InfoWorld’s Dan Briody wrote an article on the state of handheld computing. He says that the Windows CE devices aout there don’t even compare to Palm devices.

BSQUARE Corporation announced today the availability of new CE Xpress Kits that will be compatible with the new Microsoft Windows CE 2.12 operating system and Microsoft Platform Builder 2.12.

Epson Electronics America Tuesday announced E0C37109W system-on-chip solution for Windows CE applications. Based on Hitachi’s 32-bit RISC SH7709 microprocessor, Epson’s new system-on-chip is a highly integrated, multifunctional microcomputer enabling Windows CE systems to be designed with 50 percent fewer chips and cost up to 30 percent less (compared to EPSON SH-CARD).

Microsoft announced the availability of Microsoft Windows CE operating system Platform Builder 2.12. Microsoft Windows CE Platform Builder 2.12 is available now. Two starter kits are being offered, each including one Platform Builder license. The Standard Kit has 250 full run-time licenses, and the Professional Kit has 1,000 full run-time licenses.

InfoWorld’s Dan Briody wrote an article on the state of handheld computing. He says that the Windows CE devices aout there don’t even compare to Palm devices.

Corex Technologies Corporation announced new CardScan Version 5 Software and the USB-enabled CardScan 500 dedicated business card scanner. CardScan Version 5 Software enables customers to scan international business cards and automatically synchronize the information with contact managers and PIMs using new AutoSync technology. CardScan provides AutoSync for Lotus Notes, Lotus Organizer, GoldMine, and others. CardScan also now transfers contact information directly to Palm desktop software, Ascend 97 and Franklin Planner Software.

Extensity announced the compatibility of its Internet applications with the Visor, the new pocket-sized computer from Handspring.

Qualcomm announced a new network optimization tool for field test engineers. The pdQ diagnostic monitor (DM) provides technicians with a handheld network data collector and analysis tool for wireless over-the-air testing of CDMA digital cellular and PCS network and handset performance. The pdQ DM offers end-to-end security for sensitive transactions through the use of standard Internet protocols.

Here’s a review of Lotus Organizer 6.0 from PC Week. The review says that Organizer 6 lets you view contact and Web entries in tabular format and update old telephone area codes. Organizer also updates the user interface via Lotus SmartCenter, a filing cabinet on a horizontal bar.

Sierra Imaging announced that the full version of Image Expert CE 2.0 is now bundled with Hewlett-Packard Company’s new HP Jornada 430se Palm-sized PC.