InfoSync reviews Chapura’s KeySuite, a set of four independent applications, KeyDates, KeyContacts, KeyTasks, and KeyNotes. KeySuite’s main function is to duplicate the functions and fields available in Microsoft Outlook for Windows on the Palm.

RainMaker Software announced that Lindquist & Vennum has licensed its Practice Management Docketing and Exchange Server Integration software. The software provides the ability to schedule and manage the docketing activities of the entire firm including the automatic generation of paperless SmartAlert email tickler messages to remind attorneys of critical dates. The system includes a real-time two-way integration with Microsoft Exchange Server allowing attorneys to view and edit their docket events from an Outlook screen or synchronize them with a PDA.

EXideas has released its newest product, MessagEase for Pocket PC. ExIdeas’ text entry technology uses only 9 keys for full text entry, including all punctuation marks.

ePocrates is currently offering a free trial of ePocrates Rx Pro. You can use it to find all the clinical information you need for over 2,800 continually updated medications. You can download the free 30-day trial onto your Palm handheld.

Intel released a new batch of optimization tools that could improve power and performance of cell phone and PDA applications running on processors based on Intel XScale technology. InternetNews.com reports that the kits include a Pocket PC based on an Intel PXA255 processor for downloading and testing the applications, as well as a number of software tools and a support CD used for fine-tuning the applications.

The Open Palmtop Integrated Environment (Opie) project has announced that Opie 1.0 is available now. According to InfoSync, Opie is a GNU/Linux-based software package designed for portability across a large number of handheld devices from multiple manufacturers.

Gateway introduced the Gateway Digital Audio Player, a 1.5-ounce USB device that also provides portable storage and voice recording. PC World reports that Gateway is pushing the device’s multiple uses. Gateway estimates the 128MB version stores up to two hours of digital music in MP3 or WMA format, or up to 122MB of data files. The digital voice recorder can store up to nine hours of voice dictation.

Metrowerks launched CodeWarrior Development Studio for Sharp Zaurus Application Development, Version 1. The integrated development environment (IDE) allows developers to author code on a Windows operating system desktop and then deploy applications directly to the Sharp Zaurus device, which runs on the Linux OS and is based on the Metrowerks OpenPDA platform.

Sony unveiled a plasma TV with built-in broadband networking that is linked to a Web pad-like remote control by wireless LAN technology. Busisness Week says the KDE-P50HZ1 and KDE-P42HZ1 plasma TVs are 50 inches and 42 inches in screen size and will go on sale in Japan later this year, for around $12,000 and $10,000, respectively.

PC Magazine has this review of the Hitachi SH-G1000 smartphone with service provided by Sprint PCS. The SH-G1000 is a fully powered Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition PDA with a built in CDMA/1xRTT single-band phone, an integrated QWERTY keyboard, a 640-by-480 resolution digital camera, and an SD slot. Users with PCS Business Connection Enterprise Edition software can push Lotus Notes or Microsoft Outlook email and PIM data directly to the phone for access both in and out of coverage areas.