Brainboxes, the leading European designer and manufacturer of PC communications cards, today announced the launch of their PCMCIA Type II Bluetooth Card, which will turn millions of portable PCs whether laptops or larger handhelds into Bluetooth devices. 

Bluetooth wireless technology is an exciting new development which is set to link the mobile phone and computer industry as never before. Replacing wired data connections between devices, it will enable freedom of movement and data transfer, revolutionising communication methods over the next three to five years. The technology is backed up by the world’s leading IT and telecoms companies, with more than 1400 signed up worldwide to develop products. Over 10 million Bluetooth devices are expected to be sold this year, rising to a billion in 2003, which means it is set to change the way we think about communications. 

The Brain Boxes card supports all Microsoft operating systems, including Windows 2000 and the Pocket PC. It will provide seamless communications with mobile phones and other devices. 

Currently a limited number of prototype cards will be available, with the product expected to be commercially available at the end of Q2 2000. 

Eamonn Walsh, Managing Director of Brain Boxes, said, “We are delighted to announce the release of our PCMCIA Type II Bluetooth Card at the Bluetooth Congress 2000. This reinforces Brain Boxes’ pivotal position in the revolution of data access through mobile phones. 

Brain Boxes already supply many of the world’s leading companies with PCMCIA and PCI serial cards and this experience has enabled us to be at the forefront of Bluetooth development. Planned future products from Brain Boxes include miniPCI Bluetooth Card, RS232 Bluetooth Dongle, USB Bluetooth Dongle, Compact Flash Type I Bluetooth Card, and Bluetooth Ethernet Hub.