"Dear Abby" I'm not. But I do get a considerable number of letters from Pen Computing readers seeking advice on wireless communications solutions. Frankly, a lot of times I just can't help, or sometimes the questions would require such extensive research that I'm tempted to reply with a list of my consulting fees. On the other hand, I try to assist whenever I can.

Lately, I have been receiving a good number of emails from people seeking wireless communications options for Palm-sized PCs operating on Windows CE. There are numerous wireless alternatives for PalmPilots, but apparently not so many for their Microsoft-championed brethren. So far, I have only stumbled across two possibilities for WinCE-based palm devices. (A caveat: There may be other solutions out there, but I don't know about them. If you do, please fill me in).

The first option is JP Systems' BeamLink for Windows CE. This software package lets you send and receive email wirelessly through any WinCE PC companion via SkyTel's AccessLinkII pager using an infrared link. BeamLink automatically integrates email/messages with Pocket Outlook inbox and contacts. In addition, one can upload addresses from Windows CE Companion contact lists to the pager. And for a look at pager messages on a bigger screen, a user can retrieve, review, reply, and forward email and paging messages on their WinCE device.

BeamLink also provides a nice backup because messages sent or received via BeamLink can be stored on a Windows CE Companion as well as the pager. For more information, visit www.jpsystems.com.

In addition, while I was in Cannes at the GSM World Congress in February I got to see some intriguing demos by the Swedish company Sendit. The company was showing how email could be composed on a Palm-sized PC, communicated via an infrared link to a compatible Global System for Mobile communications digital cellular phone, and then transmitted wirelessly using GSM's Short Messaging Service (which supports 160-character messages). The demo I saw used a Casio Cassiopeia and, as I recall, an Ericsson 888 with infrared port. Unfortunately, attempts to get the demo to work on two separate days failed. But at least it shows that development work is ongoing in the wireless WinCE world.

By the way, Sendit has signed a marketing agreement with Compaq Computer. Starting next quarter in Europe, end users will be able to buy Compaq Armada notebooks installed with Compaq's GSMSpeedpaq PC card phone and Sendit's mobile client application. Alternatively, one will be able to buy a handheld Compaq C-Series 2010 that runs Sendit's mobile client software integrated with Microsoft Pocket Outlook and that links via infrared to a compatible GSM-900 or GSM-1800 handset. Note that the bundled package is currently only developed for the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz GSM networks that run pretty much everywhere except the Americas. Further, the communications solution requires that a GSM network be running Sendit's Internet Cellular Smart Access product on Compaq's ProLiant servers.

Oldie but a goodie
While we're on the subject of reader comments, I'd like to cover some old territory. About a year ago, I wrote about the trials and tribulations involved in setting up my dear old Dad with a cellular phone. For some reason, I received more responses to that column than to any other that I have ever written. Quite awhile after that column ran, I had a few people suggest that rather than buying my father a regular cellular phone, I should have gotten him a special handheld terminal from SOS Wireless Communications. I first wrote about the SOS device way back in 1996 but had sort of lost track of it in my brain's ever jumbled and disorganized filing cabinet.

The SOS Phone is certainly an excellent option for elderly subscribers, teenagers, and others who need wireless communications primarily for security as opposed to casual chatting or business use. The device is a lightweight limited-use analog phone that allows one-button access to emergency and medical services, caregivers, and family. The SOS Phone only has three buttons total, runs on AA batteries, is hearing aid compatible, operates in conjunction with a 24-hour, operator-staffed call center, and employs a simulated dial tone for ease of use. The phone does not accept incoming calls, and all non-911 calls go the SOS support center, which directs the calls to one of 10 registered numbers. To place a standard cellular call to a different number, a user has to give the call center a special password. Among other things, this feature restricts the phone's use in the event that it is lost or stolen.

The SOS Phone sells for $134.95, including activation and shipping. Monthly service runs $9.95 a month. All 911 calls are free, but other calls are billed at a flat rate of $1.45 per minute with no additional charges for roaming, long distance or taxes. For more information about this product, check out www.sosphone.com or call 800-259-8327.

