium M processor, Intel chipset and Intel wireless networking adapter, Sharp said in a statement. The machine features the 1.1GHz version of the Pentium M, has 256M bytes of memory, a 30G-byte hard disk drive and a 12.1-inch TFT (thin film transistor) LCD (liquid crystal display) with 1,024 pixel by 768 pixel (XGA) resolution.

The convertible design means that the machine can be configured to resemble either a notebook PC or, with the display twisted around through 180 degrees and folded down above the keyboard with the display facing outwards, a more conventional Tablet PC. This form factor is similar to models from competitors such as Acer Inc. and Toshiba Corp.

Sharp's Tablet PC weighs 1.9 kilograms and has a battery life of five hours, said the company.

The Mebius Muramasa Tablet PC will go on sale in Japan on Aug. 1 at a price of around ¥260,000 (US$2,200). The company said it plans to sell the Tablet PC overseas but has not decided any additional details. 8:08 a.m

June 12, 2003

Surviving A Rough And Tumble World

Solution providers looking for powerful mobile computers that can withstand the most brutal environments will welcome three new Tablet PCs recently unveiled by vendors known for their rugged computers.

The CRN Test Center reviewed the three offerings, two of which are slate-style Tablet PCs, and the third, a convertible unit.

The slate-style Tablet PCs are the CT60 Rugged Tablet PC by Intermec Technologies, expected to be available in July, and the iX104 Rugged Tablet PC by Xplore Technologies, which is available now. The convertible unit is the Panasonic Toughbook 18 Touchscreen PC, which is slated to be available later this month. A true Toughbook Tablet PC version, which will include Windows XP Professional Tablet PC Edition and some related capabilities, is scheduled to be available in July with a price tag of $4,100.

The Tablet PCs reviewed by the Test Center possess numerous rugged features and capabilities, in addition to the versatility and wireless connectivity of standard Tablet PCs. They are all designed to meet MIL-STD 810E military ruggedness specifications, meaning that they can endure drops, spills, humidity, temperature extremes, shock, high altitude, vibration, etc. The iX104 is also HazLoc certified, which allows it to be used in industries where flammable gases could be present (such as the petroluem, chemical and airline industries).

The Test Center evaluated the units based on two of the MIL-STD 810E requirements. The units all survived 3-foot falls onto concrete on all of their surfaces, edges and corners (while in non-operating mode). Test Center engineers had some initial concerns regarding the Panasonic Toughbook because it is a convertible unit, but it survived the falls well, thanks in part to its reinforced rugged hinge (with the only damage being some superficial scratches on the unit). The three units also all survived immersion in water. 10:43 a.m

Bill Gates, Entertainment God

Microsoft has two visions for the future of digital media: unlimited choice for consumers, and unlimited control for producers. One thing's for sure, it's unlimited opportunity for Redmond.

The front door on this house has no keyhole. Which is not to say it's vulnerable. Security couldn't be more important at 16100 NE 159th Avenue. There's the future to protect.

Instead of traditional locks, there's an electronic kiosk with a touchscreen, a biometric scanner, and a smartcard reader. Go ahead and make eye contact; if you're a match, you'll pass through into your future home - a time and place a half-dozen years from now when your living quarters will recognize you, communicate with you, and anticipate your every need.

And digital media is everywhere. "Suspicious Minds" greets you in full-home surround sound. The family's collective music library is accessible from any room, on every device. You can cue up a movie on a kitchen monitor while cooking and finish it on the plasma in the den - or the projection screen in the media room. A central media server supplies entertainment throughout, seamlessly streaming content wherever there is demand. 10:34 a.m

Teachers invited to learn about emerging technologies

HASTINGS -- An Emerging Technology Exploration Day for K-12 Teachers has been set for June 25 in the Platte Building at Central Community College-Hastings.

The event is sponsored by CCC, the Midwest Center for Information Technology and Educational Service Unit 9.

Participants will have an opportunity to explore the latest technological tools and how they can be integrated into curriculum.

Presenters and their organizations are Ross Baker, TalknType.biz; Mark Billington, Apple Computer Inc.; Louise Dannehl, Nebraska Educational Assistive Technology; Jim Jeter, Hewlett Packard; Gordon Roethemeyer, Educational Service Unit 9; and Dr. Neal Topp, University of Nebraska-Omaha.

In the morning, they will give an overview on such products as Palm Pilots, iMovie Desktop Video, OmniForm and OmniPage, Excel Workbooks, HP Tablet PC and voice recognition software.

In the afternoon, they will lead the participants in hands-on sessions.

Interested individuals must register by June 16 if they want to attend the event. 10:28 a.m

Acer expects to post 40% revenue growth for 2003

A new series of tablet PCs will also hit markets in July, which is seen boosting tablet PC shipments to about 150000 units in 2003, to exceed HP's shipment ... 10:26 a.m

June 13, 2003

When Will Wi-Fi meet the Automobile?

There should be no reason to be intimidated by the high-tech industry. I?m not sure yet that, when it comes to maximizing revenues, the high-tech guys view the car as a high-priority computer form factor. But I would agree with Bill Gates, who says that when the dust clears the automobile will be one of the key computing form factors or platforms along with the desktop, computer, wristwatch, handheld phone/PDA, and the tablet PC, although I don?t agree with this last one.

Perkins: The auto industry has been very astute about staying on top of the CPU side of the business as a big buyer of high-tech software and hardware. The average car today has as much micro-processing power as the Apollo 13 did. The big challenge now, however, will be to leverage the Internet and wireless technologies and make the auto an integral part of the network I discussed earlier. Your car should be able to exchange files with any computer or other device anywhere else.

One exciting opportunity is to make the consumer?s telephony experience seamless between car, office, and home. I shouldn?t have to push any buttons, call anyone back, or even think about it in general. It?s the same case with music -- to be able to know that if I buy a music title from the Apple Online Music store on my laptop, I can easily access it through my Palm Pilot, cell phone, or my automobile. Yet a third opportunity is for the passenger to be able to use the Web just as easily as at the home or office. These are activities that auto consumers will get very excited about. 9:12 a.m

Innovative batteries power Electrovaya growth

Electrovaya got a welcome jolt with news that its second-quarter revenues jumped 54 per cent over the first quarter.

