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The SDIO-based add-on will work in models that have the MultiMediaCard expansion slot, currently the m500 and the m505 (SDIO refers to the standard Secure Digital Input/Output specification).

Palm describes the card as a bit larger than a postage stamp (the traditional measurement for such matters, being less than a pack of cards but larger than a sugar cube). It will enable secure local communication, that's within the range of 10 meters, between Palm handhelds and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. These may be mobile phones, laptops, printers or other handhelds.

An example of usage would be a set of notes being automatically distributed to a group of people in a meeting room or future meeting times being agreed by the devices searching each person's recorded schedule.

The card was jointly developed with Toshiba and should be available before the end of the year, priced at around the $150 (£105) mark.

The low-down on Bluetooth