Socket and Sprint PCS Deal Brings Wireless to Portable Computers

Socket Communications Inc. (Newark, CA) and Sprint PCS will develop a universal connectivity kit incorporating Socket's Digital Phone Card. The kit is designed to connect Windows-powered mobile computers and the Apple PowerBook to Internet-ready Sprint PCS Phones for use on the Sprint PCS nationwide wireless network. A release date has yet to be set.

Sprint PCS already offers the Sprint PCS Wireless Web Connection Kit, enabling customers to use their Sprint PCS Phone as a wireless modem when connected to the serial port of a laptop computer and many other handheld computing devices. The Digital Phone Card from Socket with its CompactFlash Type I form factor allows users to insert it into the CompactFlash slot of any Windows-powered handheld or laptop computer including the new Windows-powered Pocket PC announced last week. A CompactFlash-to-PC Card adapter included with the kit allows the card to be plugged into the PC Card slot of any Windows-powered Handheld PC or notebook or Apple PowerBook. Another important benefit is that Socket's plug-in card conserves power, allowing users to operate their digital phones up to twice as long as with other cabling schemes, according to company representatives.

Edited by Winn Hardin, Managing Editor