Sharp and JVC will both introduce inexpensive,
scaled-down handheld assistants this fall, in what is turning out to be a
crowded field.
Basic devices that offer scaled-down email, calendar, and an address book are becoming popular as established brands like Palm Computing's PalmPilot and
devices based on Microsoft Windows
CE operating system approach desktop PC functionality in a handheld package.
The new devices, designed primarily for email, will compete this fall with
similar products such as the diVinci from Royal and the Rex Pro from Franklin.
Both the Sharp Tel-Mail TM-20 and the JVC HC-E100 are based on PocketScience PocketMail wireless
service, which is designed to simplify the sometimes unwieldy process of
connecting handheld devices to the Internet.
The PocketMail service, which costs $9.95 per month, essentially bypasses
modem and dial-up connectivity issues by allowing users to send and receive
emails and faxes by holding the device against a telephone handset.
JVC's handheld, the HC-E100, is offering 128KB of memory to store addresses and will be introduced in November for an estimated retail price of $129.95.
The Sharp Tel-Mail TM-20 also includes contact management applications, as
well as PC link software to synchronize handheld and desktop data, and a
calendar function. The Tel-Mail TM-20 will be available in December for $150.
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