Compaq announces new Net devices

IDG News Service - Compaq Computer Corp. this week debuted new devices in its iPaq line, as well as services intended to allow Internet access in any room of the home or at work, because increasingly, Net users want ubiquitous connectivity.
Researchers forecast that 45% of U.S. Internet users will use more than one Net device by 2003, according to Mike Larson, Compaq's senior vice president and general manager for the consumer products group, speaking at a press conference Tuesday.
Larson and Mike Winkler, senior vice president and group general manager of the commercial PC group, announced the devices and services during a New York press conference that was also available via webcast and phone. The highlights of the announcement, which were aimed mostly at the consumer market, include:
-- IPaq BlackBerry wireless e-mail software and devices: Compaq has teamed with Research In Motion Ltd. to use that vendor's BlackBerry wireless technology in two wireless devices that can be handheld or worn. Compaq will offer two devices that enable e-mail access from nearly anywhere in the U.S., company officials said.
The first device, the iPaq W1000, is priced at $399 and is available now. The second device, the H1100, will be out in the middle of next month and will cost $499. Unlimited usage air-time service will cost $39.99 per month for e-mail only, and users have to make a one-year air-time commitment.
-- IPaq Home Internet Appliance: Termed "Web in a box" by Compaq, the appliance is meant to provide instant Internet access. Users simply plug it in and turn it on.
"It's incredibly easy to use," said Rick Belluzzo, group vice president for the consumer group at Microsoft Corp., speaking at the news conference. The appliance uses Microsoft's MSN Companion Service so users can quickly set up an e-mail account and receive 24-hour support from Microsoft.
Automatic software updates will be made occasionally over the Internet for maintenance and to protect against obsolescence, according to Compaq. Consumers who want a PC alternative for e-mail and simple Web access are the target audience for the device, which turns on like a TV and has just two cords, one for power and one to connect to the phone.
-- IPaq Connection Point: Through a partnership with Seattle-based Internet security vendor WatchGuard Technologies Inc., Compaq is offering a device that enables wireless access and home networking using existing phone lines, wireless networking for mobility, 10/100Base-T Ethernet networking or a combination of those three. The product will be available for $499 within the next 60 days.