WIRELESS TECH EXTENDS PDA USAGE IN CLASSROOM - An Illinois firm
founded by three former Motorola Corp. technicians has introduced software using
infrared technology to provide users of Personal Digital Assistants low-cost access to
the Internet. Tribeam Technologies Inc.'s WebTarget uses Extended Range Infrared
Communications (ERIC) technology to extend the existing range of PDAs, enabling
bi-directional communication from anywhere in a classroom. The tool's multi-user
protocol also allows an entire classroom of students to access the Internet at the same
time. The company said WebTarget gives teachers control of student access to the
Internet. It also enables them to conduct on-line exams and generate test results more
quickly. (Syllabus News, Resources, Trends for 23 Apr 02)

SMALLER AND SMALLER - A San Francisco-based company, OQO, has unveiled
a $1,000 PC that fits the components of a CPU into a 3-by-5 inch package, about the
size of a paperback book. The device includes a processor (of up to 1 gigahertz), 256
megabytes of RAM, a 10 gigabyte hard drive and wireless connections supporting
802.11b and Bluetooth. This small PC can connect to a keyboard, mouse and monitor
or can be networked with other PCs and laptops. IBM has plans for a similar product,
the MetaPad, though not for another few years. See:
http://www.nandotimes.com/technology/story/364772p-2951978c.html (Associated
Press, 17 Apr 02)