"Well we call it SuperPDA because unlike what we consider PDA, it's a little bit large to fit in your pocket. But then, we felt a 10 inch screen was probably the minimum you'd want if you're going to do Web surfing."
Viewsonic's Herb Berkwits. The 2 and a half pound SuperPDA hitting the market this summer will sell for about a thousand dollars. It's expandability will allow users to connect to the net from the tablet anywhere. A bit more manageable in size... but still too big for a pocket... is another device from a company called PC-Ephone. CEO Dave Meltzer...
"This is the world's first Windows CE based convergence device. It means it's a telephone, a full functioning laptop with Internet access, it's a pager, it's an organizer..it's your calendar, your contact list, it's a memo pad. It also has a wireless stylus which is Bluetooth enabled. Now what does that mean? It means you can walk away from the actual device with your stylus and utilize it as a telephone."
Wireless carriers should begin marketing the PC-Ephone by late summer. Pricing hasn't been set... but you can bet it will be more than your typical cell phone. Bloomberg Bootcamp, I'm Fred Fishkin.