Author: David Matson

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When will I get this kind of convergence?

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There are many PDAs out there with Telephony services, a camera, and other features, but they are always lacking something: like integrated GPS, VGA, or sufficient base RAM memory.

When will some company create a PDA with these features?

  • Cellular (GSM & 3G) plus Data (GPRS/UMTS/Edge).
  • 4″ VGA (640×480 minimum) screen.
  • Faster Processor (624Mhz PXA270 or better).
  • More SDRAM (128MB minimum, 256MB preferred).
  • SiRFstar III GPS (AGPS would be cool).
  • 3MP Camera, + 1MP front-facing Video Conference
  • Wireless WiFi b & g, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR.
  • SDIO or MicroSD (SDHC compatible).
  • Barcode scanner & Inventory Software.

So far, the Psion Teklogix “iK�n” PDA Phone that Breley alerted us to last week is the closest match to date, but even the iK�n is lacking in a few areas, namely a 2MP camera instead of a 3MP camera, no front-facing camera for Video Conferencing, no AGPS (minor actually), no 3G capabilities, and a 3.7″ screen.  Also, it appears the Barcode scanner/imager is “optional”, so it looks like it may be an “add-on” module.

Next closest is the E-TEN Glofiish X500+, but it too lacks a lot: 2.8″ screen, 64MB of SDRAM, no front-facing camera for Video Conferencing, and no Barcode Scanner.

Can anyone else suggest a device that comes close to offering these same specifications.   I’ll draw the line at UMPCs because I’m still looking for a regular PocketPC.

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Wisbar Advance3 Now Available!

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WA3 Well, the Public Beta for Wisbar Advance 3 is over, and the Final is now available at LakeRidge Software.  This is a highly anticipated release among skinning enthusiasts, and is available for $9.99 USD for first-time buyers, or $6.99 USD for owners of previous versions of Wisbar Advance. 

If you are interested in finding-out more about this product, click here.

If you already own a previous version of this product, just have the e-mail account you used to previously register this product handy and click here.

Note: Registration does require that your “owner name” be set on the device.

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SoftMaker Presentations: New public Beta Now Available

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SoftMaker has recently released a new public beta of SoftMaker Presentations for Windows. This new beta version includes the following important bug fixes and improvements:

  • PDF export (this will also be available in the next major release of TextMaker and PlanMaker…)
  • Improved import and export of PowerPoint files
  • Improved management of slide masters
  • Many new features such as pens, text markers or fading effects have been added.
  • Now also available with menus and dialogs in Dutch, Italian, and Bulgarian.
  • Additional bug fixes and performance improvements
  • If you already have a serial number for the Presentations beta, you do not need to register again for the beta. Get the download directly from here: http://www.softmaker.net/down/prw07beta.exe
  • If you are just starting now with the beta test, you need a serial number. Please visit this page:
    http://www.softmaker.com/english/pr_en.htm
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Free WiFi Hotspot access for AT&T DSL customers

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AT&T recently announced that it was going to provide free access to it’s nationwide Wi-Fi network to all of it’s qualifying DSL customers.   I use this service myself, and it’s quite handy to have free access to hotspots near McDonalds restuarants, UPS Store outlets, and Barnes and Noble bookstores.  This service previously cost $1.99 extra per month for DSL customers, but now it’s free!

AT&T Inc. announced that millions of its customers with higher speed broadband plans can now receive free access to AT&T’s nationwide Wi-Fi network – nearly 10,000 hot spots at popular locations across the country including leading airports, McDonalds restaurants, Barnes & Noble bookstores, coffee shops and popular sporting venues.

With the proliferation of Wi-Fi-enabled devices including, most recently, the iPhone but also laptops, wireless music systems and PDAs, consumers are increasingly looking for on-the-go Internet connections. As the nation’s premier provider of broadband service and with the nation’s largest Wi-Fi network, AT&T offers consumers more high speed in more places.

Effective now, qualifying new and existing residential and small business AT&T broadband customers instantly benefit from the free unlimited Wi-Fi connectivity at company hot spots. Qualifying AT&T broadband packages include: AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet Pro (up to 3.0 Mbps downstream), AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet Elite (up to 6.0 Mbps downstream), FastAccess Xtreme (up to 3.0 Mbps downstream) and FastAccess Xtreme 6.0 (up to 6.0 Mbps downstream).