On top of that, revenues were up 104 per cent from the fourth quarter of 2002.

No one could be happier then Dr. Shankar Das Gupta, who spent more than a decade developing the superpolymer rechargeable battery that outperforms other rechargeable battery technologies.

Located in Mississauga, the firm's core technology is its lithium ion polymer rechargeable battery.

Containing no toxic material, the battery stores twice as much energy as traditional batteries and enables the development of a family of clean transportation alternatives.

Its market is portable wireless communications devices, electric vehicles and other mobile vehicles, such as forklifts and golf carts.

Today, the company is starting to look seriously at a passenger car powered by lithium ion batteries. Electrovaya claims its batteries are half the size, but store just as much energy as a conventional lithium ion polymer battery. An outgrowth of the battery has been Electrovaya's decision to move into the tablet PC business by making two models for separate uses.

"Our Scribbler Tablet PC is the world's most mobile tablet PC with its full day run time.

"Powered by our award winning battery, this Tablet PC gives mobile users the ultimate tool," added Dr. Gupta. "Running for eight to 16 hours, the Scribbler does not have to be managed." 8:23 a.m

June 16, 2003

CeBit America--first order is business

Some large computer manufacturers such as Dell Computer will have little, if any, presence at the show. But a host of others, including Hewlett-Packard, have chosen to attend CeBit America to debut new products and technologies aimed at businesses. IBM and Sun Microsystems also will attend.

HP, which has a booth on the show floor, likely will be one of the top names at CeBit America. The company will use the show to officially launch two new business-oriented wireless notebooks--the lightweight HP Compaq nc4000 and nx7000--which it hopes will bolster its position against Dell and IBM.

TDV Vision, a company that manufactures computer displays, will introduce nVision, a new tablet PC, based on Transmeta's Crusoe processor. The tablet will feature a 12-inch display and will start at $999, the company said in a statement 11:02 a.m

US CeBit seeks business elite

Unlike sister show CeBit Hannover, which boasts hundreds of thousands of attendees, CeBit America is aiming at a much smaller number of corporate executives.

CeBit America, the U.S. offshoot of one of the world's biggest technology trade shows, is shaping up to be the anti-Comdex.

TDV Vision, a company that manufactures computer displays, will introduce nVision, a new tablet PC, based on Transmeta's Crusoe processor. The tablet will feature a 12-inch display and will start at $999, the company said in a statement.

Other show participants will include Intel, Lexmark, Microsoft, Oracle, Sprint, T-Mobile, Toshiba and Xerox.10:58 a.m

CeBIT prepares for US debut
Show to have enterprise focus

"We're trying to give it a much more genteel feel than other trade shows," said Kathy Wilson, the show's vice president of sales.

Unlike the parent CeBIT, a weeklong extravaganza that has drawn hundreds of thousands of attendees and covers a range of technologies, CeBIT America will be a tightly focused business-to-business show. Instead of aisles of booths lining the show floors, organizers say they're arranging exhibitors into clusters of related technologies, with lounge areas liberally available. The goal is to get vendors and potential customers talking and keep them on the floor for those conversations, executives said.

Networking and wireless products are popular with show exhibitors. Hewlett-Packard (HP) will be showing off its mobility wares, previewing upcoming handhelds and notebooks. HP will also join Adaptec and Seagate Technology to demo new storage devices. Sony Electronics will be focusing on storage as well, bringing to the show new libraries and tape drives that will start shipping soon.

Microsoft plans to team with partners including Toshiba and Intel to push its Tablet PC software. 3Com will be showing firewall products and network management technology. PalmSource, whose chief executive will be delivering one of the show's keynote addresses, says it will have several announcements about new products for corporate mobility, security and systems management needs. 10:33 a.m

CeBIT America debuts, defying show slump

With marketing budgets drying up and trade-show attendance shrinking, this summer seems a quixotic time to launch a new IT conference. But this week, Germany's CeBIT ubershow will make its U.S. debut, with an enterprise focus and a European format that organizers are counting on to set it apart from its troubled brethren.

The project has already suffered from the continuing economic slump. A year ago, show organizer Hannover Fairs USA Inc. forecast 40,000 attendees for its debut of CeBIT America. Now, the company hopes to attract 20,000. Exhibitor numbers are also lower than the 400 to 500 originally forecast, with 361 signed on.

Microsoft Corp. plans to push its Tablet PC software, while 3Com Corp. will show firewall products and network management technology. PalmSource Inc. plans to make several announcements about new mobility, security and systems management offerings. 10:31 a.m

Check Out the Tablet PCs

Since we founded MSDN Magazine back in 1932, we've seen generation after generation of technological advances, from the early TV test transmissions of Felix the Cat dolls that made up the bulk of our coverage in the 1940s to the special 132-page bumper issue that coincided with the launch of "New" Coke in 1985. Trends have come and trends have gone, but we were truly awed when we recently opened up our first Tablet PC.

If you haven't tried one of these babies, you should take one for a spin at your friendly local hardware retailer. Even if you're not in the market for a laptop right now, it'll be worth it to see where the evolution of the personal computer will be taking us in the next five years. The units we've seen are sleek and stylish, lightweight (3.2 pounds is average), and the concept of ink markup on a screen that can be oriented to work in either portrait or landscape mode adds surprising value to the computing experience.

To demonstrate the unique power of this computing paradigm—yes, it's so amazing that we broke policy and used the word "paradigm" in this Editor's Note—we used the Train Test. "The Train Test?" you ask incredulously. It's simpler than it sounds....10:27 a.m

NewsStand Announces Technology Licensing Agreement with Adobe Business Wire

AUSTIN, Texas, Jun 16, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- NewsStand Inc., the world's leading digital distributor for print media, today announces a technology licensing agreement for the Adobe PDF Library with Adobe Systems Inc.

