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| EMagazine Volume 6 Issue 2 Apr/May 2001 |
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Toys Article - April 2001 - [Home Page] |
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Wireless
Wander The Honeywell WebPAD® Internet Appliance burst onto the cyberscene in the fall of 2000, quickly snaring a FORTUNE magazine ranking as one of the ten “best technologies for 2001.” In addition to giving you portable, wireless high-speed access to the Internet and email, the WebPAD device lets you take advantage of today’s home networking solutions—without being tethered to a computer or wall panel. The just-introduced WebPAD II device offers even more of what wireless Web wanderers want: speed, features and revved-high performance. |
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Imagine controlling your home automation system, surfing the Internet, and getting and sending email from anywhere in your home or yard. Wirelessly. Instantly. With one device. Now you can. The WebPAD® II Internet Appliance from Honeywell gives you portable, wireless high-speed access to the Internet and email, and works as a portable user interface for Honeywell’s Home Controller™ Gateway system.
The Home Controller Gateway gives today’s on-the-go, multi-tasking, technologically savvy consumers a remarkably accessible, easy-to-use tool: centralized home management through a secure Web connection. Enjoy Web-enabled control of heating, ventilation and air conditioning, security, lighting and appliances from anywhere—home, office, on the road—in the world.
The WebPAD device expands your options at home. It lets you access the Web or control your home systems from anywhere within 330 feet (or about 100 meters) of its access point base station. The very flexible Home Controller Gateway may also be controlled via PC, phone or wall panel.
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Nearly a third of American households report that two or more people needing to use the computer at the same time, according to the second annual Honeywell Your Home survey released last fall. The good news: With the WebPAD, you don’t have to wait for your turn at the computer. You and your family members can simultaneously surf. That’s because up to 250 WebPAD devices can wirelessly connect to each WebPAD access point base station.
Flexibility, please
Americans also want greater flexibility in how they access the Internet at home, according to the Honeywell survey. More than two out of three (68%) would like to log on where and when they want. For example, 57% would like to access recipes and 53% would like to order groceries while working in the kitchen; 52% would like to order car parts online while tinkering in the garage. A third report that they would like to use the Internet, but don't feel like going to their computer.
Now WebPAD-equipped consumers can surf unfettered by wires anywhere in the home or yard, kitchen or garage, poolside or porch.
Internet appliance trends
The WebPAD device fits in the emerging category of devices known as information appliances. The global market for information appliances is poised for explosive growth, say industry observers. International Data Corporation, a market research firm, forecasts information appliance sales of 55.7 million units in 2002, representing a 76% annual growth rate from 1998.
Meanwhile, technologies in the home continue to converge, allowing the integration, monitoring and controlling of key home functions via the Internet. Blazing the convergence trail is the WebPAD, permitting wireless Internet access today and a wide range of wireless home control capabilities in months and years to come.
WebPAD II features
The just-announced new and improved WebPAD® II Internet Appliance packs in even more speed, features and functions. Weighing less than three pounds, measuring less than an inch thick and about the size of a standard sheet of paper, the WebPAD device gives:
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Doubled surf range. Enjoy portable, high-speed surfing up to 330 feet (100 meters)—from the access point.
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Faster, more powerful performance. Save time with “instant on” and data transfer rates that, at up to 11 megabits per second, are five times faster than before. WinCE 3.0 offers higher performance. SDRAM 64 megabits and Macromedia Flash memory 32 MB give twice the oomph. And communications using 802.11 rf at 2.4 ghz speeds you ahead.
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Larger, brighter screen. Expanded to 10.4”, the TFT (thin-film transistor) color screen is easier to see and use.
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More popular functions. A built-in reader lets you scan Word, PowerPoint and Excel attachments. You can print with a compatible printer. The WebPAD device now supports Windows Media Player, MP3s, JVM Web pages and Flash files.
Surf the Internet, send and receive e-mail, and enter information via the WebPAD’s wireless touch-screen display. The WebPAD device wirelessly connects to an access point base station, which connects to broadband cable or DSL.
The WebPAD suggested retail is $1970, including the 802.11b access point base station with Ethernet port and built-in router and firewall functions. The future-ready device accepts software updates and plug-in modules to boost performance and tackle new applications.
The WebPAD device is part of Honeywell’s broad portfolio of “connected-home” solutions, which includes the Home Controller and other residential gateways, integrated structured wiring, home control, next-generation temperature control systems and much more. These in-demand solutions help consumers create and enjoy homes that are Web-enabled for optimum connectivity now, allow easy future upgrades, and are more comfortable, secure and convenient.
What wireless Web wanderers want
If you want portable, wireless high-speed access to the Internet, email and home control, the WebPAD device is for you. The acclaimed WebPAD II device offers even more of what wireless Web wanderers want: speed, features and revved-high performance.
WebPAD® is a registered trademark of National Semiconductor Corporation.
Elisabeth Young is Director of Home Systems Marketing for Honeywell. Home Systems creates connected home solutions including home automation and remote access products.
Get more information or buy at www.honeywell.com/yourhome/. Or send email to info@honeywell.com.