So if you are a DSL (broadband) customer and had originally paid for this service, you might want to call your local business office to confirm that your account now includes this service for free.

If you are a DSL (broadband) customer and never bought this service previously, call your local business office and confirm that your account qualifies, then request they add it to your AT&T account!

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Booq Anaconda for iPhone!

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Having reviewed the Anaconda 5 with my Booq Python XL review last August, I can personally attest to the high quality materials used in this premium case.   Only because I will not be needing the extra room in the Anaconda 5 added for iPhone support, I will continue using it for my Treo 700wx.  But for those of you with iPhone’s in your future, I thought you would be interested in the following:

SIERRA MADRE, CALIF.  June 28, 2007 — BOOQ, a fast-growing, premium brand of performance-driven laptop carrying cases for creative professionals on the move, announces Anaconda 5, a rugged accessory case perfectly fitted for the iPhone.

Anaconda 5 is crafted from the toughest ballistic nylon, the softest neoprene, and is lined with a scratch-resistant material developed to protect your iPhone against scratches and excessive wear. Designed to attach to your belt or a BOOQ laptop bag or backpack, Anaconda 5 has a convenient Velcro and is available for $44.95. It is also bundled with BOOQ bags, backpacks, and laptop sleeves for exceptional value.

With the addition of the Anaconda 5 iPhone case, BOOQ brings another premium product of the highest performance to the next generation of creative professionals. Customers who have come to expect fresh and innovative design solutions love the exceptional level of quality and functionality of BOOQ’s products. The privately held company is based in Sierra Madre, California.

The Anaconda 5 is in stock and ready to ship. 

Product link: http://booqbags.com/s.nl/it.A/id.108/.f

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What would it take to make a Dream PDA?

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I’ve been giving this some thought lately, and I’ve come-up with the following specifications:

Chipset: Intel PXA 624MHz or better
System Memory: 64Meg or better
Flash ROM: 128Meg or better
GPS: SiRF Star3 or better
Screen: 3.5″ or bigger
Resolution: VGA 480×640 or better
Wireless: 802.11G WiFi or better
BlueTooth 2.0 or better
Memory Form Factor: SD
Security: BioMetric Finger-print scanner
OS: WM5.
Camera: 1.3 megapixel or better
Cellphone: optional

Currently, the Loox n560 comes closest, lacking only the Biometric Fingerprint scanner and the Camera.  The IMATE JasJar is a close second, but lacks the faster processor speed, the GPS, and the Wireless G (and WPA), but does include the camera and Cellphone.

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Another HSI (High Speed Internet) Router setup

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Today I got to work on a new brand of Router currently being distributed to Verizon High Speed Internet (HSI) customers: the ActionTec modem & DSL Router GT704-WG (presumably for “Wireless-G”).

It had a nice browser interface, but a very limited implementation of WPA, in that it only allowed alpha and numeric characters for key-entry.  This goes against the industry standard, which is to allow additional characters (specifically special characters) to be used in key generation.  If the intention is to secure the connection between the client and the access point, then why reduce the effectiveness of that security by limiting the character-set the key is based on?  Sigh…

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Security in a Mobile World part-4 Posted

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Today I posted the last part of my four part article “Security in a Mobile World”.   This article part, as well as the prior 3 parts, can be found at Mobility Today.

Security on the PocketPC platform is a great deal different than your laptop. Security issues considered minor on the Laptop platform like Physical Access, Application/Data Access, and Theft/Loss Mitigation are more substantial on the PocketPC platform, because the PocketPC is infinitely easier to steal than a laptop. And larger issues on the Laptop like Firewalls, AntiVirus, and AntiSpyware become less predominant because the PocketPC platform offers less of a potential target for hackers. Because there is currently more interest in cracking Windows PC data and applications, the PocketPC platform is relatively safe, but that will change soon enough.

If you would like to read the entire 4th part of this article, click here.

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Security in a Mobile World part-3 Posted

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Today I posted the third part of my four part article “Security in a Mobile World”.   This article part, the prior 2 parts, and the remaining  part will continue to be published at Mobility Today.

It is a well known fact that most every Laptop user could stand to improve their privacy (and overall security) when utilizing their PC for everyday use. This installment is geared towards getting you started on the right path towards accomplishing this goal.

If you would like to read the entire 3rd part of this article, click here.