NewsStand delivers exact versions of more than 50 of the world's premier newspapers, magazines and newsletters in a digital format to readers around the globe via the Internet. Using a desktop, laptop or tablet PC, readers can purchase and download publications, store them locally on their hard drive, and read them online or offline. 10:20 a.m

MicroOptical Announces World's First Eyewear-Mounted Display for Mobile Personal Computers

SV-6 PC Viewer is Designed to Take Full Advantage of WiFi-Enabled Devices Like Tablet PCs, Laptops, and Wearable Computers

The MicroOptical Corporation, the leader in eyewear viewers for the portable electronics industry, today announced the availability of its SV-6(TM) PC Viewer (SV-6), the first eyewear-mounted display specifically designed for use with mobile personal computers. The SV-6 is a small, ultra-lightweight and highly ergonomic display that provides head-up, hands-free viewing of information from Tablets, laptops, wearable computers, ruggedized computers or other mobile computing devices with a VGA output.

The SV-6 has two key features that help the user take full advantage of the mobile WiFi environment. The SV-6 functions as a second monitor utilizing the Microsoft Multiple Monitors feature in Windows 2000 and XP. Users now have the advantage of two monitors: a primary monitor for standard information and the SV-6 head-up display for mission critical information, which is especially useful in untethered WiFi applications. In addition, the SV-6 will automatically format SVGA for the VGA viewer, eliminating the need to reset the resolution.

"MicroOptical's SV-6 heralds a new era of mobile data presentation, one in which information is truly portable and private, and where data are presented hands-free without blocking vision," ...10:20 a.m

NEC Versa LitePad Tablet PC Wins 2003 World Class Award from PC World

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 16, 2003--NEC Solutions (America), Inc., a leading provider of business solutions and services for commercial and professional markets in North America, announced the NEC Versa LitePad(TM) was honored by PC World with the World Class Award for best Tablet PC. The 2003 World Class Award winners are announced in the July 2003 issue of PC World (online now and on newsstands June 17) and will be presented at the ShowStoppers reception on June 18 during CeBIT America in New York.
"The ultimate buyers guide, the World Class Awards set the standard for excellence in the high-tech industry," stated Harry McCracken, editor of PC World. "From PDAs to privacy software, PCs to Web-based applications, the editors reward the finest products and most outstanding performers in this annual award program. Congratulations to the NEC Versa LitePad Tablet PC."

Thinnest, Lightest Tablet PC

Both sleek and lightweight, the NEC Versa LitePad is perfect for executives or healthcare professionals who require a functional yet sleek device in board meetings or point of care services. It has an ultra slim profile of 11.7-inches long by .6-inches thick and is a feather-light 2.2 pounds(1) -- lighter than any other slate Tablet PC on the market today and designed for extreme mobility. The Versa LitePad features 10.4-inch wide-angle display, which creates a "digital paper" environment, electronically capturing handwritten notes. Its innovative form factor allows professionals to use the system in places where traditional desktops and notebooks are not practical.

The Versa LitePad ships with an Intel(R) Mobile Pentium(R) III Processor at 933MHz-M. NEC has engineered the Versa LitePad with integrated Wi-Fi networking capabilities (Wireless LAN 802.11a/b) to provide ultimate connectivity, as well as a traditional built-in Mini PCI LAN for fast connections to both wired and wireless networks.
The Versa LitePad ships with several third-party productivity applications pre-bundled,...10:15 a.m

Bluesoft orders Integrated Circuits with austriamicrosystems austriamicrosystems develops Bluetooth radio for Bluesoft's distance measurement-enabled Bluetooth Positioning Module

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 16, 2003--For its ability to create high-speed, low-power, mixed-signal RF-ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), austriamicrosystems has been chosen by Bluesoft Inc. to develop the radio for Bluesoft's new Bluetooth Positioning Module. Bluesoft's unique distance measurement capability is on display at the austriamicrosystems booth at the Bluetooth World Congress from June 17-19, 2003.
Bluesoft's patent-pending wireless distance measurement solution not only provides improved security and ease of use for Bluetooth applications, but also enables a whole new set of applications including automatic PC authentication and manufacturing safety, among others.
Bluesoft Inc. chose austriamicrosystems following market evaluation of mixed-signal RF-ASIC suppliers and technologies. A key reason for choosing austriamicrosystems was its ability to design and manufacture compact, cost-effective RF-ASIC's that combine high-speed performance with low-power operation.

This contract was just another milestone in austriamicrosystems success in the communication industry for battery powered devices where mixed signal and RF-low power designs are key to increased battery life and therefore market success of the devices including cell phones, PDA's, Tablet-PC's etc.10:12 a.m

Staying connected

Most of us have grown accustomed to having a networked office. We now take it for granted that at the office, we have high-speed Internet access, e-mail, wireless connectivity, a server that lets us share data and printers with co- workers and other conveniences.

But the majority of office workers leave it all at the workplace. Plenty of people have personal computers at home, but few have a home network. A growing trend in Southern California is changing that: People have seen the ease with which they can transfer data in the office, and they’re beginning to build that same ease into their homes. But they’re not limiting themselves to data, they are connecting everything electronic.

The market for so-called "smart" homes — houses built with a combination of wired and wireless networks that interconnect security, heating and cooling, sprinklers, lights, entertainment, computing and other daily living systems — is expanding rapidly in Los Angeles. And Town and Country Technologies, a new home networking company, is betting that the movement will burst onto Silicon Valley and the Santa Cruz area within the next year.

A smart home lets the owner control many of the home’s functions using a PC, personal digital assistant, Web tablet or cell phone. Forgot to set your alarm when you left the house? Call your home network on your cell phone, punch a few buttons, and it’s set. If you’d like to turn the lights on five minutes before you roll in the driveway or fire up the heater an hour before you arrive, you can log on to your system and do that remotely.

