Connect Ethernet devices over 802.11a connection

By Keith Shaw
Network World, 01/31/05

Linksys last week launched a new wireless Ethernet adapter (WGA564AG) that gives wireless connectivity to Ethernet-enabled devices such as gaming consoles, personal video recorders or non-wireless media players. The device adds an 802.11a wireless connection that helps with applications that need a consistent signal and high network throughput (as 802.11b/g often can have interference issues).

If you have hooked up an Xbox to become a Media Center Extender (an $80 kit from Microsoft that lets you stream content from a Media Center PC to an Xbox connected to a second TV), the new adapter assists in creating a wireless link for that configuration. The adapter is available through resellers and other retailers for $129.

Pack up your projector faster Plus Vision last week launched a projector that can cool its fan while a presenter is packing up and getting ready to leave.

A battery-operated cooling fan on the V-332 projector is part of the Unplug & Go technology, which lets a presenter unplug the power cord from the projector to speed up the process of breaking down the system. Other projectors need to stay plugged in to run the cooling fan, wasting valuable minutes.

The V-332 weighs less than three pounds, offers 1,200 lumens of brightness and has a 2,000:1 contrast ratio for color-rich presentations, Plus Vision says. The system also includes a dial-type lens cover that makes it easier to remove and attach the lens cap.

Other features include support for 480p or 576p for progressive DVD, or 720p or 1080i for HDTV; a built-in presentation timer and a credit-card-sized remote control. The system costs about $2,000 and is available here.

Motion Computing launches thin client tablet

Motion Computing last week launched a mobile thin client tablet computer, aimed at providing software applications and updates to users while keeping the data stored on secure network servers.

The Motion M1400TC Tablet Client runs the Windows XP Embedded operating system and includes the Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol, Citrix ICA Client and Internet Explorer with Sun's Java Runtime Environment. The M1400TC uses the same slate-tablet PC chassis as the M1400, but without a hard drive (the TC uses 512M bytes of solid-state flash storage for the operating system and essential applications). Other features include a wide viewing angle display and an integrated fingerprint reader for additional security. The tablets are geared toward healthcare, retail and manufacturing sectors, the company says.

The systems start at about $1,700 and are shipping now.

Sharp launches sub-$1,000 notebook

Sharp Systems of America last week announced its new Actius MC24 notebook, which includes 60G bytes of storage space and an ergonomic curved keyboard for more comfortable typing. The notebook costs $1,000 and is available through Sharp's Web site and other resellers.

The Actius MC24 includes the AMD Athlon XP-M 2400+ processor and PowerNow Technology for extending battery life, Sharp says. It comes standard with 512M bytes of memory (up to 768M bytes maximum), integrated 802.11b/g wireless LAN connectivity, a CD-R/RW/DVD combination drive, four USB 2.0 ports, a VGA port and PC Card (Type II) slot. The system has a 12.1-inch LCD screen and comes with Windows XP Home Edition.

Keith Shaw is Network World's reviews editor. Contact him at kshaw@nww.com.

Recent Related Stories:

Cool Tools archive

Back to MobileVillage News Page

This story and associated images are copyright, 1995-2003 Network World, Inc.