Wireless Updates
Bob Jensen at Trinity University
Palm VII, digital phones, and e-Books are not the latest really big thing in going wireless. The next big thing is a wireless transmission protocol called Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) and forthcoming modems that use CDPD. The Novatel Merlin costs $279 is described at http://www.novatelwireless.com/.
San Diego, California –June 14, 1999– Novatel Wireless, Inc., a leading provider of wireless Internet solutions, today announced their latest product – the Merlin™ Type II Wireless IP Modem. Priced well below the competition, this wireless Type II PCMCIA modem expands the functionality of laptops and Windows® CE devices without bulky external hardware or cumbersome phone lines.
Designed for Windows 95/98/NT/CE and 2000 computers equipped with a Type II PCMCIA slot, Merlin allows mobile workers to send and receive email, connect to the World Wide Web, and access corporate files and databases wirelessly. Merlin weighs approximately 1.6 ounces and has a foldable antenna that locks into five positions for convenient use and storage. Priced at $279, Merlin offers a savings of $100-$300 compared to similar wide-area wireless modems, and will be commercially available in August 1999. Advance orders for Merlin are being accepted by calling Novatel Wireless at 888-888-9231.
"Merlin is a breakthrough product, offering mobile access to mission-critical data at an unbeatable price point," said Robert Corey, chief executive officer for Novatel Wireless, Inc. "We were able to use the expertise garnered from developing our other products, notably the Minstrel® line of modem cradles and the Expedite™ OEM module to create a cost-effective, reliable product in a PC card format."
Each Merlin has its own IP address and connects to the Internet via the Wireless IP network. Wireless IP, also known as Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD), is a method of transmitting data in small packets of information over the existing cellular phone network (AMPS). Wireless IP is a fully digital network overlay, providing all the benefits of digital service, including lower error rates and lower costs. If a connection is lost during transmission, Merlin automatically reconnects to the network and resumes transmission or receipt of a message in its entirety. This feature, in addition to advanced verification techniques, makes the Wireless IP network an extremely reliable method of transmitting data.
The chief competitor will be the Sierra AirCard costing $500 at http://www.sierrawireless.com/.
June 21 - Sierra Wireless has introduced the "AirCard 300 for Windows"- with support for Microsoft Windows CE, 95, 98 and NT operating systems. The AirCard 300 for Windows is the industry's first cellular network interface card. It is also the smallest cellular data product on the market - the only true, Type II PC Card package. (more...)
Other wireless products http://www.businessweek.com/1999/99_10/b3619004.htm
A fresh wave of wireless wares and services is emerging that may help service providers deliver broadband directly to customers by skipping the "last mile." http://www.pcweek.com/a/pcwt9904163/1014409