Photonics Ships COOPERATIVE for Newton

While radio frequency communication is the most common method in use today for wireless data, many environments suffer from a glut in existing radio noise created by a range of equipment and devices. This is particularly true in settings such as hospitals, where radio interference can possibly be a life-or-death matter.

For these and other environments, Photonics has developed an infrared wireless solution for Apple’s MessagePad PDAs. Dubbed COOPERATIVE for Newton, the external LocalTalk adapter connects to a MessagePad 110 and 120, and is powered by an integrated battery pack. Using diffuse infrared light, the system is capable of communicating within a 25 x 25 foot space (7.6 x 7.6 m) at 230.4 Kbps.

In addition, Photonics offers a range of COOPERATIVE products for LocalTalk compatible devices including Macintosh and PowerBook computers, and LaserWriter printers. This extends the utility of the Newton-based system to communicating with other devices on a local area network.

As an example of its use, Brigham and Woman’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts has initiated a pilot program, known as The Constellation Project, which has nursing staff using MessagePads equipped with COOPERATIVE adapters to input and transmit patient information collected during their rounds back to the hospital’s medical information system.

The COOPERATIVE adapter attaches to the top of the MessagePad, and is designed to be used in conjunction with the Newton Charging Stand, if necessary, without obstruction. COOPERATIVE for Newton has a suggested list price of $209 and is available immediately.

Photonics Corp.
2940 North First Street
San Jose, CA 95134
Dawn Nielsen
(408) 955-7930
(408) 955-7950 (fax)