Joseph Kovar, in the Computer Reseller News (CRN) published for 26Apr99, examines the latest Windows CE news from the recently held DemoMobile 99 Expo (San Diego, CA). IBM has plans for a "Jupiter" class system called the WorkPad z50, and Fujitsu will have a tablet device called the "PenCentra 130" on the market for under US$1000 in September 1999. Also, Vadem plans to upgrade their "Clio" device with a new "sleeker" and more compact form factor.

Puma Technology has announced a new "mobile management and synchronization software" solution for enterprise systems that they are calling "Project Vulcan." This system will include the following key Puma technologies: "Intellisync Anywhere, Satellite Forms, and Intellisync SDK." The first release will be in Jun99 for Palm OS, with a Windows CE version expected by Q3'99. [SOURCE: PC Week, Business Wire]

Fujitsu Personal Systems has announced a new "Stylistic 2300" tablet handheld computer that will support Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT. The device comes with either an 8-bit display (US$4500) or a 24-bit display (US$5700). InfoWorld gave the Stylistic 2300 good marks for performance, touch-screen, and good battery life, but bad marks for high price, bulky form factor, and lack of a CDROM drive.

IBC USA has announced their 3rd Annual "Mobile Roaming 1999" conference and expo to be held in Washington, DC from 18-21May99. There will be eleven presentations at this event from a host of mobile and satellite operators, and a "pre-conference workshop" devoted to "global roaming issues."

Itronix Corporation has announced that their new wireless Windows CE ruggedized handheld PC called the "T5200" will support American Mobile's ARDIS network--a two-way wireless packet data network providing coverage in 427 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and non-MSAs.

-Steve Holden (sholden@pencomputing.com)