Since user peripherals easily plug into a Cstation, which is connected to the actual PC at over one Gigabit per second cabling, end users do not "feel" much of a difference. Their monitor, keyboard, mouse, PDA docking station, removable media devices, digital cameras and other peripheral devices, including multiple monitors and digital video interfaces work as if the PC were still connected to a desktop system. The ability to use a PC, with all of its familiar capabilities, ensures a smooth transition to the centralized Cstation environment.

The Cstation C1100 and L1100 both consist of two components:

Optional mounting brackets can mount Cstations vertically or horizontally under a desk or cabinet, completely out of sight. This technology transparently supports any operating system, including Linux, since it requires no device drivers or software.

Cstations run from $895 to $2500 per unit depending on type and cable configuration.

Here is an example of a Cstation C1000 that uses CAT 5 Ethernet cable for up to a 100-meter connection between the Cstation and the PC:

Cstation C1000

LiquidForms is an XML-based eForm Management System that runs on Windows PCs and Sun Solaris servers. When fully deployed, it helps enable the paperless workplace by allowing routing, approval, submission and signature approval. Workers browse the organization's centralized eForm repository and fill out the form, according to their workflow process. They can then route the data on their completed forms directly into their ERP, HR, database or other back office application, using only a standard browser and Adobe Acrobat 5.0. No specialized plug-ins or Java filler applets are required.

Cardiff LiquidForms also:

- is based upon Cardiff's work within W3C XForms Working Group (Cardiff is technical editor for the XForms Specification)

- coincides with our government's recent e-initiative of the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act

- requires no proprietary form design format

The LiquidForms eForm Management System is composed of three basic parts:

- LiquidForms Designer (to create and publish on-line forms)

- LiquidForms Web Server (to route, process and administer forms)

- LiquidForms Web Desktop (distributes automated forms to worker community)

This product is clearly destined for larger corporations and government agencies, but may have some application for smaller businesses. The trial edition of the Designer is downloadable from Cardiff and is also bundled with Adobe Acrobat 5.0.

In May 2001, LiquidForms Designer for Windows will ship, with a list price starting at $1,000 per seat with volume discounts. The other system components will also be available then and can be delivered in two distinct configurations. The Workgroup version that supports a 100 log-in maximum is $15,000, while the scalable Enterprise version starts at $30,000.

LiquidForm Designer screen

With a single purchase, from a single vendor, you get all the necessary hardware, software, peripherals and cabling necessary to accomplish:

Since the Celestix Taurus includes built-in networking software pre-installed and pre-configured you can have your server running in about 15 minutes. You can administer your server locally from its LCD front panel or remotely using a web-based admin tool. Since this server can support wireless 802.11b, it can easily be made into an access point. Now you can easily add or move workstations, without having to lay cable over your floor or in your walls.

The seven pound Celestix Taurus is about the size of a toaster, operates on Linux 2.4 and supports up to 500 users. Several models will be available in January 2002 and will retail for under $2000. 

The ShuttlePRO multimedia controller includes:

The ergonomic positioning of the buttons, jog and shuttle controls allow easy one-handed access to a multitude of functions and operational shortcuts. The rubberized spring-loaded shuttle knob is comfortable and easy to grip. The ShuttlePRO's clear button caps are removable and can be labelled.

Contour Design supplies special software to help customize the ShuttlePRO for different audio, video and multimedia software applications. Some of these are:

Commonly used commands such as mark in, mark out, frame advance, scroll or any other keyboard shortcut can be easily defined. Games such as UnReal Tournament or Quake can be made easier but you can also realize enhanced productivity with any software package using the ShuttlePRO's programmable controls.

Angled image showing programmable button layout

 

ShuttlePRO side angle showing thickness of jog wheel

Unfortunately, for Windows users, the ShuttlePRO only supports Windows 2000, with an XP version coming soon. (Mac users will need OS 8.6 or later, with Mac OS X drivers upcoming.)

The ShuttlePRO is 7 3/4" (L) x 4 1/4" (W) x 1 1/4" (H) and weighs under one pound. It is currently shipping. 

The CorelDRAW portion provides vector illustration capability and page layout tools, along with an extensive array of effects and creation tools. The Corel PHOTO-PAINT portion provides image and photo editing capabilities, including image composition, image enhancement, masking and artistic brush tools.

This synergistic combination of these tools help you create:

The other useful utilizes and graphic files included are:

Being a new product, CorelDRAW ESSENTIALS has been optimized for the Intel Pentium 4 processor and Microsoft Windows XP.

