(above) Screens 6 and 7: A user-installable version of ClearVue Presentation is included with the ViewSonic V36. At top is the All Slides view, below is the individual slide view.
Unique Pocket PC is a relative bargain
The camera’s user interface looks more like one you’d find on a stand-alone digital camera (Screen 4)—very different from the UI found on a standard Pocket PC application. I’m not a particularly avid photographer and don’t use my stand-alone digital camera very much. Hence, I found the ViewSonic Camera application hard to figure out. Would someone familiar with a standard camera interface find it as confusing as I did? Probably not. But if they were an avid photographer, they would probably be using a stand-alone camera to take pictures—not the V36. ViewSonic should probably have designed the UI to look more like a standard Pocket PC application, but this is not a huge deal. Spend 5-10 minutes with the camera’s user guide and you should be able to figure everything out.
I’ve read conflicting opinions about the quality of the V36’s digital camera. No, it’s not the quality of a multi-megapixel stand-alone camera. But the idea behind adding a digital camera to a handheld device is to provide a way to snap a photo of something that interests you so that you can view it later on your handheld or desktop PC, or e-mail it to a friend who will view it on another mobile device or desktop PC. For those purposes, I think the digital camera on the V36 is fine. I’ve also read conflicting opinions about the V36’s display. It’s not quite as rich as some Pocket PC displays, but it’s still easily readable indoors, and reasonably so outdoors.
The V36 comes with a full version of the ClearVue Presentation software, but little else in terms of user-installable software. They might consider adding a more full-featured image viewer.
ViewSonic’s online store was selling the V36 for $299 as of December 12, 2003. At the same time it was available on Amazon.com for $279.99 minus a $100 mail-in rebate—$180 is a pretty reasonable price for a Pocket PC with a built-in digital camera. Of course, pricing and rebates may change by the time you read this review. But it looks like the V36 will remain a relative bargain.
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Spec Sheet
ViewSonic V36 Pocket PC
Mfg. price
$299
Contact
http://www.viewsonic.com/products/pocket_pc_pocketpcv36.htm
Hardware
CPU
300 MHz Intel PXA255 processor with XScale technology
Display
3.5-inch diagonal, 240x320 pixel, 65K-color transflective touch screen
Memory
64 MB SDRAM (57 MB user-accessible), 32 MB flash ROM (no user-accessible flash ROM)
Input
Pen entry with handwriting recognition, soft keyboard, 4 application launch buttons, voice memo record button, 4-way navigation pad which you can press in to select an option, microphone for voice recording; no scroll dial
Built-in wireless
IrDA only
External ports
USB port for connecting to PC, 3.5 mm stereo earphone jack, AC power adapter receptacle
Card slots
SD card slot (SDIO compatible)
Battery/continuous use on fully charged battery
930 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion / 10 hours to rundown (mfg. est.)
User-replaceable battery
Yes
Dimensions/weight
5.0 x 3.0 x 0.5 in (127 x 76.2 x 12.7 mm)
5.2 oz (147.4 g)
Other features
Built-in digital camera capable of capturing still images in 640x480 pixel resolution or video at 320x240; LEDs that indicate charging, appointments, alarms, and system information
In the package
V36 Pocket PC, user-replaceable battery, stylus, USB synchronization cable, AC power adapter with cable, companion CD, user guide, simple slip case with reinforced front
Optional accessories from manufacturer
External keyboard, travel kit (sync cable and power adapter), USB data cradle, USB sync cable, serial sync cable, AC power adapter, screen protectors, stylus 3-pack (spare styluses), SD card Wi-Fi adapter, leather carrying case
Software
Microsoft software
Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC Premium Edition
Operating System
Windows CE 4.2
BUILT-IN: Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, Inbox, Pocket Internet Explorer, Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Notes, File Explorer, Windows Media Player 9.0, text and character entry software (soft keyboard, Transcriber, single-character handwriting recognition software), Pictures, Solitaire, Jawbreaker, Calculator, Voice Recorder, Asset Viewer, MS Messenger, various setup and configuration utilities, VPN Client, Server Sync client, Infrared Beaming, built-in support for external keyboard functions
USER-INSTALLABLE (on Microsoft Companion CD or links to download): ActiveSync 3.7 (desktop PC software for desktop / Pocket PC synchronization), Outlook 2002 (desktop PC version), Windows Media Player 9.0 for desktop PCs running Windows
Mfg & 3rd party apps.
