Socket Communications on Wednesday unveiled a Bluetooth modem for handheld computers and laptops.

The 56K modem uses an internal antenna and comes with a rechargeable, removable lithium-ion battery that the company says lasts three hours. It is class 1, Bluetooth 1.1-compliant, meaning it has a range of 330 feet. The modem is also V.92 hardware ready.

The new modem supports the Bluetooth General Access Protocol, Service Discovery Protocol, Dial-up Networking Gateway and FAX Gateway, and features LEDs that provide instant information on Bluetooth link status, data activity and charging status. It supports any Bluetooth enabled device that supports a DUN Client profile including Palm, Pocket PC 2002, Windows Mobile 2003, and Windows 98SE/Me/2000/XP. Socket's WhereAreYou? software enables users to program the modem for use in different countries.

The Socket Cordless 56K Modem with Bluetooth Wireless Technology is expected to ship in volume at the end of the first quarter for $129.