The key premise is to keep it simple, not to make things more complicated.

"It’s not more gadgets, more devices — it’s to get rid of all 25 remote controls and have a standard, simple remote that you can control everything from," he says. "If the phone rings, you can pick up the remote that you have and use it as a phone, and the TV goes automatically mute. That kind of stuff."

Trivedi says homebuyers are enticed by the technology.

"They’re interested in having something, like a tablet, that they can just touch and make simple changes and have the environment the way they want it," she says.

Beyond smart homes and communities, the partners also see a huge market for assisted living. Through video technology, consumers would be able to check up on aging parents or others in assisted care environments. The potential for school and day care applications is not far behind.

"I think you’re going to see a major change in how people live in the next few years," says Trivedi.10:04 a.m

June 17, 2003

MicroOptical Intros Eyewear Display, Wireless Kit for Mobile Devices

MicroOptical on Monday unveiled a tiny display that clips onto a pair of eyeglasses for hands-free viewing of information from mobile devices such as Tablet PCs and laptops.

The SV-6 PC Viewer attaches to the VGA port of a computer via a 4-foot cable and uses the Microsoft Multiple Monitors feature of the Windows operating system to project the equivalent of a full-size screen in front of the user's eyes. The viewer offers 18-bit color resolution, as is usable both indoors and outdoors, the company said.

The device is designed to present the image without blocking vision, said MicroOptical CEO Mark Spitzer. He said he expects the device to be used in the medical and finance industries, as well as for field force automation and military applications. 6:39 p.m

2004 International CES Surpasses 1.1 Million Square Feet Of Space

Explosion of New Technology Creates Show that Truly Defines Technology's Future Arlington, Va., June 16, 2003 - More than 110,00 leaders from industries representing all facets of the global economy will witness the latest developments in fast-growing product categories such as digital imaging, wireless technology, electronic gaming and broadband, as well as the latest advances in digital audio and video, mobile electronics and accessories when the 2004 International CES, North America's largest tradeshow of any kind, returns to Las Vegas January 8-11, 2004. The International CES is sponsored, produced and managed by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).

"An explosion of newer products and technologies are being created breeding some of the hottest trends in CE such as digital imaging, mobile gaming and wireless technology. During this renaissance era, consumers are witnessing an increase in product efficiency and functionality," exclaimed CEA Vice President of Events and Conferences Karen Chupka. "The 2004 International CES reflects and drives these new and emerging product sectors causing an explosion of growth on the show floor that will now house exhibits both inside and outside the Las Vegas Convention Center."

The 2004 International CES focuses on more than 20 product areas from more than 2,000 exhibitors spread throughout both the inside and outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Las Vegas Hilton, the Riviera Hotel and the Alexis Park Resort. Some of the exhibitors taking significant space at the 2004 show include: Audiovox, Eastman Kodak, Fuji, Harman Consumer Group, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Epson, Kyocera, Logitech, Microsoft, National Semiconductor, Palm Solutions Group, Panasonic, Pioneer, Samsung Electronics, Sharp, Sirius Satellite Radio, Sony, Texas Instruments, Toshiba, XM Satellite Radio and Zenith.

In addition to traditional International CES keynotes, conferences, SuperSessions and the Industry Insider series, there will be a plethora of Tech-Zones spread throughout the show floor. Each individual Tech-Zone will showcase some of the hottest products and technology including digital imaging, embedded linux, hi-tech fitness and tablet PC technology that showcases the multi-functionality and convergence driving the $100 billion CE industry.6:34 p.m

New Wireless Networking Software Transforms Mobile Workgroup Efficiencies

Three easy steps with one-click functionality allows teams to interact in
any location

NEW YORK, CeBIT America, June 17 /PRNewswire/ - The mobile workforce is on the rise and yet the pressure is on the mobile or "nomadic" worker to remain productive when away from the office. Colligo Networks, the leading provider of "instant networking" software, today announces the launch of Colligo(TM) Workgroup Edition 3.2 at CeBIT America. The easy-to-use software solves "on the go" productivity inefficiencies by allowing team members to work together wherever they need to share data and communicate electronically between any Windows-based handheld device.

Through a process of "Discover, Connect and Interact", Colligo's patent-
pending technology brings mobile solution to groups that need to interact in
connected, disconnected (server free) and intermittent modes. "Our intent is
for Colligo to become a ubiquitous tool for mobile professionals," comments
Barry Jinks, President and CEO, Colligo Networks. "Bundling our software with mobile devices is critical to that intent. We're excited to be introducing
Colligo software to help improve workgroup productivity wherever and whenever they need to interact."

Colligo(TM) Workgroup Edition is available via direct online sales at
http://www.colligo.com, retailing at $69.99 and includes the rights to install the
software on a computer (PC, laptop and Tablet PC) as well as a Pocket PC per license. Additional licenses are required for further use.10:59 a.m

Criterion and Ellie Mae Mobilize the Real Estate Industry

SAN FRANCISCO, June 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Criterion Corporation, leading
provider of innovative wireless Tablet PC-based solutions for the real estate
industry, today announced its partnership with Ellie Mae, Inc., the leading
Internet technology provider for the mortgage industry. The partnership
introduces a truly mobile approach to the property purchase and listing
process, optimizing the power of the Tablet PC. The real estate professional
utilizes seamless connectivity with title, escrow, appraisers, and their
mortgage brokers, capturing an enhanced level of efficiency, productivity and
performance. By directly embedding Ellie Mae's ePASS(R) Business Center into
Criterion's Real Estate Dashboard (R.E.D.) Tablet, an extensive list of
nationwide service providers is available, facilitating real time
communication and online transaction processing within a single integrated
application.
"This powerful combination of ePASS(R) and R.E.D.Tablet(TM) represents the
next generation of true business mobility. Conducting business through
wireless technology is now a reality for the real estate professional," said
Joe Tyrrell, Senior Vice President of Ellie Mae. "The Real Estate industry is
on the brink of experiencing a renaissance in the purchase process. By
linking and fully integrating our offerings, we enable real estate agents to
realize the productivity and cost savings that mortgage brokers have already
experienced through our technology," added Tyrrell. 10:56 a.m

HP to expand notebook lineup
The computer maker is planning to introduce an array of notebooks in the next six months in an effort to participate in as many subgenres as possible.

