New IBM Computer May Broadcast Data

IBM Japan Ltd. is developing a notebook-sized personal computer and considering a plan that would allow the computer to send messages over wireless communications networks, the company said Friday.

The wholly owned unit of International Business Machines said it was still assessing market demand and trying to get Japanese government permission to use broadcast frequencies.

The personal computer would appeal to salesman in the field who wished quickly to access technical information or place orders, industry sources said.

The wireless system would expand the car phone market and extend the laptop market, they said.