SOCKET DEBUTS SMALLEST ETHERNET CARD FOR PALM-SIZE PC'S.

Socket Communications Inc. (OTC: Bulletin Board SCKT and SCKTW; Pacific Stock Exchange SOK), Newark, Calif., has introduced the Low Power Ethernet Card (LP-E Card) in the CompactFlash form factor. With less surface area than a book of matches, the new LP-E Card is the world's smallest commercially available Ethernet card and is also the first Ethernet solution for Windows CE-based Palm-size PCs. In addition, the card is the first product that conforms to the CompactFlash Association's proposed CFx(TM) standard, which allows users to plug the device into a Palm-size PC's CompactFlash slot.

Ethernet connectivity brings Palm-size PC users the benefits of speed and location independence when performing common tasks such as synchronization, backup, file transfer, e-mail, program installation and web channel updates. Over-the-cable data transfer rate for the LP-E Card is 10 megabits per second -- 500 times faster than a Palm-size PC's serial port. Another advantage of the 10BaseT compatible card is that it allows users to connect their Palm-size PC to a partner PC from any location on a campus network.

As a member of Socket's family of Battery Friendly(TM) I/O adapters for Windows CE-based devices, the new LP-E Card prolongs the battery life of its mobile host by being energy efficient, requiring only 60 milliwatts to operate. In comparison, typical PC Card adapters draw 10 to 20 times more power. Low power consumption allows users to spend less time changing batteries or hassling with bulky AC adapters and more time doing productive work. The CompactFlash size Low Power Ethernet Card achieves this breakthrough in power conservation by being the first Windows CE I/O adapter to operate on 3.3 volts rather than 5 volts.

"Socket's Low Power Ethernet Card brings significant benefits to applications that require fast, location independent synchronization between Palm-size PCs and corporate networks," said Roger Gulrajani, group product manager in the consumer appliance group at Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT). "This is a great example of how the open I/O architecture of Windows CE facilitates the development of capabilities unavailable on other mobile platforms."

"In 1996, Socket shipped the first PC Card certified by Microsoft for Windows CE-based computers," said Peter Phillips, Socket's product marketing manager. "Since then we've focused on offering Battery Friendly I/O solutions for all Windows CE platforms. This latest member of our Low Power Ethernet family is especially significant because it introduces an important new form factor for I/O adapters and works with the new generation of Palm-size PCs."

Socket intends to transfer the same energy saving technology used in the CompactFlash version of the Low Power Ethernet Card to the PC Card version, further reducing the power consumption of what is already the lowest power Ethernet PC Card in the industry. Socket also intends to release other Battery Friendly I/O adapters in the CompactFlash form factor to support Windows CE-based Palm-size PCs and Auto PCs. The CompactFlash version of the Low Power Ethernet Card has a suggested retail price of $149 and is available immediately. For a complete listing of Socket's worldwide network of resellers and for details about Socket's product family, visit Socket's web site at http://www.socketcom.com.

Socket Communications, Inc. develops and sells connectivity products for Windows CE-based computers. Socket's products include a family of Battery Friendly PC Card and CompactFlash size adapters for serial communications, Ethernet connectivity, mobile data collection, and wireless messaging. Socket's growing family of Battery Friendly PC Card adapters currently includes the Low Power Ethernet Card, the Bar Code Wand Card, the Serial I/O Card, the Ruggedized Serial I/O Card, the Dual Serial I/O Card and the combination Ethernet/Serial Card. Socket's products utilize the company's low power chip technology, making them ideal for battery-operated mobile computers.

For more information, call 510/744-2767.