PDA Connectivity
The technology used in PDAs

Connectivity using the CompactFlash slot lets users connect to company networks or the Internet, using either a 56-Kbps modem or Ethernet. With 56-Kbps modems available for less than INR 4600, it's not outrageously expensive, either. In addition, Infrared Data Association (IRDA) connectivity allows wireless connections to PDAs. Socket Communications will have a Bluetooth card in the next quarter that will allow short-range wireless connectivity without the line-of sight issues of IRDA devices.

The Microsoft ActiveSync application provides improved synchronisation with Outlook and easy downloading of applications on PDAs. Third-party applications are already available to synchronise with other e-mail and productivity applications such as Lotus Notes and Novell GroupWise and ERP applications. Users of Pocket Outlook can synchronise with Outlook on their PDAs or access an Exchange server. Anyone with AOL or Yahoo service can send and receive e-mail on a PDA just as they would on bigger systems.

Socket Communications has released a line of CompactFlash plug-in cards for attaching PDAs to mobile phones, Ethernet networks, USB ports, bar-code scanners, and serial peripherals. The Digital Phone Card is a low-power, plug-in card that connects any Windows PDA or notebook to data-capable mobile phones made by Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia, Qualcomm, Siemens and others. The Low-Power Ethernet Card provides high-speed, location-independent synchronisation. It's the only Ethernet adapter available for ultra-thin Pocket PCs equipped with Type I CompactFlash slots.

The combination of a PDA's size and the availability of a keyboard to answer e-mail and write short articles is compelling. For example, the Pocket PC incorporates several new features that enable business applications. These include access to portals, storing and viewing graphical data and sound files, as well as very readable text, and provide full access to e-mail and the Web. That in itself should help Microsoft penetrate the PDA market. But with Palin's 80% market share, Microsoft will have to keep innovating to catch up. It's unlikely the PDA market will cool down or consolidate soon. In fact, it's likely to provide consumers and businesses with more choices than ever.

Introduction  |  Contents   |  Top