Thanks to reader John Hensley for sending in this item on DPU-3445, a handheld thermal printer for notebooks, portable devices and cellular phones.

Here’s a report from PC Week on how Microsoft plans to consolidate all versions of Windows CE to version 3.0.

Christopher Yates from PC Week has this commentary on what’s wrong with the handheld and mobile computing markets.

USA Today has this article on what Jeff Hawkins and Donna Dubinsky have in store for their new start-up, called Handspring, Inc. The article also mentions the possibility of a handheld device for kids.

For our readers in the New York City area, the Walden Books at 57 Broadway will host a lunchtime event with David Pogue, author of “Palm Pilot: The Ultimate Guide”. David will demo cool new Palm programs and autograph books. Door prizes include a PalmPilot, t-shirts, and books. Information on the Pogue prize will be available, and graffiti cheat sheets will be free to all attendees. This event will be held on December 17 between 12:30-2:00pm and is free and open to the public.

Here’s a great Christmas story from Internet Week Magazine.

CNET announced a new Wireless product category Going Wireless, a new topic center accessible through CNET’s front page Topic Finder. Going Wireless introduces new editorials, reviews and feature stories on the Wireless Communications/Cellular Phone Services category. The section offers a user rating service that allows CNET readers to rank wireless products, features and service plans.

MarWare, formerly MAR Software, introduced a new neoprene case: the Palm Suit for the Palm Pilot. The Palm Suit is a sleek black neoprene case. It offers an internal pocket for PCMCIA or credit card storage, a zipper, screen protection, a plastic ring for attaching a handle, a belt loop, optional velcro attachment for your Palm Pilot, and an external pocket. Pictures of the final prototype are available at MarWare’s website.

Aramis Communications announced the new Aramis City Guide series of applications for the Palm Computing platform. City Guides include localized dining guides, museum info, and shopping tips. The first four Aramis City Guides will be released today, covering New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. Los Angeles, Boston and Seattle will be released in January, followed by London and Paris in February.

We ran a story on December 7 about how Palm IIIs are being used to unlock car doors. Wired News has this follow up article which includes reaction from 3Com.