BUILT-IN: Advanced Settings, eBackup, ViewSonic Camera
USER-INSTALLABLE (on CD or links to download): FULL VERSIONS: ClearVue Presentation, AvantGo client. Trial Versions: Links to Microsoft/Handango games Web page
Comments
Built-in digital camera makes it unique among Pocket PCs without phones.
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Rich Hall has written extensively about mobile computing for the last 15 years. He is the Editor of Pocket PC magazine and former editor of The HP Palmtop Paper, the NEC Ultralite Connection and the HP Portable Paper. He began his career as a high school math and English teacher. Rich lives in Fairfield, Iowa, with his wife Lucinda, and their children Robert and Ella. You can contact him at [email protected].
What Is the Future of the Pocket PC?
by Chris De Herrera
So you want to know the future of the Pocket PC? Well, there have been some recent hints from Microsoft that they are changing their ideas about what a Pocket PC should be and the features it should have. But before we get into that, let’s briefly look at what it is now.
From the first Pocket PC 2000 devices through the newer Windows Mobile 2003 offerings, the Pocket PCs introduced by various manufacturers have had a lot in common. Not only do they have the same Microsoft OS and applications built in, they have similar physical designs. For example, all Pocket PCs have a 240x320-pixel color touchscreen, infrared communications, USB synchronization, application launch buttons, and a headphone jack. Since the release of the Pocket PC 2002 OS, manufacturers have had the option of integrating Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities into their designs, as well as CDMA or GSM phones. And since the release of Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC last year, the OS supported integrated digital cameras like the one found on the ViewSonic V36, VGA displays like the one found on the Toshiba e800 series, and built-in keyboards like the one found on the HP iPAQ h4350. As with all generations of the Pocket PC software, Microsoft has supported faster and faster CPUs. However, since the release of the Pocket PC 2002, the OS only supports CPUs using the ARM architecture.
(above) The latest version of the Windows Mobile OS incorporates changes that will encourage the development of Pocket PCs with built-in digital cameras, as on the ViewSonic V36 (top), and with built-in keyboards, as on the HP iPAQ h4350 (bottom)
“Prepare for change” or “history repeating itself”
At the 2003 Professional Developers’ Conference, Microsoft discussed adding even more functionality to the next release of the Pocket PC OS. They told software developers to be prepared to support larger displays and screen rotation in their applications. (I know of one software vendor who is working on a solution to provide screen rotation on the fly to devices running the Windows Mobile 2003 OS.) I think that adding VGA support and screen-rotation functionality as a standard OS feature will encourage adoption of the platform because it will make it easer for users to see the information on the s
creen.
(above) Incorporating screen rotation and enhanced keyboard capability into the Pocket PC operating system may encourage the development of Pocket PCs similar to the Sony UX50 Clié shown here.
Also, hardware vendors such as Wacom are reporting that future devices may use electromagnetic digitizers like the ones found on Tablet PCs, instead of the analog touch screens used by current Pocket PCs. That technology would make it impossible to activate a touch screen function by touching it with your hand or, in the case of a Phone Edition device, brushing against it with your cheek while making a call.
I find it quite interesting that the latest Smartphones are incorporating a clamshell design in which the phone folds in half when not in use, to cover the keypad. With the advent of higher-resolution displays and built-in keyboards, we may be seeing clamshell Pocket PCs in the not-to-distant future. I can visualize a device similar to the Sony UX50 Clié, with a screen that rotates out to uncover a small but useable QWERTY keyboard.
With the possibility of a clamshell Pocket PC with a built-in keyboard, it seems that we may be taking a journey into the past. Microsoft’s first version of this operating system, known as “Windows CE 1.0,” was built into devices known as “Handheld PCs.” These first generation devices had a clamshell design and included a built-in keyboard as well as a 240 x 480 display. Subsequent generations included 640 x 480 or 800 x 600 displays and the ability to connect to an external VGA monitor. It looks like future Pocket PCs may begin to blur the distinctions between the two form factors.
(above) As high-resolution, rotatable screens and built-in keyboards are incorporated into the Pocket PC design, we may very well start to see devices that resemble the Pocket PC’s predecessor, the Handheld PC.
What do mobile users really want?