This suite includes more than 70 import filters and 40 export filters encompassing a wide variety of file formats. ESSENTIALS is also compatible with industry-standard bitmap plug-in effects, as well as TWAIN to make image import from scanners and digital cameras easier. Some of the key compatible formats are:

CorelDRAW ESSENTIALS runs on Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows NT 4.0, and Windows XP. Sorry, not Windows 95. French and German versions are available in addition to English. 

Key specifications of the CTX MS3600VF are:

Also included are built-in amplified dual stereo speakers, a powered subwoofer, a remote control and the Vision Box. The CTX Vision Box contains analog television jacks, VGA input connector, S-video jacks for DVD/VCR/VTR connections, TV-tuner, RF cable and advanced video inputs (Y/Pb/Pr) for high-end DVD/HDTV sources. PC connections are available in both the front and rear of this monitor for easier connectivity.

The CTX MS3600VF has been designed for a wide range of uses. Some of them are:

The CTX MS3600VF retails for $2,999 and features a 2 year on-site warranty. 

The Digital-Square PA30 MP3 player features both built-in memory (16, 32 or 64 Mb) along with a Multimedia Card (MMC) memory expansion slot for up to 128 Mb additional capacity. This model also features an easy-to-read electro-luminescent (EL) backlight display that can show time along with playback, battery, USB and system status.

Audio data can be easily transferred to and from this PA30 MP3 player via a USB cable, but the PA30 can be used as an external USB "hard drive" if desired. The file transfer rate for the internal flash memory is 300 Kbps and for external MMC memory is 160 Kbps.

Other features of the Digital-Square PA30 MP3 are:

Optional accessories include a remote controller and an arm/belt clip. Currently shipping. 

The E-Pen system consists of a wireless digital pen, writing controller and necessary software. Using this system, you write messages and drawings on any type of paper and they are translated into digital ink. Your notes are now easily accessible by a PC or compatible mobile device -- you don't have to change the way you have worked for years, just because you want to also store your writing digitally.

Setting up the E-Pen is an easy 4 step process:

Your writing is now digitally transmitted (via ultrasonic and infrared technology) to your computer. Since anyone who can use a pen can now use the E-Pen, there is virtually no "learning curve" to get used to this device.

Some specific applications are:

The E-Pen retails for $179 and is currently available. The E-Pen is Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows CE compatible. Interface models are available for either USB or serial PDA.

Some of the key feature of the E-Pen are:

Initial Impression

The weight and balance of the pen is good is comfortable to hold in the hand. 

Available in three models, the Franklin eBookMan interfaces to the host PC via USB or optional serial connection. Storage memory can be expanded up to 64 MB using a MultiMediaCard device.

Models of the eBookMan start at $129.95 for an 8 MB unit. For $179.95, backlighting is added and the top of the line costs $229.95. It features a larger 16 MB of memory and a backlit screen.

All units use the Franklin operating system, which can be upgraded in the future using downloads from the Internet. eBookMan's proprietary, 32 bit microprocessor is patented and runs at 24 MHz. This processor also:

This level of integration makes the eBookMan run longer on batteries. eBookMan docks to your system via USB or optional serial adapter and is currently shipping. 

The Hitachi CML153B also:

Technical specs of both the Hitachi CML153B and Hitachi CML153 include:

CML153 (ivory model)

CML153 on edge showing flat viewing surface

Instead of having different models, with different sized drives, IOGEAR is selling only the enclosure, which saves you money. It also is very useful when you upgrade your laptop's IDE hard drive. Instead of simply being a conversation piece, your old hard drive can now be used as a mobile storage device.

The $119 IOGEAR ION transfers data 40 times faster than previous USB 1.1 devices and:

Since the portable ION is fully backward compatible with USB 1.1 laptops, you can use the ION to transfer data from your older laptop to your new one. ION supports Windows 98 SE, Windows 2000, Windows ME and Windows XP, as well as Mac OS X and greater.

IOGEAR's ION (part number GHE125U) includes necessary cables, is currently shipping and has a one year warranty. 

The Peerless drive also:

It should be shipping by the middle of 2001. 

Because of this increased computing performance, the IRISPen Executive II not only reads clean text faster, but also reads dot matrix and other lower quality text documents. Other key capabilities of this grayscale OCR Pen scanner is its ability to:

Image Recognition Integrated Systems (IRIS) has used the wisdom they gained in developing the Readiris Pro 6.0 software for flatbed scanners and have integrated it into the IRISPen. The IRISPen connects to your PC using a "plug & play" USB cable which provides power to the scanning element. The PC software provides:

The recognition speed of the IRISPen is up to 1,000 characters per second using a Pentium II 400 MHz PC.

