Wireless Windows Messaging

PDAs and other handheld devices are a natural for wireless paging systems, however, the current reality is that most mobile professionals still carry Windows-based laptop computers. Socket Communications is targeting this growing market with its new PageCard Wireless Messaging System (WMS) for Windows.

The WMS is a complete wireless communication package that includes the PageCard receiver, PageSoft communication software, and Socket’s Wireless Messaging Services. The PageCard receiver is a stand-alone alphanumeric pager that can also be connected to a laptop through a PCMCIA Type II slot. Using the bundled software, people can receive email, news services, and other types of information throughout the U.S.

The length of messages are restricted to 2000 characters or less, considerably more than a regular alphanumeric pager and likely sufficient for most back-and-forth style email messages. For longer messages, such as file updates, the PageCard is able to transmit the message in segments, store them in the device’s internal 128,000 character memory, and transfer them to the laptop where they can be reassembled.

The PageCard weighs 2.2 ounces (62.3 g), fits in a shirt pocket, and like a conventional pager, is capable of displaying brief numeric or text messages on its LCD. The PageCard uses the PageNet network which covers in excess of 90% of the U.S. population.

The PageCard WMS has a list price of $399. The basic monthly charge for local service is $19.95 with follow-me roaming services available for all 50 states at $2.50 per day.

Socket Communications
Gerald Houston
6500 Kaiser Drive
Fremont, CA 94555
(510) 744-2740
510-744-2727 (fax)