When it comes to notebooks, Hewlett-Packard will play the variety card.

The Palo Alto, Calif.-based computer maker is planning to introduce an array of notebooks in the next six months in an effort to participate in as many subgenres as possible, said Alex Gruzen, senior vice president and general manager of the mobile computing group. In all, HP will come out with about 10 new notebook platforms, or models, before the end of the year, he said. For consumers, that will mean an HP notebook with a 17-inch screen before the end of the year, he said, and a notebook with a DVD+RW as a standard feature in time for the back-to-school buying season, with similar models to follow.

HP will also sell tablet PCs in retail in a pilot program.10:54 a.m

Laptop PCs geta 'cool' accessory

Made of sturdy plastic, the desk, unfolded, becomes a resting place for your notebook computer, PDA and external keyboard, or Tablet PC. Folded, it's not only easy to carry, but can also become a desk stand for a notebook, which can then be positioned at a height and angle that permits optimal viewing and typing. For $29.95, it's not a bad deal.
Add on LapWorks' SwivelPad, for $19.95, and your desk stand now rotates 360 degrees. It's good for meetings or presentations, and great for customizing your layout at home or in the office. Rounding out the package is a $9.95 MouzPad that clips on to the end of the unfolded Laptop Desk to support an external mouse. 10:50 a.m

Compaq name fades from HP's lips

The Compaq name is getting pushed further aside in the no-longer-so-new Hewlett-Packard.

A year after completing its acquisition of Compaq Computer, HP is downplaying the Compaq name in its business products, arguing it is easier to sell one brand to corporate customers.

"Over time, all of your business products will become HP," Alex Gruzen, the head of the company's notebook and handheld computer unit, told CNET News.com in an interview Monday. Gruzen said it will be easier for HP's corporate sales force if all its enterprise products carry the same primary brand name.

In addition, the tech giant's next tablet PC, which is in the works, will feature the HP brand, rather than Compaq name that adorns the current model..10:42 a.m

June 18, 2003

Technology Associates Hosting Mobile Technology Showcase

(Cary, NC - June 18, 2003) - Technology Associates is bringing the cutting edge of Tablet PC and Mobile Computing to the Triangle. On Tuesday June 24th from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at the Embassy Suites in Cary, they will be gathering the biggest names, including: Toshiba, Viewsonic, Acer, Fujitsu, HP, Gateway and Nortel, to show businesses how they can streamline their operations and maximize employee productivity with the latest and greatest in Mobile Computing Hardware and Software. 7:51 p.m

HP Offers Fast, Convenient Information Access for Tablet PCs with ``QuickLook''

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 18, 2003--HP (NYSE:HPQ) today introduced QuickLook, a fast and simple way for mobile professionals to access their personal information on Tablet PCs.
QuickLook software allows users to access calendar, contacts and task information without having to wait one to three minutes for their Tablet PC to boot. Instead, mobile professionals can view this information within 10 seconds of turning on the device.
Available at no charge for download on all Compaq Tablet PCs, QuickLook provides greater ease and accessibility to the Tablet PC by giving users constant access to local information and applications. 2:51 p.m

CeBIT America Gets Underway Today

CeBIT America, an offshoot of Germany's giant tech trade show CeBIT Hannover, opens today at the Javits Center in New York City, and while corporate budgets remain tight and big trade shows are under the gun, nothing could dampen the enthusiasm of CeBIT America officials.

Not even the huge billboard that rival Comdex put up just across the street from the convention center.

"This marks the beginning of the tech re-growth," said Bill Sell, CeBIT America's head of brand and customer development and former Comdex exec, at a press briefing yesterday. "The tech recession is over -- and you'll see that this week."

The hot technologies -- networking, storage and wireless products -- will be front and center this week. In addition, on the hardware side a new tablet PC priced at $999 will be introduced by TDV Vision, a computer display maker. 10:34 a.m

HP Announces New Offerings that Work Together to Enhance the Mobile Experience

Company's Comprehensive Set of Mobile Computing Products and Solutions Deliver Both Value and Innovation

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 18, 2003--HP (NYSE:HPQ) today introduced several new computing products engineered explicitly for mobility, simplicity and ease of use, including a 3.5-pound, ultra-portable notebook PC, a 15.4-inch widescreen notebook PC and a wireless wide area network (WWAN) expansion pack for the HP iPAQ Pocket PC.
During the next six months HP, the worldwide sales leader in notebook, Tablet and Pocket PCs,(1) plans to roll out close to a dozen new mobile computing products all designed and engineered to enhance the mobile experience.
Upcoming notebooks, handhelds and Tablet PCs will share technologies such as Secure Digital slots, Bluetooth(TM) wireless technology, 802.11 connectivity and common print drivers to allow mobile users to exchange data and information across a variety of computing, imaging and printing products. 10:31 a.m

Leszynski Group Launches Training Products for Tablet PC Solution Developers
Training Accelerates Tablet PC Momentum

BELLEVUE, WA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 06/17/2003 -- Leszynski Group, Inc., a recognized leader in customized solutions for the new Tablet PC, announced today the availability of five key training courses for IT technicians and decision makers considering or undergoing a Tablet PC deployment. Under the "inDepth™ Training" brand, Leszynski Group provides onsite, customized training that teaches rapid solution development and deployment strategies for the Tablet PC, using Microsoft’s .NET Framework, Visual Studio .NET, and Tablet PC Software Development Kit.

