TechXNY/PX Expo 2003

By Daniel Dern

September 22, 2003

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PC Expo is the vendor exhibits part of TECHXNY, a weeklong showcase of technology products (sponsored by CMP, the parent company of BYTE.com). PC Expo moved this year from late Spring to early Fall—September 16-18—but stayed in the same location, New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center overlooking the Hudson River.

Compared to previous years, the number of exhibitors was smaller this year—not necessarily surprising, given the multiple whammy of time change, IT slump, and proximity to the Comdex/Fall show—but there were several interesting products in evidence. And there was a good spread of recent, new and upcoming products shown off (to press and analysts only) at PepCom's pre-show evening multi-vendor event, Digital/Mobile Focus. Here's a "what's new, what's hot, what's coming" summary of what I saw at that event and on the show floor.

Bluetooth and Wireless Abound

Two and three years ago, Bluetooth was very popular—as a "to come" buzzword. This year, it's here, with a vengence…Bluetooth-enabled cell phones, Bluetooth-enabled digital cameras, Bluetooth add-ons, and Bluetooth adapters have all hit the market. When companies like Belkin offer a bunch of Bluetooth accessories, you know the technology has become a real product.

Digital Cameras and Imaging

Casio showed off its two new card-sized Exilim 2-megapixel digital cameras, the EX-S20U (suggested retail price $279.99) and the EX-M20U ($329.99), to be available October 2003. Features include better battery life and macro mode (in the card-size camera form factor). A charging/USB cradle is included. The EX-M20U also includes a microphone and speaker, for audio snapshots and voice recording.

Casio also had its new EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z4U ($399, available October 2003), a 4-megapixel card-sized camera with 3X optical zoom.

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