ORLANDO, Fla.-Qualcomm Inc. announced plans to begin market trials of its pdQ smart phone, which integrates 3Com’s Palm Computing platform with its Interim Standard-95 Code Division Multiple Access technology to provide wireless data and voice communications in one device.
Market trials of an 800 MHz dual-mode and a 1900 MHz digital version of the smart phone are scheduled to begin during the fourth quarter, with commercial availability slated for the first half of next year, said Qualcomm.
The pdQ digital phone and pen-based organizer can be used to make voice calls, keep track of appointments and contact information, send and receive e-mail, access the Internet and receive alphanumeric pages. In addition, Qualcomm said the Palm Computing platform makes available more than 1,000 business and personal productivity applications, including enterprise information management, contracts, scheduling and groupware.
The phone measures about 6.3 inches long by 2.7 inches wide by 1.4 inches thick, and weighs approximately one-half pound. The pdQ features a flip-down keypad and a 160 pixels by 240 pixels liquid crystal display touch screen. Users can dial a number automatically by touching the contact name in their address book with the stylus.
Data is input in the device using Graffiti power writing software developed by Palm Computing, and HotSync technology, which allows users to transfer information between the smart phone and a personal computer.