Tablet PCs running Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition combine the portability and creativity of paper with the computing power and wireless connectivity of a laptop. This combination empowers mobile information workers with increased productivity and more flexible workflows, whether sitting in a sales meeting, working aboard an airplane, or collecting data in the field. Developing software applications for the Tablet PC requires specialized knowledge of new user interfaces, workflows, and toolsets. Prior to inDepth Training, there was no readily available, personalized, and comprehensive technical training available for the Tablet PC. 10:28 a.m

CeBIT Comes to America

Show preview: Mobile devices, wireless wares, and array of business gadgets debut.

NEW YORK -- The first CeBIT show in America may be all work and little play, but plenty of business-savvy gadgets abound at this confab hosted by the German conventioneer.
Advertisement

CeBIT America takes over the Javits Center here this week as a broad selection of vendors, including Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, and PalmSource, turn up the buzz on business tech wares amid a tech slump.

Between chatter over total cost of ownership and other enterprise issues, attendees will also be able to peruse pedestrian products like a sub-$1000 Tablet PC, a souped-up Handspring smartphone, and a selection of ever-faster wireless 802.11g products. 10:26 a.m

MSN Messenger 6 Allows IM Lovers to Express Themselves With Style

New Era of Instant Messaging Dawns with Unique Ways to Personalize,
Share and Connect

REDMOND, Wash., June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Instant messaging (IM) got more spirited and savvy today with the worldwide availability of a public preview program for MSN(R) Messenger 6. The launch ends the era of "vanilla" instant messaging, when everyone's IM interface looked the same; :-o was considered an expressive emoticon; and IM lovers had to go elsewhere to play games or share live video.

MSN Messenger 6, available beginning today at 11 a.m. PDT from
http://messenger.msn.com/download/v6preview.asp , helps users create their own online identities through customized display pictures, backgrounds and emoticons. They also can share more of themselves -- silly or serious -- with IM contacts by competing at live online games, sending photos to their
friends, or sharing animated emoticons that breathe life into that sad old :).
In addition, MSN Messenger 6 lets users connect in fresh, new ways -- via a webcam, a multitude of mobile devices or a Tablet PC -- while blocking spam and helping protect privacy. 10:23 a.m

June 19, 2003

HP and NetLedger Creating Integrated Technology Solutions for Small- and Medium-sized Business Market

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 19, 2003--HP (NYSE:HPQ) and NetLedger, Inc., maker of Oracle(R) Small Business Suite,(1) today announced they are working together to offer complete technology solutions -- from hardware to online business management applications -- targeted at small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
The effort will enable SMBs to manage their entire business using HP products and NetLedger's NetSuite(TM), one of the most widely used front- and back-office business management software applications.
To promote the benefits of the companies' alliance, NetLedger and HP are hosting a luncheon here where they will perform a wireless technology demonstration of NetLedger's software applications on an HP Compaq Business Notebook nx7000 and a Compaq Tablet PC.
The initiative is scheduled to begin this month in the United States, home to more than 7 million SMBs, where HP and NetLedger will offer complete service, support and solutions that help small businesses increase productivity and efficiency while reducing IT costs. 11:21 a.m

A Wearable PC

With the processor of a PDA but the appearance of a tablet PC, the Xybernaut Atigo-M ($1,895 direct and up, depending on configuration) is a bit of both. This unique portable Web tablet is designed for mobility in the field but is also useful as a thin-client wireless device or as a smart terminal.11:11 a.m

GiveMePower Ships New PowerCAD Pro For Windows Desktop, Laptop And XP Tablet PCs

New 5.2 Release Helps CAD Users Save Time And Money With Enhanced AutoCAD Compatibility, Photo-Realistic Rendering, And As-Built Drawing Creation Using Leica Or Hilti Portable Lasers

GiveMePower Corporation (OTCBB:GMPW), a leading provider of desktop, mobile and wireless software solutions for the design/build industry, today began shipping PowerCAD(R) Pro 5.2, a major update to the company's flagship Computer Aided Design (CAD) software system, which allows designers, drafters, architects, engineers, manufacturers, constructors and educators to affordably create, manage and share 2D and 3D designs and digital blueprints using Windows(R) desktop, laptop and XP Tablet computers.10:50 a.m

CeBITes: Report from the first U.S. CeBit

If one can glean any clues about trends from the show floor, hot areas seem to be KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) capabilities over IP and Tablet PCs. Several vendors in both categories were demonstrating products. 10:44 a.m

June 20, 2003

MindManager for Tablet PC Named Finalist: CeBIT America Best of Show

NEW YORK, June 20 /PRNewswire/ -- CeBIT America, PC Magazine, and eWEEK announced yesterday that Mindjet's MindManager, a visual tool for
brainstorming and planning on Tablet PCs, is a finalist for CeBIT Best of
Show: Personal Software. MindManager for Tablet PC improves productivity by
capturing information in a visual interface that enables users to understand
concepts faster and communicate ideas and information more clearly. Business
professionals use this fully pen-enabled software to create, structure and
share meeting notes; collect and organize customer input on the go; plan
projects; analyze business initiatives; and clarify complex processes.4:23 p.m

Live From CeBit - Palm Source Interview and New Palm Tungsten and Zire

bPDA: I have seen it...that thing looks incredibly well designed and full featured! Speaking of innovative uses of the Palm OS, we've had some site users inquire into Palm's interest in the Tablet PC market, is Palm interested in this market or willing to branch out?

Palm Source: [smiling] That's an interesting question, and yes we definitely are keeping a close eye on this market. We think it is a viable market that makes sense. A handheld is great for many uses, but taking and capturing notes in a pen based fashion is just a challenge. I won't say we're doing anything specific yet, but we're most certainly interested in this market and watching how things unfold. 4:21 p.m

Major e-government traffic project launched on Turkcell's infrastructure

The General Police Department has completed Turkey’s most comprehensive e-government project, becoming the first e-state practice to allow traffic security teams to make enquiries on vehicles and people via tablet PC's using GPRS and GPS technologies.

