Santa Clara-based chip making giant Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) is making headway into the handheld marketplace with the release of its new Xircom SpringPort Wireless Ethernet module.

The module, priced at $299 and available this month, is the first wireless local area network (WLAN) device for the Handspring Visor handheld computer. This is the first product announced after the Intel's acquisition of Xircom.

Slightly smaller than a deck of cards, the module plugs into the expansion slot on the back of the Handspring Visor giving it wireless access to applications and data located on a network, including Internet browsers, e-mail and files. The module complies with IEEE 802.11b high-rate wireless standard and interoperates with Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) certified products including the Xircom Wireless Ethernet Access Point and the Intel PRO/Wireless 2011 LAN products.

"Intel is delivering a new level of mobile productivity to Handspring Visor customers," says Michael Rosenthal, developer relations manager for wireless at Handspring. "This module lets people, including those at universities, healthcare institutions, and corporations, to access real-time, critical information on the web, email and their Intranets."

The new module offers up to 11 Mbps transfer rates within 300 feet (90m) of any installed access point, or hub, on a WLAN.