Sun Microsystems and Symbian have announced a new agreement to incorporate Java technology that has been optimized for wireless solutions into Symbian's standard EPOC platform solution that will be used in future handheld devices from Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia, and Psion.

Martyn Williams at Newsbytes is reporting that Casio Computer has "managed to pack a video camera and support for MP3 audio into a new version of their Windows CE handheld computer" called the "E-507" (US$1,060). A non-camera version, the E-500 (US$830), is expected to ship in Japan on 26Mar99, but the E-507 won't be out in Japan until late May 1999.

PC Week Online examines the new Windows CE handheld PC professional from NEC called the "MobilePro 800." The article notes that this devices is "well-suited for mobile users with modest computing needs, but doesn't add any innovative features."

Dauphin Technology has announced that their handheld device called the "Orasis" (based on Pentium MMX) has been "chosen for use and distribution by Seattle-based Versatile Systems--a developer and reseller of mobile workforce automation and wireless data solutions." [SOURCE: Business Wire]

Strata Systems and RhinoSkin have created a new cost-effective bundle of Strata Systems' Punch List v1.3.22 software combined with RhinoSkin's Titanium Hardcase (plus ClipPak and Stylus) for a list price of US$265.99 (a savings of over US$50 from the MSRP of US$318.85). You can place an order over the phone by calling 888-336-3652.

-Steve Holden (sholden@pencomputing.com)