Tech Watch: Treo 700p; Rugged PC; Video-Worthy LCD; Label Printer

Latest Treo Worth The Upgrade

If ever there was a viable alternative for Research In Motion's BlackBerry, it's the Palm Treo. Based on a slightly updated PalmOS, the new Treo 700p works on the high-speed EvDO networks of Sprint and Verizon Wireless, allowing much faster access to the Web and to e-mails with file attachments.

But the real clincher is that this Treo can be used as a broadband modem, allowing laptop users to access the Internet. It's certainly much slower than LAN or Wi-Fi connections, but for PDA users, it offers a promising option to buying a broadband network card. The 700p can connect to a laptop via Bluetooth or a hotsynch cable. For the mobile power user, it doesn't get much better than this--at least for now. The future of the PalmOS is unclear (a Linux-based version is in the works), but this update gives the platform at least another few years of viability. The unit we tested runs on the Verizon Wireless service, although it's available with Sprint's as well. Unlimited data service costs $94.99 per month with 450 minutes of voice. Other plans are available.
Palm Treo 700p , Price: $399 (with a two-year subscription)

LapLink Goes On The Defensive

For solution providers whose customers aren't thrilled with their current antivirus/antispam options, Laplink Software's PCdefense is worth taking a look at. The company's first offering in this category, PCdefense delivers spyware scanning and blocking, keylogger prevention, rootkit detection and browser repair. The software also uses the BitDefender online antivirus scanner and has a disaster-recovery feature that lets users restore files, settings and programs. PCdefender is the latest tool offered by Laplink, which recently rolled out a new channel program.
Laplink PCdefender , Price: $49.95.

With Mitel, the Message Is Loud and Clear

The newest IP phoneset from Mitel, the 5340, can be programmed with up to 48 self-labeling softkeys. A customizable HTML toolkit allows solution providers to program features with standard Web-authoring tools. Mitel has developed templates for several vertical markets, including education, retail, finance and hospitality. Also, the phonesets support wideband audio (7-KHz), new Gigabit Ethernet connectors and wireless LAN stands, and Mitel's MiNet and standard SIP protocols.
Mitel 5340 IP Phone, Price: $495

Value With a View

AOC's 193+ is suited for a variety of uses, but its 4-millisecond response time enables it to handle video especially well. The contrast ratio is 500-to-1, and brightness is rated at 270cd/m2. One drawback: As with many quick-response LCDs, the user compromises viewing angle, which is limited to 150-x-135 degrees with the 193+. For standard office usage, though, that really isn't an issue. AOC offers a three-year warranty with the LCD.
AOC 193+, Price: $329

Here's A Printer That Sticks

Printing labels on typical printers can be a hassle, especially for small businesses. Thank goodness there are some alternatives these days, one of which is Seiko Instruments' new SLP 450. This printer offers high-resolution output (300-dpi) at a speed of about one label per second. The standalone unit, which connects to any PC via its USB port, also supports two-dimensional bar code printing on labels up to 2 1/8 inches wide. Slap these on boxes or envelopes, or create name badges on the fly. And users can import data from popular applications.
Seiko Instruments SLP 450, Price: $189.99

A PC for Those Braving the Great Outdoors

Two Technologies' new ruggedized computer is the company's fastest to date. The JETT.XL is based on Intel's PXA270 XScale processor and offers voltage and frequency scaling. The dust-tight computer, based on Microsoft's Windows CE .Net 5.0 operating system, can withstand harsh environments--jets of water and temperatures ranging from 4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. The system comes standard with 64 Mbytes of SDRAM, 128 Mbytes of internal memory, a USB port, and 802.11b wireless LAN and Bluetooth support. Broadband wireless can be added. The unit, which features a backlit keypad and a 320-x-240 display that can be viewed in sunlight, is rechargeable, with NiMH AA batteries that provide up to 8 hours of power.
Two Technologies JETT.XL, Price: $2,434