Wireless 101

Not too long ago, the TV remote control and, if you were lucky, the Clap-On light were the most gee whiz wireless devices in the house. Today, from cell phones and electronics, organizers to laptops even refrigerators, we are in the midst of a wireless revolution. Just as it unlocked the power and potential of the personal computer, the Internet is redefining our definition of wireless communication.

Cell phones are the first wireless products to easily incorporate Internet capabilities. Almost every cellular phone sold today can connect to the Internet via a protocol called WAP (Wireless Applications Protocol). In English, WAP is a technology that squeezes big files into tiny data streams allowing cell phones to surf the net at light speed.

The current cream of the Wireless Phone/Internet crop:

Best Value

For only $150 (sans monthly phone fee), you can get a good cell phone with Internet capabilities. One of the best is Samsung's SCH-6100- Featuring super long battery life and a fast Internet connection, this phone delivers the goods and then some. www.samsung.com



For Style and Substance

Nokia 8260
Nokia's sleek 8260 offers Internet plus the bells and whistles of its beefier counterparts in a sleek form factor. $200. www.nokia.com





Motorola's V8160
Tiny two-fingered phone combines Internet and personal organization features in a size so small you can pick your teeth with it. $600. www.motorola.com





AT&T AOL Phone
Both offer AOL email access using Pocket data, a similar form of WAP. www.att.com





AOL Sprint Phone
www.sprintpcs.com




Another big trend in wireless are World Phones and wireless email:


Ericsson's Model # T28
Designed for globe-hopping executives, World Phones allow users to receive signals in over 120 countries automatically, no cumbersome programming required. $400 www.ericsson.com





RIM Blackberry 957 -the wireless email monster---Wireless email is one of the killer apps in the wireless business. The RIM Blackberry is the best. It allows you to send and receive email from just about anywhere. Synchs with your PC and best of all its $40, single rate monthly fee destroys competitive plans. $499. www.rim.net



Electronics organizers (PDA's) are also heating up the wireless category:


Just last week Handspring announced a Cell phone pop in module for its popular Visor handheld that converts the organizer into a wireless cell phone/message center. What's nice about this is users can now consolidate all their contacts and phone messages in one device. While most cell phones today offer a phone and contact database, they do not have the power of a device like the Handspring or Palm, which is an organizer first -expect this trend to continue. www.handspring.com





Today Show Sneak Peek: --First look at Ericsson's futuristic Communicator, a Palm look-alike with integrated cell phone. Due in stores by the end of the year, it will synchronize with Microsoft's Outlook and offer instant email, Internet and phone capabilities. www.ericsson.com





Compaq IPAQ Electronic Organizer
Not to be outdone, this third generation Windows CE electronic organizer from Compaq is the most computer-like portable device on the market and features a host of wireless capabilities. $560. www.compaq.com




Wireless Crystal Ball
Soon every cell phone, electronic organizer, microwave, remote control and baby mobile will be able to communicate between devices. The buzzword in the category is Bluetooth. Bluetooth is a 2.4 GHZ wireless protocol designed to be implemented in any device.


IBM will be offering the first laptop with Bluetooth later this year. Using a Bluetooth equipped cell phone from Ericsson you can simply walk by the laptop and all your data will automatically synch with the laptop. Soon you'll be able to enter your optimum temperatures and have the Bluetooth equipped AC recognize your presence and adjust accordingly. The TV will pop over to your favorite cartoon channel. Your doors will unlock as you approach, your car will start, and the world may end as we know it . But seriously, wireless communication between everything electronic in your home, office and automobile, is not stuff of the Jetson's, it will be a reality over the next few years. www.ibm.com




DoCoMo
The hottest wireless phenomenon is happening as we speak in Japan and moving this way.

No it's not Microsoft, Sony, Intel or even Nokia, it's from a company called NTT DoCoMo. Online giant AOL is positioning DoCoMo for a US launch-- date to be determined. DoCoMo is a wireless phone service that offers continuous Internet connectivity using instant messaging type technology to keep whole families; groups, even towns connected all the time. Over 55, 000 DoCoMo's sell each day in Japan. AOL managed to finagle a DoCoMo phone --so you can say you saw it first before it hits the States over the next few years and completely captivates the youth of this country.

NTT DoCoMo launched its i-mode service, which provides continuous connection with the Internet via mobile phones. The number of subscribers to the service exceeded 12 million by August 2000. www.nttdocomo.com