Compaq bolsters handhelds

Compaq last week said it was working on technology that will give its iPaq handheld wireless device voice and data capabilities.

Compaq is developing a triband global system for mobile communications/general packet radio service device that will let customers browse the Web, send e-mail and send and receive voice calls in Europe and North America, Compaq says.

The device is in development and is expected to begin carrier trials soon, and service is expected to be available later this year.

Compaq declined to discuss details, but confirmed that current iPaq users can use the technology.

In the meantime, Compaq also announced that it has enhanced its iPaqnet Mobile Internet wireless service by adding content providers, including ABC News, Business Week, ESPN and Yahoo's portal. Wireless streaming audio and video is also available for iPaqnet customers using the Ricochet network and Microsoft Windows Media Player 7.1, Compaq said.

North American customers can now access Lotus's Domino messaging through the iPaq BlackBerry Wireless E-mail Solution, Compaq says. BlackBerry Exchange Server for Microsoft's Exchange 2.1 is available, so iPaq BlackBerry users can synchronize with Exchange, and accept or reject meeting notices.

Linux angle

Compaq is also looking to advance the use of Linux on its iPaq handheld devices, which are currently offered with Microsoft Windows. The vendor is running a contest to see which developer can build the best Linux application for the iPaq. Developers in Europe have been experimenting with putting Linux on iPaqs, and Compaq would consider offering Linux as an option on its PDAs, although they offered no time frame for such a move.

Gray is a correspondent with the IDG News Service's San Francisco bureau.