Release of Wi-Fi Memory Stick Pushed Back to March

Hagiwara Sys-Com said today that its much-anticipated Wi-Fi card that uses the Memory Stick format won't be available until March. This peripheral had been expected to debut yesterday.

According to a company representative, the curent version of the software driver for the HNT-MSW1 is compatible with Palm OS 5.0 and 5.1, but not with OS 5.2. The release has been delayed while the driver is being made compatible with all forms of Palm OS 5. Unfortunately, the HNT-MSW1 won't be compatible with any handheld running Palm OS 4.

MobilePlanet is currently taking pre-orders for the HNT-MSW1, which it says won't be available until February 28. The price is $130, which makes it less expensive than Sony's PEGA-WL110 CompactFlash Wi-Fi card. Unlike the WL110, which can only be used with Sony's NX series, the Wi-Fi Memory Stick will be able to be used with any Clie that runs Palm OS 5.x. Those interested in pre-ordering this accessory should visit the MobilePlanet web site.

According to MobilePlanet, this WLAN card will support 128-bit WEP in addition to 40-bit and 64-bit, providing better data security. It will be a IEEE 802.11b (2.4Ghz, 1-11 channel) device that has been Wi-Fi Certified. It will, of course, draw power from the handheld.

The exact dimensions for this card are not yet known but clearly a sizable piece will extend beyond the confines of the Memory Stick slot.