The Traffic Information System Project, carried out by Siemens Business Services (SBS) Turkey using Turkcell's GPRS sub-structure, will be put into practice in the demonstration meeting held at METU Conference Centre on 10 July, 2003, and will include the participation of Gökhan Aydiner, General Police Director. 6:27 a.m

Reveal Your Digital Self: MSN Messenger 6 Helps Users Create A Online Identity

SINGAPORE- MSN is offering instant messaging fans an opportunity to preview the latest version of Asia's most popular instant messaging service, MSN Messenger 6, with the launch of an advance available for download from today at http://messenger.msn.com/download/v6preview.asp.

Multiple device integration: Microsoft Tablet PC users can access MSN Messenger v.6 to send instant messages in 'scribble' handwriting. And MSN Messenger users can stay in touch on-the-move as the mobile buddy indicator shows when friends are available to instant message via MSN Mobile services, which are now available to more than 32 million users across Asia through 11 mobile operators in five separate markets. 6:25 a.m

June 23, 2003

Stay connected in flight with JetConnectSM

Enjoy the newest enhancement to our award-winning onboard entertainment options — Verizon Airfone JetConnectSM. While cruising at 30,000 feet, you can now use your Tablet PC and a standard phone cord (RJ-11) to access JetConnectSM. Simply swipe your credit card through the Airfone® handset and for only $5.99* from take-off to landing, you’ll be able to:

* Instant message co-workers, friends or family members with your existing instant message service**
* Send outbound text messages
* Get the latest news, weather, sports and stock lists (all updated regularly)
* Play word and puzzle games, solitaire, and more
* View city guides (with over 100 destinations)

Send and receive email — a United exclusive
Recent enhancements include the ability to send and receive email (and attachments) for an additional fee. United is the first airline in the U.S. with email capability. Additional features and instructions are available in the onboard magazine, Hemispheres® or at www.verizon.com/airfone/jetconnect. 11.28: a.m

The Pinax Group, Inc. Licenses Clio Convertible Designs to Wistron Corporation

NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 23, 2003--

The Pinax Group's SwingTop(R) Technology Available for Future Products

The Pinax Group, Inc., the manufacturer of the award-winning Clio(R) PC companion, announced today the completion of an intellectual property license agreement with Wistron Corporation, formerly Acer Inc.'s Design, Manufacturing, and Services operation, one of the world's largest ODM-OEM suppliers for the PC industry.

Under the terms of the license agreement, The Pinax Group has granted Wistron a worldwide, non-exclusive license to utilize The Pinax Group's Clio(R) -related patent portfolio in the development of mobile computing products. The license agreement allows Wistron to develop, market, and sell products that incorporate the SwingTop(R) articulated screen technology, which employs a dual-pivot arm that allows the screen of a notebook-style computer to rotate 180 degrees and fold flat over a fully integrated keyboard; thereby, converting the computer from a laptop-style unit into a touchscreen tablet.

"We are very excited that a world-class design and manufacturing company such as Wistron will be developing products based on the Clio(R) industrial design," said Robert J. Sowah, Chief Executive Officer of The Pinax Group. "In a marketplace full of similarity, the SwingTop(R) design presents a refreshing opportunity to introduce a Tablet PC, Smart Display, PDA, thin client device, or other mobile computing product that is clearly differentiated from the current offering of convertible computing devices. 11.00: a.m

The future is mobile, HP says

The common thread in all the devices, HP says, will be greater compatibility across different platforms, a strategy the company says will put more emphasis on business and less on technology.

New HP mobility products being introduced in the Canadian market today include three new iPAQ Pocket PC models; a 1.5-kilogram wireless notebook that supports both the 802.11b wireless (Wi-Fi) standard and Bluetooth wireless technology; a wireless notebook with a 15.4-inch screen and also equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; and QuickLook, new software for the Compaq Tablet PC.10.58: a.m

Corel Grafigo Wins 'Best of Show' Award; Industry Acclaim and Extensive User Up-Take Support Tablet PC Graphics Tool

OTTAWA, Canada--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 23, 2003--Corel Corporation (NASDAQ: CORL, TSX: COR) today announced it has been recognized as a Best of Show winner at Planet PDA Spring 2003 for its Tablet PC application, Corel(R) Grafigo(TM). Corel Grafigo won this prestigious award from the editorial staff of Planet PDA magazine based on its intuitive user interface that encourages mobile text and graphics collaboration capabilities. Corel Grafigo was selected as a Best of Show award winner out of nearly 1,000 exhibitors in attendance at the Planet PDA Spring 2003 conference and Tablet PC Summit.

"Corel Grafigo made an outstanding impression on our editors at Planet PDA Spring 2003. Products honored with the Best of Show award stand out from the competition through superior performance and innovation," said Rich Tehrani, President of TMC and Group Editor-in-Chief of Planet PDA(R). "These products give us a true indication of the promise and growth the handheld computing industry has to offer."

Launched in November 2002 in conjunction with Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Tablet PC Edition, Corel Grafigo has had an overwhelming response from Tablet PC users. This powerful tool gives Tablet PC users the ability to create accurate graphics from sketches through the use of shape recognition, symbols and tools. In addition, Corel Grafigo features annotation tools, such as digital ink and "onion skins", that enable enhanced collaboration and communication of ideas with colleagues.10.55: a.m

Pharos Announces Pocket GPS Navigator with Bluetooth Wireless Technology for Windows Mobile 2003 Software for Pocket PCs

New iGPS-BT allows users to turn any Bluetooth-enabled Windows
Mobile-based device into a portable navigation system providing unparalleled voice prompted, turn by turn navigation guidance to any destination

The Pharos Ostia navigation software packaged with the Pocket GPS Navigator gives people the flexibility of turning not only Windows Mobile-based devices such as Pocket PCs and Smartphones, but also laptops and Tablet PCs into convenient navigation systems..10.52: a.m

Strix Systems Introduces Complete Wire-Free Enterprise Network

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Strix Systems, Inc.
today announced Access/One Network, the first complete wireless local area
network system. Unlike traditional wireless LAN solutions, which require
wired Ethernet at every access point, the Access/One Network uses a wireless
Ethernet backhaul. In addition, while traditional wireless LAN solutions are
difficult to plan, the Access/One Network automatically configures itself,
adapting to changes without requiring human intervention. The Access/One
Network serves all wireless devices using 802.11 a/b/g, Bluetooth, or future
RF technologies simultaneously on a single enterprise network. The inclusion
of enterprise-class management tools provides additional flexibility, while
standards-based authentication and encryption ensure security.

