First of a new breed

Philips SA has released the Velo 1 PDA, the first in its High Volume Technology line of mobile computing devices that marry three of the company`s technologies - consumer electronics, communications and computing - into a single unit. According to Steve O`Hagen, GM, PCs; Add on Cards; Monitors, at Philips, this union is simply a reflection of what is already happening in today`s IT and telecommunications industries. "There are already a number of consumer devices on the market that combine some of these technologies," he says. "It is possible that someday we may use PDA`s (Personal Digital Assistants) that combine cellular, video and computing applications in a single device." The Velo, with its 32-bit RISC processor, packs the punch usually associated with a desktop-bound PC into the pocket of any road warrior. Aimed at corporate users who need e-mail or Internet access while on the road, it is equipped with a built-in 19.2 Kbps modem and backlit screen. It comes standard with the Microsoft Windows CE operating system, which means that software applications such as pocket versions of Word, Excel, Microsoft Mail, Internet Explorer, a calendar and contact database, abound. The Velo Dock enables the easy synchronisation of data with the information residing on your desktop. Alternatively it may be run on two AA batteries for 15 hours of typical usage, emphasising its mobile computing ability. This PDA, available with 2 MB and 4MB standard memory, may also be expanded to 36 MB. Users may also add the Velo V-Module for a type II PC Card, wireless modem or GPS.