Another webstore has posted more details on the Sony PEG-N610C/V. According to Insight, the forthcoming handheld will run Palm OS 4.0S, have 8 MB of RAM, and a color screen. They also say it will have MP3 playback capabilities. They are selling it for $400.

This product has not yet been announced by Sony but it first appeared on the CDW webstore yesterday along with another unreleased Sony product, the PEG-S320. Insight doesn't have anything on the S320.

Update 1: The N610C/V has been removed from the Insight webstore.

Erwin Kindangen sent in this report, "I just bought the new color Clie at San Francisco's Circuit City (the one on Van Ness) for $475. Last week the price was $500 at the same store. In addition, they gave a $30 rebate. The total savings come out to be around $55.:

Margi Systems, makers of the Presenter-to-Go Springboard, has released Win2000 and Mac OS drivers in addition to Mirror, a small app that allows users to project the Visor's screen while in any application. -Ed

CDW appears to have jumped the gun on Sony and is allowing pre-orders on a couple of new Sony handhelds that haven't yet been announced. CDW's webstore is offering the PEG-S320 for $189 and the N610C/V for $377.

The PEG-S320 looks like Sony's first handheld aimed at the low-end of the market and is possibly a replacement for the black and white PEG-300. The N610C/V is likely the N710C without the DSP, which allows MP3 and ATRAC3 playback.

Portable Innovation Technology has finally released in the U.S. its MemPlug SmartMedia Adaptor, a Springboard that provides storage using SmartMedia cards. It includes five self-installing applications and registered gMovie Maker software.

It will be sold throughout the United States in retail stores at a suggested price of $50. It can also be ordered directly from the company via fax.

Fellowes has released a combination case and keyboard for the Palm III series (but not the IIIc). The Type 'N Go Portable Keyboard is both a hard case to protect the Palm and a keyboard for text entry. It has keys for all characters, numbers and most commands, including Cut, Paste, and even Select All. It is on sale now for $80.

Certicom has launched movianCrypt, a data encryptor for Palm handhelds. It automatically safeguards personal or corporate data with transparent, industrial strength encryption, protecting Palm users if their device is lost or stolen.

movianCrypt is an end-user application that works in the background using the latest, strongest encryption standard (128-bit AES) in order to secure the data of all record-based applications. It costs $40 for individuals and site licences are available.

Infogrames, a top game publisher, is going to work with Finland's Springtoys to develop a series of Palm OS games. Springtoys is going to produce six Palm games from some of Infogrames' most popular PC and console ones, including Driver, Centipede, Asteroids, Deer Hunter, Pro Bass Fishing, and Beachhead 2000. The first games are scheduled to be available this summer.

The latest version of PageMaker allows users to save files in the PDF format used by handheld devices. The Acrobat Reader for the Palm is required to read them. -Ed

The San Fransisco BART has introduced BART QuickPlanner, a free app that allows riders to easily check schedules and other information. -Ed

Motorola has announced two new DragonBall microprocessor products -- the DragonBall MX1 and DragonBall Super VZ.

The DragonBall MX1, the first ARM core-based DragonBall microprocessor, offers speeds up to 200 MHz. Also, it provides the first on-chip Bluetooth ready applications processor announced from a major semiconductor supplier. While Palm hasn't yet specified which company will make the processors in its OS 5.0 devices expected next year, the MX1 is a prime candidate.

Palm's CEO Carl Yankowski flatly stated today that his company isn't going to be bought any time soon. "No one has approached me and I have no comment consequently,'' he told Reuters. He spoke today at the Bear Stearns Annual Technology Conference.

He also said that at an upcoming board meeting they will discuss breaking the company into two parts, one focused on the Palm OS and the other a hardware firm. Palm is talking with investment bankers about options for the two parts of the companies.

Many people have found the flip cover that comes with the m500 and m505 inadequate. Dennis Esler was one of these people so he bought the Slipper m505 case from E&B and kindly sent us this review.