The IRISPen Executive II saves you time retyping critical information because you simply "highlight" the desired information and it transferred directly into your desired Windows application. Potential users of the IRISPen are:

The IRISPen II retails for $199 and requires a minimum of a Pentium based 166 MHz PC with 16 MB RAM, 30 MB of free hard disk space, USB port and a CD-ROM drive. It runs on Windows 98, Windows 2000 and Windows ME. (Windows 95 OSR2 usage is possible with correct USB port configuration). 

The LaCie DVD-RAM/R drive is hot-swappable and features high performance FireWire connectivity. This plug-and-play drive automatically detects the system interface and configures this connection when it is plugged in. Because it then behaves just like any other drive in the computer system, you can conveniently move this drive among workstations, without having to shut down or reboot each machine.

Key features of the LaCie DVD-RAM/R are:

The external LaCie DVD-RAM/R drive is able to read CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, CD Video, CD-DA (audio), VideoCD, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-Video or DVD-RAM media. It retails for $629 and ships complete with cables, software drivers, DVD authoring software and backup software. This drive is compatible with Windows 98 SE, ME and 2000 (Macintosh OS 8.6-9x).

The media

DVD-RAM media offers the random-access capability and performance of a hard drive to provides near instant retrieval of files or video frames. Built-in error correction, more than 100,000 overwrites and a 30-year data life makes DVD-RAM a great solution for backup/recovery and editing videos prior to pre-mastering. DVD-RAM media is available at $20 for the single-sided 4.7 GB disc, and $35 for the double-sided 9.4 GB disc.

DVD-R General media offers a write-once format and 100-year data life. This is a great solution for secure storage and archiving. In addition, DVD-R General discs can be played back by most DVD video players and DVD-ROM drives in use throughout the world today, so the media discs can be easily shared. LaCie offers 4.7 GB DVD-R General media in a 5-pack for $39. 

The Solitaire copies IDE hard disk drives at 850 megabytes per minute (5400 rpm drive) and can also format and “wipe” a drive clean to DOD (Department of Defense) specifications.

Priced around $850, this compact device is a bargain if you need to be cloning drives on a regular basis. If, on the other hand, you have only one or two drives to clone, PowerQuest’s Drive Copy or Drive Image might be a cheaper solution, but make SURE to check their licensing agreement for your intended application.

The Logicube Solitaire can also be used in the field by technical staff to quickly backup an entire hard drive BEFORE performing repairs or doing that “simple” installation that ends up losing ALL your data. The Solitaire provides the ideal safety net, allowing you to quickly (and accurately) restore ALL your data and programs if something goes wrong.

For really serious applications, Logicube offers a complete line of drive cloning devices that can clone anywhere from 2 to 15 drives at a time! Now that's cloning. 

The OrangeCombo PC Card provides two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire port on a single type II PC Card. Key features are:

The USB 2.0 ports are "backward compatible" with all USB 1.1 devices. USB 2.0 peripherals will run at 480 Mbits per second, while USB 1.1 peripherals run at 10 Mbits per second. Ports on the OrangeCombo can function at the same time as the existing USB 1.1 ports on your laptop.

The OrangeCombo PC Card has an MSRP of $139 and will be shipping in March 2002. 

Key features of the SL-MP50 are:

For each audio format, the Panasonic SL-MP50 provides similar capabilities such as Skip, Random Play, Repeat play and Random programming.

The most powerful technology provided by this Panasonic model is its "No Skip" system. Key features of this technology are:

While these are excellent specs, music could still be silenced (briefly) during the recovery period. To deal with this, Panasonic engineers have added a 40 second memory back-up that starts to play until the tracking error is corrected. During MP3 playback, this buffer is extended to 100 seconds (with 128 kbps audio compression).

The Panasonic SL-MP50 includes stereo headphones and lists for $139.95. It will be available in October 2001. 

Utilizing SeamlessLink technology, the PCRW2010 virtually eliminates buffer "under-run" errors, a common cause of recording failure and wasted media. This technology monitors the CD recording status and if necessary, pauses the recording when the data buffer becomes nearly empty. Once the buffer is again filled, the recording is resumed exactly where it was paused for a successful and "seamless" recording.

CD recording integrity has been increased by also adding Thermo Balanced Writing (TBW) technology. TBW technology optimizes the PCRW2010's writing capability by adjusting the laser power for different types and qualities of CD-R disks. This helps to minimize the chances of data retrieval problems.

