Wired Digital News Summary is reporting that Mirabilis (purchased by AOL in Jun98) is now distributing an "alpha" ICQ chat client for the PalmPilot.

PC Week (10Aug98) examines two PalmPilot solutions: Textware Solutions' Fitaly software keyboard ($25) and Puma Technology's Intellisync 3.0 for Windows 95/NT ($70). There is also a "review" of Philips' new palm-size PC known as the Nino. The "review" is entitled "Philips' PDA is a Handful" (which refers to the reviewers opinion that the device is too heavy and too long to be used by mobile executives).

FTP Software has announced a deal that will enable Hand Held Products to incorporate FTP Software's TCP/IP solutions into future Hand Held Products' Dolphin family of ruggedized wireless mobile computers and barcode scanners.

Stand Alone has announced a new version 1.31 of Call Tracker for the PalmPilot. Stand Alone has also lowered the price of Call Tracker for the PalmPilot to US$19.95. This solution "makes it easy to manage your calls by allowing you to track and log your calls, schedule new calls, add notes to your calls, and relocate them to the Date Book or the To Do list." Stand Alone also offers a desktop sync application for Windows 95/98/NT called "Tracker Desktop" for US$19.95 (or a bundle PC and Palm OS versions) for US$29.95.

Chrysler Corporation announced on 18Jun98 the completion of a prototype wireless communication system integrated into a Dodge Intrepid ESX2. The recently engineered add-on "module" could be installed as an "aftermarket option" within two-years at a price range between US$50-100. The module interfaces with an owner's personal handheld computer's IrDA port to communicate with a user's wireless communication device (CDPD, cellular, PCS, etc.). The module also provides an interface to the car's internal computing system to provide control and access to data related to "audio, traffic, vehicle, climate, weather, Internet, phone, and homenet--a feature for wired homes."

Thurstan Felstead reports that he has confirmed a rumor that Apple's on-line Apple Store is going to be selling about one hundred new MessagePad 2100s starting mid-Sep98 for circa US$799 a unit.

-Steve Holden (sholden@pencomputing.com)