Captivating communicators
Meanwhile, in the cool new terminal category, one of the latest entrants is a smart phone designed to work on Code Division Multiple Access (cdmaOne) networks like those operated by Sprint PCS. The unit is called the NeoPoint 1000 and comes from a San Diego-based startup called Innovative Global Solutions.

The IGS phone features an eleven line, 100-character display screen (much larger than normal), Tegic's T9 text input technology, and Advanced Recognition Technologies' voice command capabilities. Basic features include Internet access using the Wireless Application Protocol, PC synchronization (for downloading contact names and numbers into the phone's 1,000 memory locations directly from a PC via a cable link), wireless fax and modem capabilities, and extensive personal information management functions. It also has a Personal InBox to capture voicemail, email, and text messages in one place. There's even an alarm clock reminder feature.

The attractively styled terminal weighs 6.5 ounces and comes in champagne or slate blue. IGS' partner LG Information & Communications is manufacturing the NeoPoint 1000. And the great news: The phone is expected to command a sub-US$300 street price.

I haven't tested the phone, but from what I could see, the NeoPoint 1000 is a very sweet device. IGS appears to have thought of everything, including a very handy one-button application launch feature. The performance appears to be there too. IGS says that market tests proved stock quotes were accessed more quickly on the NeoPoint than by using a PC connected to the Internet. Certainly as cdmaOne operators add data capabilities to their networks, products like the NeoPoint should drive demand.

On the GSM side of things, Nokia has announced the Nokia 7110, a so-called "media phone," also designed for WAP-based wireless Internet access. Nokia also is working with Cable News Network on enabling the 7110 to access the new CNN Mobile offering, a WAP-compatible news service. Similar Nokia models are in development for the Time Division Multiple Access and GSM 1900 networks in the Americas.

In addition, from Nokia's Nordic neighbor Ericsson we now have the MC218, a mobile companion based on Symbian's EPOC OS. The MC218 is also a WAP-based device that works with the 600/700/800 series of Ericsson mobile phones. Applications include the ability to send text, digital pictures, and drawings with the Postcard application as well as to connect with WAP-based Internet sites.

And let's not forget about the new Motorola StarTAC Mobile Organizer. The clip-on accessory offers basic PIM features and uses Starfish Software's TrueSync technology for synchronization with Web-Calendars, desktop organizers, and PDAs. The device works with any analog, CDMA, or TDMA StarTAC phone.

Movie stars, swimming pools
In the infrastructure arena, AT&T Wireless Services is finally bringing Cellular Digital Packet Data to Los Angeles. As more than one analyst has noted over the years, LA has been a massive hole in the otherwise substantial CDPD footprint. Of course, there are other large citiesÑsuch as AtlantaÑthat also are bereft of CDPD coverage, but the addition of LA should help nationwide concerns take another look at CDPD as a possible wireless data solution for their operations.

As for the long-term future of CDPD, I think it has a role in certain vertical industry communications for years to come. But we've seen that CDPD solutions still lack mass-market appeal. And as GSM and CDMA carriers add more messaging and data capabilities to their networks, it will be intriguing to see the response from carriers such as AT&T that use IS-136 TDMA technology. AT&T has been bullish on CDPD as its data solution, but advancements in IS-136 networking promise a host of new data capabilities for operators that could open the door to CDPD becoming an orphan technology.

On the flip side, despite CDPD's long-documented struggles, the GSM community is preparing to deploy a similar data solution called GPRS, for General Packet Radio Service. GPRSÑlike CDPD wasÑis envisioned as an overlay for existing networks. Operators such as Cellnet in the United Kingdom and Sonera of Finland have signed on to add GPRS capabilities.

While CDPD and GPRS are only conceptual brethren, GPRS successes could help vindicate the Americas' expensive CDPD experience by showing that the vision was legit even if the execution languished.

However, I would encourage GSM operators in North America and overseas to learn from the missteps taken in trying to spread the CDPD gospel. Initial network deployments cost considerably more than expected, suitable end-user equipment took a long time to come along, and the original software applications were insufficient. Without proper preparation, GPRS operators could stumble over the exact same hurdles.