Philips has made the installation process easier, by including video instructions to show you exactly how to mount this drive into your PC. The installation software automatically checks the PC configuration and updates key parameters to optimize CD recording and rewriting performance.

The Philips PCRW2010 is supplied with Nero software from AHEAD. This powerful software helps you easily create CD-Rs and CD-RWs right out of the box, because of Nero's simple, intuitive user interface. The PCRW2010 drive also supports the CD text function, which allows the display of additional text information recorded on CDs.

This drive has been available since late summer 2001. 

Key features of this aluminum RhinoSkin are:

The Saunders RhinoSkin 31604 protects against drops and collisions and is rigid enough to protect against crushing.

If aluminum protection isn't enough, Saunders also has a titanium version for about $100. Both models feature an IR port cut-out for easy data "beaming" when opened.

Saunders RhinoSkin and Palm m505 folded flat

 

Saunders RhinoSkin closed

Using an external flash memory reader you:

Unfortunately many card readers only work with a single style of flash memory. Instead of using multiple cables, you then need to a separate reader for each format. To simplify this problem, the SCM Dazzle 6 in 1 reader accepts six different types of media in a single, plug-and-play USB device.

The Dazzle 6 in 1 reads and writes:

The dual-slot design is upgradeable for future formats and allows copying between media types. In addition to transferring images this reader can also be used as a removable disk drive, limited only by media capacity (read about SanDisk's new one gigabyte compact flash media).

Included with the 6 in 1 reader is Dazzle's OnDVD. With this software program, you can quickly transfer images from your digital camera to your PC and easily create a photo slideshow. You can then burn this slideshow onto a CD for playback on any DVD player.

The SCM Microsystems Dazzle 6 in 1 reader supports Windows 98 using drivers. Window Me and Windows XP require no additional software drivers to be installed because this reader is mass storage compliant. It was introduced at Comdex Fall 2001, is currently shipping and retails for $69.99. 

Key features of the TDK blueM are:

The TDK blueM attaches to the back of Palm m500, m505, m125 handhelds and also fits onto IBM C500 devices. When attached, you can use dial-up networking to access emails and browse the Web. It retails for $199. 

I have used SnagIt/32 for many years and have found it to be a stellar product -- a product that works every time, works well with other applications and doesn't crash your system. Many of the screenshots found on Reviews OnLine site were taken using this older SnagIt software.

While SOME Windows screens can be captured using the printscreen (Prt Sc) key, SnagIt goes far beyond this simple capability. SnagIt 6.0 is able to:

The new enhanced viewer included in SnagIt 6.0 includes a zoom capability to give you the ability to edit images at the pixel level. Also included is a zoom and pan capability to help you see the fine details in your screen captures.

These enhancements to version 6.0 give SnagIt the ability to quickly create screen captures to use in:

SnagIt is currently the world's most popular screen capture software and has more than 3.5 million users. Version 6.0 supports Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows ME and Windows XP. It is available immediately and has a suggested retail price of $39.95. 

This latest Toshiba camera packs quite a few sophisticated features, not generally found on sub-$500 digicams. Some of these advanced features are a 5 mode flash system with red-eye reduction and its ability to accept third-part accessory lenses, such as wide angle, telephoto or fish-eye.

The 2.8 times optical zoom of the PDR-71 has a 35-98 mm 35mm equivalent, which is useful for both still images and AVI movie recording.

You can film up to three minutes of video at 160 x 120 at 15 frames per second or 60 seconds of AVI at 320 x 240, also at 15 fps. Sound is recorded using the camera's built-in microphone. White balance can also be adjusted. Videos are played back using a computer monitor, a television (NTSC/PAL) or the PDR-71's 1.5-inch color LCD.

To make the camera easier to use, especially during fast, continuous shooting, Toshiba has used improved digital signal processing (DSP) technology along with adding a logical user interface. Toshiba's goal was to create a "product that you could hand to someone who has never used a digital camera and they likely would not need an instruction guide to operate it". Some of these key ease-of-use features are:

For the advanced shooter, the PDR-71 has both shutter and aperture priority automatic exposure, along with a REAL manual mode where you can set both shutter and aperture independently. The histogram feature is usually found only in very high Kodak digital cameras that start at over $5,000. Viewing a histogram display immediately after a picture is taken really helps you to determine if your image is really good or going to surprise you when you view it with Photoshop.

The Toshiba PDR-71 captures images in three different sizes (2048x1536, 1024x768, 640x480) with three different compression percentages (fine, normal, basic).

