Biographical Information

Articles for V. Wade Contreras

Windows XP Reviewed

Microsoft's new Windows XP offers greater user friendliness, stability and compatibility than its predecessors, but still suffers from many of their quirks.

Java Coordinates the Enterprise

Originally designed for a now-defunct consumer product line, Java has grown into a "universal translator" for operating systems. New offerings from various companies help to build on this versatility, making Java into a highly useful tool for keeping in touch with field users using diverse equipment.

New Laws May Force Workers to Hang Up and Drive

Remote-connected employees depend heavily on their cellular phones to let them conduct business on the road. But growing public concern about the safety issues involved may prevent workers from staying connected while driving.

The PDA Wars--Part I

While competition is mounting, especially from upstart Handspring, Palm is still the recognized leader in handheld computing products, controlling roughly 60 percent of the handheld market.

The PDA Wars--Part II

If you're the type that likes to take the road less traveled, read on to find out what capabilities you can get by diverging from the Palm OS majority.

The Leaner, Meaner Smartphone

New smartphones, which combine the benefits of the cell phone and the PDA, are moving from novelty to must-haves.

An Unlikely Ultraportable Contender

Acer's ultraportabe TravelMate 350 has many surprising features that its mainstream competitors have yet to match.

More Battery Power

Transmeta has the industry buzzing and believing all-day-power dreams can come true. Transmeta itself has shrouded the development of it Crusoe processor in mystery, creating huge industry interest long before anyone knew how the product would perform. The company claims that industry expectations are founded on its ability to offer something other manufacturers can't.

Where the Palms Stand

A comparative review of the latest palm devices from HP, RIM, Palm, and Handspring.