We have wireless LAN's, keyboards, mice, headphones, and now monitors?!. What will they think of next? Although, I can say I look forward to the day where my computer's placement is not limited to how long my wires are. ViewSonic has developed a new WiFi (IEEE 802.11b) monitor they plan to release in first quarter 2003. ViewSonic's initial release will be the 10-inch, 2.5 pound "V110". The second release, a 15-inch version called the ViewSonic "V150" will weigh 8.8 pounds. The displays will be priced at US$999, and US$1,299, respectively.

The so-called Smart Displays, previously code-named Mira, run a new operating system from Microsoft called Windows CE for Smart Displays. The system is based on the operating system that powers Pocket PC devices. Microsoft is working with nearly a dozen hardware makers that are building reference designs or manufacturing products that will go on sale in the U.S., Europe, and Asia early next year.

 

ViewSonic will be one of the first to release hardware based on the operating system, the company says. It will ship the displays with wireless access points that plug into a home PC through via USB and transmit data to the Smart Display. Each device also comes with an upgrade version of Windows XP Professional, which is required for PCs in order to use the wireless displays.

 

A user wielding a stylus pen will be able to navigate the touch-screen displays to browse the Internet or access data such as e-mails and digital photos.