Gateway Delays Launch Of Handhelds

Gateway said Wednesday that it delayed introduction of handheld computers indefinitely, marking a setback in its plans to vastly expand its offering of consumer electronics.

The launch, initially scheduled for mid-July, was put on hold largely due to obstacles lining up software and accessories partners, said company spokesman Ted Ladd.

"We just missed our launch window," he said.

Gateway had planned two handhelds based on Microsoft's Windows Mobile for Pocket PC 2003 software. Ladd denied that the delay had anything to do with Microsoft.

Gateway will still sell Palm, Sony, Toshiba and ViewSonic handhelds.

The company expects to launch 50 new products this year, mostly during the back-to-school season and before the winter holidays. It is trying to broaden its product line from just personal computers to electronics, including high-end televisions, DVD players and digital cameras.

Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.