Press Release: Socket Communications, Inc., the Mobile Connection™ Company, today announced the first SDIO bar code scanning accessory on the market for devices with SDIO-capable (Secure Digital Input Output) slots. Also its SDIO WLAN card for devices with SDIO-capable slots. The SDIO WLAN Card and In-Hand Scan Card plug into any SDIO card slot a Pocket PC or Pocket PC Phone Edition running BSQUARE Corporation’s SDIO Now! software and enables wireless Pocket PC connectivity to 802.11b corporate networks and Hot Spots. The WLAN Card also works with the Palm Tungsten series running Palm OS v5.0

The Socket SDIO Scanner includes SocketScan™ keyboard emulation software that automatically enters scanned data into Windows or Palm applications as substitute keystrokes. It supports all popular barcode symbologies including UPC/EAN, Code 39, and Code 128. A Software Development Kit (SDK) is also available.

Socket’s SDIO WLAN uses the Intersil PRISM® 3 chipset and Digital Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSS) Wireless LAN technology that enables bandwidths of up to 11 Mbps at ranges up to 400 feet. Socket’s card lets a Pocket PC user roam seamlessly among multiple 802.11b wireless network access points. It also allows the user to download data from wirelessly equipped laptops without a cradle or network connection as well as share data directly with other wireless PDAs.

Pricing and Availability
Socket’s SDIO Scanner is scheduled for availability in mid-August 2003 through Socket’s website (www.socketcom.com) and through Socket’s worldwide distribution channels for an MSRP of $269. The Smartphone version will be released in the fall.

Socket’s SDIO WLAN Card will be available August 1, 2003, in North America through Socket’s website (www.socketcom.com) and through Socket’s North American distribution channels for an MSRP of $149.