Palm pushes Wi-Fi, Wayport connections

Palm has unveiled two new mobile data devices, including a Tungsten C handheld directed at enterprise users that comes with an integrated Wi-Fi interface and an offer for a free Wi-Fi service trial from network operator Wayport.

The 30-day trial offer from Wayport covers unlimited Wi-Fi and wired access in the 525 hotels in the Wayport network. The deal is part of a new co-marketing agreement between the two companies, under which Palm and Wayport also will promote each other’s products and services through their web sites, e-mail newsletters and other methods.

The new Tungsten C’s built-in 802.11b radio addresses a direct need for more flexible support for campus networking in large corporate enterprise environments, according to Palm. One key advantage is the ability for users roaming through an enterprise to perform remote synchronization with their desktop systems.

The company said it timed integration of a Wi-Fi capability with the Tungsten device based on market forecasts that see Wi-Fi enterprise market penetration going from about 20% to about 50% by the end of this year.

The other device Palm unveiled this week is the Zire 71 handheld targeted at the consumer market.