Microsoft's Pocket PC offers strong platform for
devices
by Alan Zisman (c) 2001
First published in Business in
Vancouver,
Issue #631 November 27- December 3, 2001, The High Tech Office column
It's been a busy autumn for Microsoft.
The software giant
released its Windows XP operating system in late October, its X-box
game
system in November. Starting it off on October 4 was the latest version
of its handheld platform, Pocket PC 2002.
A bit of background. Pocket computers are nearly all
coming in one of
two flavours these days: Palm OS systems from Palm, Handspring,
Sony
and a few others, and Pocket PC-powered devices (formerly known as
Windows
CE) from the likes of Compaq, HP, Toshiba and Casio.
Although in a bit of a slump lately, the Palm camp
controls the bulk
of the market. But the picture changes when you look at higher end (and
more profitable) devices. That's where Pocket PC has been coming on
strong.
HP was the first to offer models powered by
Microsoft's new system.
Both the Jornada 565 (with 32 MB of memory, $899) and 568 (with 64 MB
of
memory, $999) come in attractively sculpted yet business-like
flip-cover
cases, with screens displaying a stunning 65,000 colours doing a nice
job
of displaying photos and (brief) video clips. A built-in Compact Flash
slot allows for data storage on these industry-standard memory cards
and
future expandability, with wireless network adapters, cameras and more
promised to fit into the CF slot. There are microphones, speakers and
headphone
jacks for recording and playing back voice notes and MP3 music.
Both
Jornadas boast 14-hour battery life, the best in their class. The
rechargeable
batteries ($89) are removable, a real plus, allowing users to carry a
second
to double its work life. And the AC adapter is standard and separate
from
the cradle, making it easy to carry on the road.
Like other handheld devices, it's instant-on. (When
will we see a manufacturer
offer this in a notebook or desktop computer?)
Like other Pocket PC devices, it comes with a standard
Microsoft software
package: pocket-sized versions of Word (now complete with spell
checking),
Excel, Outlook, Media Player and Internet Explorer (Internet access not
included). Terminal Services allows the unit to connect right into a
corporate
network and run full-scale business software.
HP adds its own software bundle, including a business
calculator and
software to connect to corporate Virtual Private Networks, along with
drivers
for not-yet-available 802.11b WiFi wireless networking adapters.
The Pocket PC operating system builds on its
similarity to its big Windows
cousin, though with the Start button flipped to the top. New to this
version
are multiple ways to input data, including a Graffiti-clone for users
moving
over from Palm-styled devices. Like Apple's fabled Newton, it
can
also try to make sense of your handwriting... and like the Newton, it
was
stymied trying to understand mine.
The Microsoft Office compatibility and new networking
features are designed
to make the new generation more attractive to corporate IT departments.
And for home users, there's all the multimedia glitz: you can listen to
music and watch videos and more. There remains a certain clumsiness,
however,
perhaps the result of trying to cram the equivalent of a big computer
into
a pocket-sized device.
For instance, try to find a program you've installed.
The icon to start
it could be in any one of three places: the Start Menu, a Programs
screen
or an HP-provided Home screen. Adding a new calendar appointment or
changing
the time of an existing appointment is still more work than on a
Palm.
Still, more than ever before, these new Jornadas will
(perhaps with
the addition of a $150 Targus fold-up keyboard and a modem,
wired
or wireless) do most of what we haul around a notebook computer for.
And
they boot up instantly and fit into pocket or purse.
