Like it or not, Windows has permanently changed the way we use the PC and Microsoft has long had plans to wreak such improvements on other devices too.
The company's first couple of attempts at an operating system for handheld computers was, shall we say, not much cop. When Pocket PC (the new name for what was Windows CE) arrived, everything changed and shed-loads of Pocket PCs (the palmtop computers that used it) were sold as a result.
That was a couple of years ago and Windows has moved on since then. With Windows XP now well upon us, it's time for an update to Pocket PC too. So, with Psion recently abandoning its commitment to consumer handheld computers, could Pocket PC 2002 be the excuse you need to get a PC you can carry with you anywhere?
Slimline software
The biggest change on paper with Pocket PC 2002 is with the hardware needed to run it. The previous version could manage on relatively slow processors; the new one runs only on the Intel StrongARM.
Canny Compaq was already using this in its phenomenally popular iPaq, but other manufacturers weren't.
The upshot of this is two-fold. First, existing iPaq owners can upgrade to a cut-down version of Pocket PC 2002 (existing models don't have enough Rom for the full version) via an update CDRom available from Compaq.
Second, of all the earlier Pocket PC manufacturers, only Casio and Hewlett Packard have decided to stick with it and upgrade their devices. They have also been joined by newcomers Toshiba and NEC.
This standardisation to a single specification is a good thing. Not only does the StrongARM positively fly (making arcade games playable) it means that there need only be a single version of Pocket PC 2002 applications.
Previous models needed software designed specifically for their particular processor and this was confusing to say the least.
Get a device in your hand, however, and you'll see the most obvious change with Pocket PC 2002 straight away. All of the manufacturers have now opted for high-quality colour screens that make great use of the colourful XP-like design of the new operating system.
Various skins can be imported or configured to change the colours of the navigation bar and Start menu, and photos can be used to create your own theme.
User input
Since most don't have a keyboard, handheld computers stand or fall by the way in which they handle user input. Pocket PC uses natural handwriting recognition and no training is required; just grab the stylus and scrawl away as you would on a piece of paper.
The Transcriber application used for this has been improved and now distinguishes individual handwriting styles faster and more accurately.
As well as containing greater support for left-handed users, Pocket PC 2002 also supports Graffiti (as used on Palm-based devices) for more reliable recognition and, of course, there's still the pop-up on-screen keyboard.
On the applications front, there's an enhanced version of Pocket Outlook which allows you to synchronise email with your desktop PC, a fancy HTML message viewer and a tool to check the spelling in outgoing emails.
A nice new touch is how the new Pocket Outlook automatically converts Pocket Word and Pocket Excel documents into standard Word and Excel file formats when they're sent as email attachments.
Pocket Word and Pocket Excel have also been improved, and Windows Media Player 8 now supports full-screen video as well as streaming for audio and video.
There's also a pocket version of MSN Messenger, so it's possible to send and receive instant messages on the move without dragging a bulky notebook PC around with you.
REVIEWS:
Casio Cassiopeia E-200
Casio's Cassiopeia series was one of the first handheld computers to have a colour screen. Early models never really matched the all-round ease of use of the iPaq though, and the new E-200 seems to have drawn some inspiration from Compaq's stylish best-seller.
Like the iPaq, the E-200 has four shortcut buttons for launching applications quickly and a fifth four-way button that also houses the speaker.
Incorporating a 206MHz StrongARM processor and 64Mb of memory, the Pocket PC software has plenty of room to breathe. With regards to expansion, both CompactFlash and Secure Digital (SD) slots are present, allowing for wider scope for future upgrades. You can even use these two simultaneously.
The colour reflective screen remains clear, even in bright daylight, and at 190g the device is a lightweight godsend compared with earlier Cassiopeia models. Moving to the cradle, the USB connection is welcome but poor design means you'll be grappling with the device to actually get it in or out.
Compaq iPaq H3760
Compaq has dominated the Pocket PC market with its highly-acclaimed iPaq. Good design, a high specification and a stellar colour screen made it the standard against which all other models were judged.
The iPaq has been updated in the shape of the new 3800 series but, despite them being on sale, Compaq was unable to get one to us for review. Existing H3760 models have been updated to Pocket PC 2002 though, and that's what we looked at here.
