There is a very interesting article on page 42 of Linux Journal published for Dec98 entitled "Wireless Networking in Africa: The experience of the members of an Italian Project in establishing wireless networking using Linux in Africa." You can learn more about Linux Journal.

L3 Systems has introduced a new wrist mounted PC keyboard called the "Wrist PC" that comes in a 5.85-inch x 2.62-inch form factor and plugs into standard keyboard ports. The unit is also water sealed and can be bundled with optional back lighting.

David Kalish at AP Online has a "preview Las Vegas COMDEX" article being published entitled "Makers Push Electronic Gadgets." Here is a summary of "new Swiss Army digital devices and news": Motorola IDEN I1000 mobile phone, Nokia's 6100 mobile phone series and 9000 series of smart-phones, Sony Vaio PCG-C1 "sub-notebook", Nintendo Game Boy Camera, and Microsoft's and Qualcomm's new wireless partnership.

Intermec Technologies has announced that since 1991 the following Las Vegas casinos have used Intermec technologies for accurate real-time data collection and wireless LAN solutions: Circus Circus Properties, El Dorado, Harrah's, Mirage Resorts Properties, The Rio, Riviera, and Silver Legacy. One recent customer saved over US$400,000 in wiring costs by deploying a wireless solution instead of a land-line solution.

Advanced Recognition Technologies (ART) has announced smARTwriter 3.0 (handwriting recognition) for Windows 95/98/NT computers (shipping in Jan99 for US$70) and Windows CE devices (already shipping).

LG Electronics(www.lgeus.com or www.lge.co.kr) has a new US$200 compact DVD player called the "DRD-841B Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) player" that works via a standard EIDE/ATAPI interface. The devices it supports: "DVD-5, DVD-9, DVD-10, DVD-18, CD-ROM Mode 1&2, CD-DA, CD-XA (Mode 2, Form 1&2), CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, CD Plus, CD Enhanced, CD-Bridge, CD-I, FMV, and Photo-CD (Multi-Session) on personal computers running Windows 95/98, Windows 3.1x, Windows NT 4/5, or MS-DOS 3.1 and higher."

Landware has teamed up with Intuit to provide PalmPilot users with a version of Pocket Quicken that will sync up with Quicken 99 on desktop systems. The software will sell for US$30 until 31Jan99, and then it will retail for US$40. [SOURCE: Don Crabb, Chicago Sun-Times, 12Nov98]

Softwarebuero Mueller is pleased to announce the release of Secret 2.1.4 for the Newton (Shareware US$15). This extension will add the ability to DES encrypt 'Notes' of your choosing, and your Owner Info. This new version increases compatibility with other applications. A 30-day demo has been posted, and Secret is available in English or in German.

-Steve Holden (sholden@pencomputing.com)