The New "CYPAQ"

Wireless communication has been touted as the future of Pocket PCs and mobile computing, but like a mirage in the desert, the closer you get to it ... Hey! Where did it go?

The Compaq iPAQ equipped with a CYNET Type III PC Card Expansion Pack, cellular/modem card and communications software

At least this has been my experience. So when I met the CYNET folks at a COMDEX Pocket PC party last November I was cautious. They showed me a Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC with an Expansion Type III PC Card slot (that's right ­ a thick Type III) and wireless cellular/modem. They told me that I could download e-mail, browse the Web, and make cellular phone calls on what they were calling a "CYPAQ" (CYNET + iPAQ). I was still cautious, but they definitely had my attention.

Before I met them at the party, I'd never heard of CYNET (www.cynetinc.com). It turns out that they're located in my hometown, Houston, Texas, just down the street from Compaq Computer Corporation. Over the past year CYNET has quietly been developing wireless technology applications and, according to company literature, readying itself to "evolutionize" both the consumer and corporate marketplace. Last January (2001) they demonstrated the CYPAQ cellular/modem combination at the Compaq Houston Marathon, tracking the runners during the race (including Michael Capellas, Compaq's CEO).

The company now offers a bundled solution delivering wireless voice and data communications capabilities to the Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC.

Cellular/modem card for wireless or landline communications

The complete CYPAQ solution includes CYNET's exclusive Type III Expansion Pack for the iPAQ (see Screen 1), their Type III wireless Cell Phone/Modem card , and CYNET's Dialer and Convergent Messaging software and services. When combined with the iPAQ this product enables the Compaq Pocket PC to serve as a wireless cell phone, transmit and receive e-mails and faxes, and provide complete access to the Internet for Wireless Web browsing and downloads.

Screen 1:  Shown here are CYNET's Type III PC Card Expansion Pack for the Compaq iPAQ and their Type III Wireless Cell Phone/Modem card.

The CYNET cellular/modem card features analog cellular phone capability with a built-in V.34 modem for wireless and landline connectivity. It can transmit at 21.6 Kbps wirelessly and at 33.6 Kbps when connected to a telephone line. CYNET states that the cost of this service is about the same as current digital plans, but claims that it adds much more versatility. The CYPAQ cellular/modem only works with analog cell phone service, but this covers all of the United States, and parts of both Central and South America. (Note: Like any other cell phone, you must have cell phone service and the Cell-Modem card must be activated before you can use it.) The CYPAQ solution will work globally when their new Type II TriCard cellular/modem PC card appears in the 3rd quarter of 2001. The TriCard lets users access analog and CDMA digital (the current standard of SprintPCS) as well as the U.S standard for the GSM network. The CYPAQ solution can still be deployed under the Euro GSM standard with another cellular/modem card that is capable of functioning within that network. According to CYNET, a cellular/modem card compatible with the European GSM standard is also available. It looks like CYNET is trying to facilitate a complete global communications solution.

CYNET's Type III PC Card Expansion Pack