Tech Update: you can take it with you

Black Enterprise, Oct, 1998 by Tariq K. Muhammad

Mobile computing tools to make your business trip a pleasure

Size does matter, especially in the world of mobile computing. Professionals on the run want the most power and flexibility in the smallest size possible. In the past two years, two completely new categories of computer have cropped up: the handheld PC (HPC) and the palm PC (PPC), both with Windows CE--a sort of Windows lite for the discriminating user. Subnotebooks and personal digital assistants (PDAs) have also grabbed a share of the market, further muddling the array of choices for the professional on the go. Here are some of the latest:

SONY VAIO 505 SUPERSLIM NOTEBOOK

This a laptop for the minimalist in you. At 3 lb. and 1 in. thick, it will fit in your briefcase without creating a bulge. The VAIO 505 comes in two different configurations: PCG 505G ($1,999) comes with a 200 MHz Pentium processor, 32 MB of RAM (expandable to 64 MB), a 2.1 gigabyte hard drive, a software upgradable K56flex data/fax modem, a 10.4-in. active matrix display and an external 3.5-in. floppy. For $700 more, you can get the 505GX ($2,699) with its 266 MHz processor.

Both models are awash with ports for your peripherals, including infrared and universal serial ports and a port replicator that expands the device to include keyboard, mouse, monitor, serial and parallel ports. Laptop veterans will appreciate the nearly full-size keyboard, and the stylish magnesium case will appease the artist in most of you. The VAIO 505 series lets you travel light without compromising on power or programs.

For more information, contact Sony at 888-371-VAIO or www. sony.com/pc.

LG PHENOM HPC ULTRA

The Phenom is larger than most HPCs and was designed that way on purpose. As the second generation of these devices was being developed, LG decided to offer comfort at the expense of compactness. At nearly 10 in. long, the device pushes the description "handheld" to the limit. Unlike many of its competitors, the Phenom's keyboard is large enough to do a reasonable amount of typing. However, the unit is still small enough to be discreet. Face it though, this isn't a full-power laptop. It's for those of you who need connectivity, but not a duplicate workstation, on the road.

The Phenom sports a 100 MHz CPU with a built-in 33.6 Kbps modem, 16 MB RAM, a compact flash slot (for additional memory), type II PCMCIA slot and an over-8in. 256 color 640 by 240 resolution display. The unit also has a VGA-out port that allows it to run PowerPoint 97 (the port only works with PowerPoint) presentations through an external monitor. Windows CE 2.0 is standard and the software bundle includes pocket versions of Word, Excel Internet Explorer and Outlook as well as a PowerPoint viewer.

The portable lithium-ion battery pack reportedly lasts up to eight hours, more than long enough for a cross-country flight.

And if the LG Phenom doesn't fit your fancy, there are several other models with either gray scale or color monitors to choose from in the HPC category, including devices from Philips, Sharp, Hitachi, NEC, Hewlett Packard and Casio. Retail price: $899 (Phenom) For more information, contact: 800243-0000 or www.lgphenom.com.

PALM-SIZE PCs Casio E-10 Everex Freestyle Philips Nino

In response to the wild success of the 3Com Palm Pilot, HPC makers seized the opportunity to port the Windows CE operating system to a similar form factor. Meant to be used with one hand, the array of PPCs are as similar to one another as the first generation of Windows CE HPCs. Windows CE 2.0, a 240 by 320 gray scale display, 48 MB RAM, customizable program-launch buttons, compact flash slot, and serial and IrDA ports are common to all of the devices. They all perform typical PDA functions, such as scheduling, contacts and synchronization with your PC.

To differentiate themselves from the Palm Pilot while still borrowing heavily from its design, the devices feature a built-in voice recorder and a larger viewable screen area. All of the devices have optional modem adapters in the docking cradle or, in the case of the Nino, a clip-on modem. It remains to be seen if these devices can wrestle market share from the venerable Pilot. Right now, it doesn't seem likely. The Everex Freestyle comes in three versions ranging from $299,95 to $499.95. The Philips Nino has two models, priced at $399.95 and $499.95. The Cassiopeia E-10 is Casio's only model; it retails for $399.95.

For more information about the Everex, contact 888-PalmPC-4 or www.freestyle.everex.com; about the Philips, 888-367-8356 or www. nino.philips.com; about the Casio, 888-204-7765 or www.Casiohpc.com.

THE CROSSPAD

If you don't really need an HPC or PPC, but would like to transfer your random notes or contacts to your PC without retyping, the CrossPad might be the answer. It's smaller and lighter than a laptop--but just barely. The CrossPad's appeal lies in the fact that it performs a single function exceptionally. It's a digital note taker, something PDAs and PPCs haven't managed very well. The CrossPad allows the discreet executive to be at the cutting edge of digital technology without broadcasting it to the world.