Short Cuts: Roaming Around the Mobile Computing Industry

Not Exactly a Bohemian Pen Computer

While some manufacturers are trying to turn fancy engineering into a market, Bohemia, New York-based Symbol Technologies decided to do things in the right order.

Symbol Technologies, a leader in bar-code data transaction systems, introduced the PPT4100 handheld pen computer which is a PC-compatible system featuring a 5.5″ x 3.0″ (127 x 76 mm) screen.

Instead of reaching for the elusive horizontal market, Symbol has designed its systems to be optimized for vertical applications. Early results are encouraging as a major U.S. retailer is completing its testing of the device and will soon deploy the computer to store managers.

In the field of health care, Puritan-Bennett Corporation is integrating its CliniVision point-of-care applications with the PPT4100.

The PPT4100, which weighs about one pound (0.45 kg), is the size of a videocassette. Relying on Communication Intelligence Corp’s PenDOS operating environment, the device also features an advanced Common Application Framework (CAF).

The CAF is a set of C++ class libraries that performs many application functions including interfacing with the integrated bar code scanner, and the virtual keyboard.

The PPT4100 contains two Type II PCMCIA slots, along with 1 MB of RAM expandable to 4 MB. In addition, the device incorporates the new Spectrum One wireless LAN radio on a 5 mm PCMCIA card.

For more information, contact Symbol Technologies at (516) 563-2400.

Speech and Pens

Many feel that pens are a complementary form of input—but complementary to what? How about speech? Kurzweil Applied Intelligence (KAI) has announced the signing of a letter of intent, that they expect will lead to a strategic alliance with IBM, to develop and market “clinical reporting systems for the health care market utilizing speech recognition and pen-based technology.”

KAI is a leading supplier of voice recognition technology for the health care industry. Using KAI’s VoiceMED system, physicians can prepare printed reports quickly by voice. As part of the joint development, KAI and IBM expect to work on a common user interface and API suite for speech and pen-based systems.

KAI’s products currently run on PC’s and workstations. Because of the hardware requirements, we can expect early systems based on speech and pen to also be desk-bound. However, with advances in low-power RISC processors and other related technologies, this combination will likely find its way to mobile devices without too much delay.

For more information, contact Mark Flanagan at KAI at (617) 894-5151.

Palm Puts Notebooks in Hand

Palm Computing, a leading developer of software for PDAs, announced that it has created several information notebooks covering 14 topics. These notebooks, which are available free of charge to users of the Casio Z-7000 and Tandy Z-PDA “Zoomers”, are downloadable from the Palm Forum on the America Online information service.

The notebooks include topics such as sports information (NBA teams, 1993-1994 NBA schedule, NFL teams), travel tips (sites in the San Francisco Bay Area, international holidays, and packing lists), phone numbers for U.S. Congress members, and other science and general information.

Of particular interest to budding entrepreneurs will be the notebook containing the addresses of Silicon Valley venture capitalists. For more information, please contact Ed Colligan at Palm Computing at (415) 949-9742.

Getting the Message Out on Newton

Apple took an important step in getting the Newton MessagePad into the hands of road warriors by announcing a new leasing program that combines the power of the Newton, and the seamless wireless connectivity of wireless paging.

MobileComm and Apple are offering a Newton MessagePad, a Newton Messaging Card, and the Apple Wireless Messaging Service—delivered by MobileComm—for $49.95 a month for local coverage, and $69.95 for U.S. nationwide coverage.

At the end of the lease, which extends for a 24-month period, users have the option to purchase the Newton MessagePad and Messaging Card for $89. Alternatively, they may continue the lease with a $10 monthly discount.

MobileComm, a subsidiary of BellSouth Company, provides wireless services to over 1.4 million pagers.