The curved metallic case of the iPaq is a joy to hold but, crystal clear as it is, the 4,096-colour screen lags behind the 65,000 colours managed by the other models.
Expansion options are also non-existent unless you buy an appropriate sleeve and these add unsightly bulk (and cost) to the unit. When you consider that its price still matches the newest models from HP and Toshiba, you have to wonder whether time may be catching up with the H3760.
HP Jornada 568
Although HP has stayed true to the Windows CE operating system over the years, its devices have seemed lacklustre when compared with other models. The Jornada 568 is unfortunately no different, with a plastic shell, small screen and flimsy stylus.
With 64Mb of memory and a StrongARM processor, using the HP is a speedy experience. Although the screen may be smaller than its counterparts, it still rises above the iPaq with a 65,000-colour display, protected by a detachable plastic cover when not in use.
HP has also added a few of its own utilities, such as HP Backup, HP Display Profile (for customising screen brightness) and HP Viewing (for displaying image files). It also includes the very handy HP Task Switcher, which lets you flit between applications at the press of a button.
NEC Pocket Gear
Even compared with the slightly dated iPaq H3760, NEC's Pocket Gear proved to be the least powerful handheld PC in this round-up. Although it has the same StrongARM processor as the rest, it has just 32Mb of memory, half that of every other model here. It's also the heaviest at 200g.
Nevertheless, it's a pleasant device to use and is quite sturdy, thanks to the strong but rather square aluminium case. Like the Compaq and Casio models, the Pocket Gear also has a combined navigation/speaker button which, considering its size, produces a relatively clear sound.
There's an SD card slot at the side of the device and a CompactFlash slot at the top with a small window that lets you see if there's a card is in there or not.
Toshiba E570
It may look the most clinical device here but the Toshiba E570 certainly holds its own when put to the test. Perhaps the Toshiba's main selling point is its extremely slim design. This in turn makes it fairly light at 180g, but there's still both SD and CompactFlash slots for expansion.
Rather than a hard protective cover, the E570 comes with a soft, plastic case. Although this doesn't provide as good protection for the screen, it does the job of preventing accidental scratches and the build up of dust.
Although not as extensive as offerings from HP, the Toshiba is bundled with a copy of driving game V-Rally and a version of the London Underground map, just in case you get stuck somewhere between Victoria and Oxford Circus.
What Pocket?
Although Microsoft has imposed certain stipulations concerning the hardware used in devices running Pocket PC 2002, it's clear that manufacturers are still exercising their own artistic licence.
Each device here is slightly different in its own way and users may want to take this into account when buying a handheld device.
The Compaq iPaq is still a superb machine but users may want to wait for the new 3800 series, which looks like it could turn a few heads.
Unfortunately, NEC's first attempt into the market leaves a lot to be desired and, while being a great device, the Cassiopeia E-200 might just be out of most people's price range. There's no doubting the performance of the HP but a flimsy design won't be popular with those on the go.
So for all-round design, ease of use, performance and price, the Toshiba E570 is the worthy winner of a Computeractive Buy It award.
POCKET PC RESOURCES
Microsoft's Pocket PC website:
www.microsoft.com/mobile/pocketpc
Daily news, views and opinions on Pocket PC:
www.pocketpcthoughts.com
One man's resource guide to Pocket PC:
www.pocketpcpassion.com
All the latest add-ons and accessories available on one site:
www.data-nation.com
PDA reviews and mobile device goings on:
www.the-gadgeteer.com
PALM OS DEVICES
The majority of Palm-based devices may not be as capable as the Pocket PC but there was a time when Palm ruled the handheld computer market.
Most Palm-based devices, such as the Palm m105 (£130) and m125 (£200), have a monochrome screen and provide a no-nonsense solution for contact management, simple note-taking and spreadsheets.
Most importantly, they also come with extra software, expansion slots and compatibility with other models. The Palm m500 (£330) adds a handful of new features, such as an SD slot, and the latest Palm m505 (£400) has a vivid colour display.
Handspring and Sony also have Palm-based devices, with the super-stylish Visor Edge (£169) and the multimedia Clie PEG-N770C (£349), respectively.
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