thePipeline

That big box on your desk

These days, the talk is so

focused on laptops, tablet PCs, handhelds and other alternative computers that it seems almost retro to mention a new desktop computer coming through the pipeline.

But retro is in and MPC

Computers LLC officials have launched the ClientPro 365,

a desktop computer that is based on easy management

and scalability.

Considered a replacement for the ClientPro 345, the 365 features better graphics and networking capabilities along with a new chassis design to improve its internal cooling, according to company officials.

The computer comes with an Intel Corp. Pentium 4 chip, an integrated Gigabit Ethernet controller, eight high-speed USB ports, 256M of memory and a 40G hard drive. The system's retail price is $919.

As far from the desk as you can get

Meanwhile, the leaders at PacketHop Inc. and Xybernaut Corp. have teamed up to combine wireless broadband communications with wearable computing technologies—Xybernaut's specialty.

Employees at the two companies have been working for more than six months to develop an integrated solution for first responders, according to officials from both companies. They want to provide equipment that can satisfy both computing and broadband communications needs for mobile workers, who often perform their jobs in harsh conditions.

PacketHop's "mobile mesh" software is usually loaded onto computers equipped with IP radio capabilities. In this case, Xybernaut's Mobile Assistant V and Atigo product families provide the computing power. Combined, the products allow a secure mobile broadband network to be created instantly at the scene of a disaster.

ComCam Inc. officials have released the Pocket C3 camera control center, which provides a mobile camera control room for people using Microsoft Corp. Windows CE and Pocket PC handheld platforms.

The product gives users the ability to see video on handheld devices, such as direct feeds from surveillance cameras. According to Don Gilbreath, ComCam's chief executive officer, handhelds have advanced enough that the video displays with "great frame rates."