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. 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. 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.
Users simply plug it in and turn it on.
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. WatchGuard is providing firewall protection, parental control, content filtering and security services for the device. It's also designed to accept upgrades when online music technology evolves. Compaq officials also took the opportunity to tout the company's iPaq Pocket PC, which has been out since April.