Obama may carry top-secret PDA

There has been much publicity about President Obama retaining a mobile phone/e-mail device so that he can keep in contact with top White House staffers and some close friends. The question is what type of device will the new president use, and how will it be kept secure?

The New York Times speculates that Obama may use something more exotic than a BlackBerry from Research in Motion. Instead, he may be carrying a Sectéra Edge which is made by the military contractor General Dynamics.

This device is certified to protect wireless voice communications that are classified as "top secret." It also can access e-mail and websites classified as "secret." The device looks like most PDAs and can cost as much as $3,350. Both interacting parties must have a device that conforms to the necessary encryption protocol for there to be secure communications.

For more on Obama's hand held venture:
- check out this New York Times article

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