Sailors aboard the Norfolk-based guided missile destroyer USS McFAUL are being issued 115 Palm V handheld computers. A series of Clarinet Systems infrared ports will be installed throughout the ship to link them all together. The devices will be distributed to chiefs and Sailors in work center supervisor positions. In addition to the Palm V’s standard features, the computers issued to Sailors will include a new security software package called Restrictor developed by IS/Complete, Inc. The software will require a “log on” ID and authentication password to protect business sensitive notes and contact information on the computers in case they are lost or misplaced. The 32 Clarinet Systems infrared ports throughout the ship wll allow Sailors to transmit and receive information between the network and their handheld computers anytime from almost anywhere on the ship.

BVRP Software has announced the release of WinPhone pocket for a Windows CE 2.0 and 2.11 devices and the Pocket PC. It’s a communication suite that offers fax functions, SMS functions, and phone book management functions.

If parody is a form of flattery, then Palm should consider itself very flattered indeed of late. BBspot has a humorous item about the current craze among cutting edge executives of surgically implanting their Palm devices directly into their hands. “Just a few skin grafts and four screws, and the useless left hand now becomes a highly efficient PDA holder.”

ZDNet has a first look at what they describe as Palm’s new entry-level model, the Palm M100. According to ZDNet, the device will reportedly feature a curvy case, five removable front plates, and a flip cover with a small window that displays the date and time, as well as reminder notices. The article also reports on an upgrade from the Palm VII, what ZDNet claims will be called the Palm VIIx with 8MB of RAM and a slate gray case.

Conduits Technologies, Inc. announced the release of Peacemaker Professional, a cross-platform infrared transfer utility for Pocket PC. It allows users to beam information to other platforms, such as Palm OS or Psion devices, via an infrared link. No extra utilities are needed on the other device. Peacemaker Pro also enables the Pocket PC to receive incoming beams from other devices.

Applian announced the release of PicturePerfect for the Pocket PC and the Palm-sized PC. The application lets you view photographs, create photo albums, and make slide shows. You can also add audio to a photo to make a “talking picture.”

SiliconHorizon.com announced that the SiliconHorizon.com Online IT Superstore will be holding Palm Fiesta III. Palm Fiesta is an online event where products such as Palm devices, Psion devices, Pocket PCs, and other third party accessories and peripherals are priced down with 30%-90% discounts. Palm Fiesta III will run for two weeks from July 15 to July 28, 2000.

SiliconHorizon.com announced that the SiliconHorizon.com Online IT Superstore will be holding Palm Fiesta III. Palm Fiesta is an online event where products such as Palm devices, Psion devices, Pocket PCs, and other third party accessories and peripherals are priced down with 30%-90% discounts. Palm Fiesta III will run for two weeks from July 15 to July 28, 2000.

LandWare, Inc. announced it is offering an enhanced edition of its Zagat Survey software, Zagat version 1.1, for Palm, Handspring, IBM, and TRG handhelds. Zagat 1.1 will offer several new enhancements including Zagat’s New York City Nightlife Survey, access to restaurant information in eleven cities, and color graphics.

Palmtop Software has just signed a deal with Michelin Travel Publications to make their information available on Palm and Psion handheld devices. Using the Palmtop Software Michelin Guide, users can search 70 main cities in 20 European countries for information on places to stay and eat. Customised searches can be made on criteria such as town, name, price, class category, and facilities such as air conditioning, garden, or car park. Users can also ask for restaurants with cuisine worthy of the Michelin stars, for establishments where customers are served “good food for moderate prices,” or for local cafes featuring inexpensive local specialities.