Looks like this camera will definitely heat up the competition in this $500 price range. 

Besides coating the surface, Triplex has also coated the inner layers of this card. Some of the key benefits of the Millennium Silver over conventional graphics cards are:

Triplex is a leading Asian manufacturer and specializes in 3D accelerator cards and sound cards. It has been in business for ten years and never comprises its product quality. Triplex is headquartered in Taipei Taiwan, with branches in China and Hong Kong. 

Verbatim is now shipping DataLifePlus 32X CD-R media. This new media provides 80-minutes (700 Mb) of audio, video and data recordings at speeds up to 4.8 MB/sec. This media uses Verbatim's "Super Azo" recording dye technology, which delivers stable, error-free recording at any speed between 1x and 32x. Without sacrificing reliability or durability for speed, DataLifePlus 32X CD-R media also provides a long archival life and good UV stability.

The "Super Azo" technology used in DataLifePlus 32X CD-R media is based on patented Metal Azo technology. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Verbatim's parent company, originally developed this technology for advanced CD, DVD-R and other storage media. By re-tuning key media characteristics, such as sensitivity to laser light, to ensure sharper pit burns at higher recording speeds, this new "Super Azo" technology was created.

Tests indicate that Verbatim's Azo recording layer is more stable than most other recording dyes and is the least affected by ultraviolet light. For improved reflectivity and maximum read/write performance, the silver reflective layer of each compact disc is safeguarded with a dual-protective layer.

Verbatim DataLifePlus CD-R media delivers an archival life of more than 100 years. Verbatim is currently testing this 32X media to ensure the broadest compatibility with both current and future CD-ROM drives. Backed by a lifetime warranty, this new media will be available in singles, multiple-disc packages and spindles. 

This mouse features:

Hand position while using Vertical Mouse

This mouse has five buttons although these images show only four. Three are on top, for the fingers and one is under the scroller. A thumb button will be added to the production model.

The Vertical Mouse retails for $39.95 and will be available after August 2002.

How does it work?

Because of its shape and design, the Vertical Mouse keeps the arms in a comfortable, relaxed position

Less bone twist with Vertical Mouse

A conventional, horizontal mouse forces the hand and forearm to be twisted almost 90 degrees out of the neutral position. This results in wrist discomfort after prolonged use and could lead to long term injury.

Increased bone twist with conventional, horizontal mouse

Some conventional mice are slightly slanted which does reduce arm twisting, but not as much as the new Vertical Mouse. 

The GeneSys Maximus pen tablet uses an advanced 12.1" Active Matrix Color Transflective LCD that was engineered to provide optimal viewing in direct, intense sunlight. The brighter the sun is, the brighter the LCD becomes. The Maximus is the latest member in a family of rugged mobile computers from Xplore Technologies. This tablet was specfically designed for challenging outdoor mobile and field applications and a user-controlled backlight has been included to enhance the screen brightness when used in dimly lit or dark environments. This LCD technology will greatly enhance field worker's productivity, because they won't have to stop to shade the screen with their hands or search for the proper lighting conditions to read the screen. If you don't believe how useful this can be, take your color pen tablet (or laptop) outside and try to use it in direct sunlight.

This magnesium-cased, 5.0 lb GeneSys Maximus operates in extreme environments such as:

These vibration, shock, rain, dust, humidity and temperature extremes easily exceed the "operational parameters" of the human using this tablet computer.

The standard configuration for the GeneSys Maximus is with a 500 MHz Mobile Intel Pentium III CPU, 128MB of SDRAM, a shock-mounted 10GB hard drive, 8MB of video RAM and a smart rechargable Lithium-Ion battery back. Through the use of advanced power management, this battery provides up to 6 hours of use. The GeneSys Maximus has an MSRP of $5,895 and will begin shipping during the last quarter of 2001.

It has a very cool "lights-out" mode for Law Enforcement and emergency situations, but other key features are:

Even the GeneSys Quick Release (GQR) Docking Station is engineered for extremes. These warm docking units provide typical port access including USB, serial, parallel, external monitor, PS/2 and speakers.

The best proof of ruggedness is that the GeneSys Maximus is backed by a 3-year warranty. To me, this proves that Xplore Technology truly believes in their product. (Many consumer laptops and electronics barely have a one-year warranty.) 

Want to see all this page in a more compact form? View the linked version of this article. It's a smaller download than this page, and each product's information is only a link away.

Copyright © 2006 Rick Smith All rights reserved.