Novatel Wireless has released a new Minstrel III Wireless IP Modem (US$389) that will now offer support for 3Com Palm III and IBM WorkPad PC form factor devices. Each Minstrel III has its own built in TCP/IP stack and IP address, and connects to the Internet via the Wireless IP Network which is based on Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD).

Itronix has announced a new ruggedized wireless mobile computing platform that incorporates Mobile Data Solutions' (MDSI) Advantex mobile workforce management software with Itronix's new ruggedized Windows CE savvy T5200 wireless handheld.

PDA Concepts has a new "Satellite" leather (tan or black) carrying case for handhelds (Windows CE, Newton, and mini-notebooks).

The Japanese Mobile Computing Promotion Consortium has released the findings from a recent survey that is projecting that by the end of 2001, nearly 30% of all cellular phone users in Japan will be using mobile computing devices with their cellular phones. [SOURCE: Nikkei English News]

ZDNet's PalmPilot Express email newsletter for 06Apr99 has been posted to PalmPilotSoftware.com. This issue includes Editor's Picks for "favorite hacks" and "protecting your PalmPilot." Plus: Hot File links to Baseball Statistics, TETRIN, TrackFast, CsvBrowser, ScoreCard Pro, and Montana Solitaire.

The Irish Times published for 02Apr99 reports that Sun engineers based in Dublin, Ireland, are working closely with French engineers from Alcatel to build "French Minitel network" savvy Java-based WebPhones that will costs under US$500 in French retail locations. These WebPhones will incorporate a screen, telephone, and keyboard into a "stylish" form factor, and give users access to email and Internet resources. This article also notes that these engineers based in Dublin are also working closely with Symbian consortium members on incorporating Java software into future EPOC devices expected in the near term from Motorola, IBM, Nokia, Ericsson, Philips, and Siemens.

Hewlett-Packard has announced a new end-user upgrade package for HP620 and HP660LX Windows CE Handheld PCs to Windows CE Handheld Professional PC. One of the new hardware feature upgrades is support for 64K color, and on the software side a new MP3 player is included. The upgrade in the United States will cost under US$180 plus S&H.

Keyspan has announced that they are now shipping a new US$39 USB serial adapter specifically designed for Macintosh-based users of Palm OS devices. The adapter makes it possible to hook the standard Palm OS DB9 serial connector to Apple's USB-savvy iMac and Blue G3 PowerMacs.

Jonathan Hirshon notes that On Technology has updated their Newton client for Meeting Maker, and has posted the update for current customers.

Bill Edwards reports that Tima Scientific is still selling Apple Newton eMate and MessagePad compatible linear flash 16MB 5v/5v cards for US$151 each (plus US$15 for overnight shipping).

-Steve Holden (sholden@pencomputing.com)