Mobile technology begins to address battery hang-ups
Article Abstract:
The difficulty of maintaining a reliable power supply is the major disadvantage to portable computers and cellular telephones, and Fujitsu America Inc's $30 Power Pack Plus power supply provides the means for long-lasting, replaceable battery power for portable devices. The Power Pack Plus uses five AA alkaline batteries that provide 80 minutes of talking time and 13 hours of power in standby mode for a portable telephone, but in use it can exceed its ratings considerably. The Power Pack works with Fujitsu's $350 to $650 Pocket Commander Stylus telephone. Although telephones from Motorola and Nokia may have weight and size advantages over the Fujitsu product, Fujitsu's price is lower and its keyboard allows easier programming. Fujitsu offers its own battery pack as an option, but the AA battery pack weighs less. Other companies offering portable products with AA battery packs include Lucky-Goldstar's telephone and Samsung and Interex Computer Products' power packs for notebook computers.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1992
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
A novice's guide to smart shopping for cellular phones
Article Abstract:
Buying a cellular telephone can be confusing because special fees or arrangements are often involved. For example, cellular telephones themselves, which now are smaller and better and less expensive than they used to be, are often sold as part of a subscription for cellular services. Special low prices on the telephones themselves usually signify 'tie-in' agreements. Buyers should look at the fine print in advertisements, which is where such arrangements are usually mentioned. It is not enough to compare features and prices of cellular phones. There are two competing companies in every local area, and a company's services will be provided with phones sold by its dealers. Buyers should compare services and find out which service goes with a dealer's telephones. Carriers usually offer ranges of rates. Unrelated to shopping for a radio telephone, buyers beware that people with radio scanners can listen in on cellular calls.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1991
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Tiny, light phone can empty pockets but fits them too
Article Abstract:
The Motorola MicroTac Lite portable cellular telephone, which weighs less than half a pound equipped with its battery, is too expensive for most people, costing $1,500 to $2,500. It is an interesting product, however, because it is the first of the very-small-telephone type. Prices for such telephones will no doubt come down when other companies introduce similar devices. Some Japanese companies, including Fujitsu, are said to be working on products that are scheduled to be introduced in 1992. Motorola's phone is 5.25 inches long and only 2.50 inches wide. It proved to be sturdy product during a month of testing by the reviewer. The MicroTac Lite's small size means that its battery holds a charge for only about 45 minutes of calls. Recharging takes about an hour using a recharger that comes with the phone. The Motorola MicroTac Lite is a convenience, but it is expensive.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1992
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Cable company is set to plug into Internet. Fleet Call Inc. is cleared to build digital communications systems
- Abstracts: For Intel, tide is abruptly turning as analysts question whether it can retain profit margin. LSI Logic's quarterly charge reflects plans to update chip-making process
- Abstracts: Coy telecom giant woos AT&T's customers. Sprint launches new plan aimed at small concerns
- Abstracts: Some kid's titles that finally break out of the mousetrap. Prodigy has promise, but America Online may be the prodigy