Palm has announced plans to purchase WeSync -- a group information sharing software company -- and integrate their technology into Palm's growing line of synchronization services (wireless, desktop, and online via AnyDay.com)

Ed Roth examines "The Problem with Pocket PCs - These little devices might be handy, but they have a long way to go before they're indispensable" in a short Lab Report for Windows 2000 Magazine.

Karen DuBois reports that her organization is having a conference called "Rutgers University Nineteenth Annual International Nursing Computer and Technology Conference" and the theme will be "Wireless World" solutions. The conference will be held July 12-16 2001 in Denver, Colorado. She is looking for a presenter who is a nurse and can demonstrate some wireless technology he/she is using in the healthcare workplace. Interested parties should contact Karen at: 212-886-1378.

Mobile Insights 2001 is offering a special US$1000 discount registration during the month of Dec00 (standard prices is US$2495). The conference which will focused on handhelds, wireless, and related technologies will be held 18-20Feb01 at Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak in Phoenix, Arizona.

InfoWorld published on 11Dec00 had a "Special COMDEX Report" that outlined some of the new "Asian" handheld devices that are expected to reach U.S. marketplaces in 2001. Main focus is on new "slim" Linux OS based devices ,and Windows CE units that integrate with wireless communications at extremely low OEM prices (~US$130). Companies mentioned in the article include: Penbex Data System, Acer, Mitac, Palm, Microsoft, Bluetooth, Sony, Motorola, and TCL Holdings.

Two end-of-the-year extra tidbits: #1.) Qode has a new key-chain bar code scanner; and #2.) LG INFOCOM offers a Spring PCS savvy Touchpoint 3000 mobile phone that offers a pen interface, Internet compatibility, and basic PIM functionality.

-Steve Holden (sholden@pencomputing.com)