In an effort to broaden the appeal of its wireless packet data networks, Motorola’s Paging and Wireless Data Group has announced a dual purpose radio packet modem that can be hooked up to any laptop, notebook or pen-based computer with an RS-232 interface. Though the InfoTAC is a radio packet modem, the device also includes a good degree of built-in processing power that enables it to work as a portable, standalone server when disconnected from a computer. By itself the box can accept up to 10,000 characters, and all incoming messages are automatically acknowledged on receipt. In this situation, the Infotac is working as an upmarket, stand-alone two-way pager – the user can scroll messages received by the unit on the built-in 20 character by four-line LCD display and reply via customised response prompts. These prompts, along with a number of other aspects of the modem’s operation, such as network protocol are squirted into Flash EPROM via the device’s serial port. The same port is also used to upload and download messages. Two command interfaces are supported – the Hayes standard AT command set, or a ‘native mode’ compatible with Motorola’s WaveGuide software. At the InfoTAC’s heart is Motorola’s 56156 signal processor chip, and this enables support of various packet radio protocols, including MMP31, MDC4800, RD-LAP 9.6 and RD-LAP 19.2. Shipments are beginning in the US from October, where it will cost $1,350. A UK version is under development and should be ready for use on Hutchison Telecommunications (UK) Ltd’s network by the end of the year.