By providing mobility for any wireless device, the Access/One Network
enhances user productivity. Whether users carry a notebook, tablet, PDA, or
other Bluetooth or wireless LAN device, the Access/One Network enables them to
stay continually connected to the network as they move about the building --
without requiring special software on the device. Further, the Access/One
Network supports nearly three times the number of Bluetooth devices (20) as do
standard Bluetooth access points 10.49: a.m

Toshiba Showcases Technology Solutions For Education Marketplace at NECC 2003

Toshiba will be highlighting its innovative technology solutions that benefit the education marketplace at NECC 2003. Displayed at the show will be Toshiba's full-line of mobile and wireless offerings as well as information on the company's work with the Beaumont Foundation of America. See below for more details:

Tablet PC -- Delivering the natural evolution of the notebook PC, the Portege 3500 provides the most intuitive fusion of the power of the PC with the simplicity of pen and paper. In addition the FieldMate(R) 3500 carrying case provides a rugged, wearable option providing always-on protection with easy access in both tablet and traditional notebook mode...10.46: a.m

Is the Tablet PC the FUture of College Computing

"Our faculty members find them so distracting," says John Campbell, associate vice president for Instructional Computing Information Technology at the school. "Generally, technology in the academic environment is good, but it's amazing how many of our people say they're ready for something new."

At Purdue, that "something new" may be right around the corner. In an effort to integrate technologies that fit more discreetly into the classroom environment, administrators and officials in the school's IT department are planning to pilot as many as 1,000 brand-new devices in some classes this fall. They haven't settled on a particular product just yet, but they know their upcoming strategy will hinge on the tablet PC. Thanks to a technology known as "digital ink," tablet PCs combine the convenience of notebook computers with the ease of pen and paper, wrapping both together in devices that are not much bigger than this magazine. They're portable, durable, and interactive, and most models come ready for wireless networking out of the box. What's more, unlike personal digital assistants and pocket PCs, tablet technology runs on a standard operating system, enabling users to swap files from their tablets to their desktops and back again, without ever having to convert file formats....10.42: a.m

Decisions, Decisions

There's no shortage of tablet PC products on the market today. Here's how you can tell them apart

Product: Portege 3500
Design: Convertible
Mfr: Toshiba America, Inc.
Web site: www.toshiba.com
Price: $2,299
This tablet features the fastest processing speeds, thanks to a 1.33-gigahertz, Intel Pentium III processor-M with Enhanced Intel SpeedStep technology. The device also offers 20-, 30-, or 40- gigabyte hard drives, and an optional 802.11b wireless network card. The convertible design enables use as a traditional notebook or a stand-alone slate-type tablet PC.

Product: Motion M1200
Design: Slate
Mfr: Motion Computing, Inc.
Web site: www.motioncomputing.com
Price: $1,899
Launched by a spinoff of former Dell programmers, this device is the closest Michael Dell wants to get to tablet technology at this juncture. The tablet boasts a ULV mobile Intel Pentium III processor that operates at 866 megahertz, as well as a 20-gigabyte hard drive. With the help of the $100 M-Series FlexDock, Motion also offers a "grab and go" docking solution for mounting at a desktop. 10.38: a.m

June 24, 2003

Lending A Hand

Just over a year later, one Bill Gates put in an onstage appearance at a major computers exhibition, where he introduced the world to his Tablet PC. The idea was identical a computer mounted on a portable device except that, this time, the product was directed at the organizational market. In practise, Gates was promoting a laptop computer, into which most manufacturers chose to integrate a mouse and a keyboard, one way or another. The fold-back keyboard would leave a kind of writing space (imagine an A4 size writing pad, with a screen in lieu of pages). A special pen known as a stylus was available for onscreen writing, similar to the one used in small handheld devices.

In contrast to the Audrey, the Tablet PC caught on. Despite its being high priced, businesspersons in considerable numbers started roaming around with this crossbreed. Microsoft, of course, supplies the operating system for these instruments, in a specially adapted version.

am rather pleased that Bill Gates goes everywhere with his Tablet PC, because it means that that is what he is going to focus on. If I were a Microsoft investor, I would tell him to stop losing money on the Pocket PC, because that device is going nowhere. ...10.38: a.m

CIC and Underwriting Systems to Deliver Electronic Insurance Forms to Brokers In Canada & United States

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. and TORONTO, June 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --Communication Intelligence Corporation ("CIC") (OTC Bulletin Board: CICI), theleader in electronic signature, biometric verification and natural input solutions announced today that it has signed an agreement with Underwriting Systems Inc., ("USI") an affiliate of Unique Benefits Group Corp., for its broad range of CIC's biometric and electronic signature solutions.

Under the agreement, CIC's products will be incorporated by USI into its
field-based electronic insurance forms that it offers to over 350,000 active
independent brokers in Canada and the United States looking to reduce their
cost of doing business by electronically signing forms and applications.
"Electronic commerce is growing exponentially, and online transactions are
fueling a worldwide demand for electronic, handwritten signatures," said Andy
Green, Vice President Worldwide Channel Sales for CIC. "We are pleased to add USI to our growing list of software application developers that are
successfully delivering the ease of use and tremendous ROI of electronic
documents secured with a legally binding electronic signature."

As part of a standard offering to independent agents, USI will offer an
integrated solution using its forms technology, Adobe(R) Acrobat(R) Approval
and CIC's Sign-it(R) software for use on the new Tablet PC systems from
Compaq....10.34: a.m

HP moves to secure business PCs

HP's Personal Systems Group has taken notice of its customers' need for stronger security, particula