杏吧原创

WHILE Microsoft struggles to link PCs and personal organisers a Hong
Kong-based electronics company has found a much simpler approach. Oregon
Scientific鈥檚 PC Pal reads data direct from a Windows PC screen without using
wires or infrared transmitters. It simply 鈥渓ooks鈥� at the screen and decodes what
it sees.

The Data Link software that it uses was developed by Timex for loading phone
numbers from a PC into a digital watch with a memory. Now Oregon has bought a
licence for the software so it can use it in electronic organisers and handheld
computers.

For 拢30, the user gets a pocket organiser that can hold 500 names and
telephone numbers, and a floppy disc with software for Windows 3.1 or 95. When
run on a PC, the software converts any data stored in Windows鈥檚 Schedule+
program into a series of coded pulses that are then flashed on screen. The Pal
has a light sensor in one corner that, when held close to the screen, decodes
and converts the flashes into digital data.

Oregon says it is increasing the memory of the PC Pal so that it can rival CE
handhelds and Psion鈥檚 Series 5 pocket computer, at greatly reduced cost.