3000 terminals to slip into Windows pocket PCs

Minisoft readies 3000 emulator package for Windows CE

The continuing wireless revolution for the HP e3000 will be taking another step in a few weeks, as Minisoft completes its beta tests on a terminal emulator for Windows CE.

The Windows CE version of Minisoft 92 will be priced at $99 and include serial, Telnet and NS/VT connectivity. It will not have file transfer capability. It will support HP 700/92 and VT220 emulations, 80- and 132-column screen display, scripting, and keyboard remapping.

Doug Greenup of Minisoft said advances in handheld display technology are making PDAs more practical for e3000 connectivity. The Windows-CE based products from HP and Compaq make things clearer on the small screens.

“You can actually see the screen and do something meaningful with the 600 by 800 displays,” he said. “The latest version of Windows CE has allowed us to do some things, and it’s not a cut-down version of the product, either.”

The software will require the most current Windows CE operating system. It will run on the HP Jornada or the Compaq iPaq wireless handheld devices. “We are in beta test now,” Greenup said, “and we expect a general release December 1.”

“It will allow people to do stuff remotely,” he added. “When you’re out and about you want to be able to see why the printer jammed before you get a phone call. From your handheld you can come into your HP box and understand what’s going on.” Administrators under emergency conditions could examine performance for the systems. “Before, you’d have to call and explain in words to the system manager what was happening.”