Socket Communications is making available a Bluetooth SDIO Connection Kit for Hewlett-Packard's iPAQ 3950 and 3955 handhelds. The solution includes Socket's software for Windows CE and a new SD form factor card.

The company said the card allows iPAQ users to create a cable-free link between their Pocket PCs and a Bluetooth-enabled phone for access to email, the Internet and corporate network by using the phone as a wireless modem. A free online ROM upgrade is required for the iPAQs. Socket said its Bluetooth SDIO Kit and HP's iPAQ 3950 and 3955 support BSQUARE Corporation's SDIO Now! program, which provides access and a common development platform to ensure compatibility among products from different vendors.

Socket's SDIO Bluetooth Connection Kit is salted to be available on February 21 for $119. The company said the ROM upgrades for the iPAQ 3950 and 3955 that include support for SDIO Now! should be available for download from HP's website for English, French and German units in the near future.