AnchorDesk |
 |
|
|||
 |
|
iPaq Pocket PC Holds Palm-Killer Instincts |
|
|
AnchorDesk Staff ZDNet AnchorDesk Friday, October 13, 2000 |
| ||
Add your opinion
I've written a lot recently about handhelds, the increasing competition among makers and the add-ons that spice them up . You can't talk much about handhelds without talking about Palm, which controls the lion's share of the market. But after several generations of lame Windows CE-based competition, Microsoft has bested the competition in features and performance with the Pocket PC operating system. And the iPaq is a great wrapper for the system. A quick look at the little number I'm carrying around:
- 206 MHz central processing unit
- 32 MB of RAM
- A very bright backlit display.
- Expansion Jacket, $149
- A Sierra Wireless AirCard, $399
- AT&T wireless access, $60 per month
But that's just anatomy and dollars. It's what wireless Pocket PC can do that's attention grabbing. Surf wirelessly. Palm offers this through OmniSky and integrated on its Palm VII. And Microsoft certainly isn't the only handheld maker offering wireless connectivity. But the Pocket PC interface, speed, color and graphics are far out in front. Instant Messaging. That's right. Wireless Pocket PCs allow for instant messaging with MSN messenger. And it works. Synchronize. Using Microsoft's ActiveSync program, Pocket PCs will flawlessly and effortlessly sync up contacts, incoming and outgoing email messages in Outlook, including tasks, notes and some files, including Pocket Access and Pocket Excel. Download Web content. Without wireless access, the iPaq Pocket PC will absorb Web content to be viewed later. This is not revolutionary, except that the screen graphics makes it enjoyable rather than a chore. Play MP3s. With 32 MB of Ram, there's room enough for a couple songs, and more if you empty your inbox, ditch the downloaded Web content or spring for extra compact flash memory (which also requires purchase of an expansion pack). The sound quality through the speaker/navigation button is horrid, but with headphones it's more than acceptable. DRAWBACKS
Cost. At $500, the iPaq Pocket PC is already at the high end. And the extras add up fast. These costs will come down, but the features and functionality won't. Bugginess. Like most Windows systems, this one sometimes gets confused. Once loaded with music, gobs of content and a Word file or two, I managed to seriously disorient the iPaq. For this occasion, the iPaq has a recessed reset button that will reboot the machine in about 10 seconds. Not really much of a drawback. Size. Bigger and certainly heavier than a Palm or Handspring. This will make the difference to some who don't need or want the extra features in a Pocket PC. There's another "o" reality you can't ignore: The looooong way Pocket PCs have to go to catch the Palm. But devices like this one mean competition's heating up, and you're the winner as cooler products hit the market. I'll be back in a couple weeks with another Jesse Jetson review of a new Web appliance. In the meantime, tell me what you think of the iPaq Pocket PC. Is it cool enough to get you to switch from a Palm? Too expensive? Let me know by hitting Talkback below. Or go to my Berst Alerts Forum where the debate is already under way. And be sure to take our QuickPoll.
|
|
|
Special sponsor stores |
