PC Card Adapter for Palm Models Available Next Week

After first being announced in 2001, hotsync.com.hk, a reseller based in Hong Kong, says it will begin taking orders next week for the RV Tec Guyver, a sled that allows some handhelds with Palm's Universal Connector to use Type II PCMCIA cards.

The Guyver is being marketed primarily as a way for these handhelds to access GSM, GPRS, and CDMA wireless networks, as this is the only product that will allow them to do so. It can also be used with other types of PC Cards, like 802.11b cards and wired modems.

The Guyver has its own built-in processor to link up the handheld's operating system with the designated PC Card under the control of factory installed firmware. Because wireless networking cards draw a lot of power, it has a 1000 mAh lithium polymer rechargeable battery.

It takes the form of a metal sled the clips to the back of the handheld and connects to the HotSync port. This is slightly less than .5 inches thick and weighs 4.2 ounces.

According to the reseller, the Guyver works with the Palm m500 series, Tungsten T, and Zire 71. However, the part that connects to the HotSync port can be switched out, which means there potentially could be versions for other handhelds.

It will cost $170.