From what I’ve seen and heard over the many years I’ve spent covering Handheld PCs and Pocket PCs, I believe mobile users really want desktop PC functionality in the palm of their hand. The changes I’ve described in this article will help bring that about, particularly the screen-rotation functionality that will be included in the next release of the Pocket PC software, which will allow users to see Excel documents and view Web pages in the same orientation as on desktop PCs. Add to that a useable keyboard, and the Pocket PC comes a lot closer to becoming a very portable desktop PC replacement.
Will Tablet PCs replace Pocket PCs?
Last year, Microsoft made a big deal about the introduction of its new Tablet PC platform. Some industry analysts and users felt that it covered the same ground as the Pocket PC, and that the two platforms would compete with each other for the same group of end-users. The truth is that in their current incarnations they are very different devices.
First of all, a Tablet PC is much larger than a Pocket PC. The Tablet PC’s screen is easier to read because it’s larger. The smallest Tablet PC screen is four times the size of the largest Pocket PC screen. You carry a Tablet PC around in a briefcase or shoulder bag. You carry a Pocket PC around in your…pocket! I think that smaller versions of the Tablet PC will be introduced in the future, but I do not expect to see a Tablet PC the size of a Pocket PC anytime soon.
(above) Toshiba’s Protégé 3500, shown here in tablet mode with the screen folded over its keyboard.
The Tablet PC uses a special version of the Windows XP operating system, which makes it a more memory- and CPU-intensive device. Its OS requires an 800 MHz CPU that is based on the x86 architecture. Although Tablet PCs have expansion card slots, they still require a hard disk to store the much larger Windows XP OS. In addition, applications designed to run on an XP device tend to be much larger than Pocket PC applications. All in all, a Tablet PC needs a 10 GB or better hard drive to be useful.
With a hard drive, larger screen, and faster CPU, a Tablet PC requires more power to run than a Pocket PC, and must have rechargeable batteries with 4,000-5,000 mAh capacities, as opposed to the 1,000-1,500 mAh batteries found in Pocket PCs. Again, a higher-capacity battery means a larger and heavier device.
Finally, even with their suspend/resume functionality, which takes 5-10 seconds, Tablet PCs are not as quick to turn on, or as easy to use, as a Pocket PC. I think these size and battery life issues will continue to differentiate the platforms for years to come. I would not recommend waiting for the Tablet PCs to become small enough to compete with the Pocket PCs.
Variety is the spice of life
I do not know when Microsoft will release a next-generation operating system that incorporates the screen rotation and resolution features. But when they do, I believe that it will take some time for the hardware developers to figure out what the new handhelds should look like. At least for the next few years, look for a variety of new hardware designs as OEMs look for the “sweet spot.” Well, variety is the spice of life! n
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Chris De Herrera is a special correspondent and contributing author for Pocket PC magazine. He maintains one of the best Windows CE sites (http://www.cewindows.net) and discussion boards (http://www.cecities.com). Chris is a Microsoft PocketPC.COM Contributor on Microsoft’s Windows CE Web site. Chris is a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional for Windows CE and writes articles on Windows CE for his own Web site and for other mobile computing publications. Chris regularly participates in various newsgroups (including Microsoft.public.windowsce). You can reach Chris at [email protected].
Plenty of Room for Accessories with These Travel Cases
by Gary B. Garland, Esq.
You don’t use a Pocket PC for its huge display or awesome keyboard—you use it for its portable functionality. And while Windows Mobile devices are very capable by themselves, accessories can enhance them tremendously. You may end up with a number of these hardware add-ons, and when you get ready to hit the road, you may want to bring one or more of them with you. Coat pockets can fill up quickly!
The obvious solution is a carrying case of some sort, and my favorite source for those right now is a company called Roadwired (http://www.roadwired.com). They offer a number of small, medium, and large carrying cases/organizers to help you bring necessary equipment with you, easily and safely.
Padded “Pods” with plenty of pockets
Roadwired’s Pod is an extremely well-designed case that can hold your Pocket PC and a number of accessories, and will do double-duty as a small camera bag. The three well-thought-out side compartments can hold your cables, batteries, memory cards, portable keyboard, and more. The main interior compartment is cushioned and can be divided into multiple sections to store your Pocket PC and accessories separately. It will also hold a camera, lens down for added protection.
(above) Roadwired Pod
If you need room for more accessories, Roadwired also offers a bulked-up version of the Pod, called Podzilla. It looks very similar to the Pod, but has twice the interior volume of its svelte sibling. Given the choice between the two, I would go for Podzilla—it’s better to have a little extra carrying capacity than to run short. Also, my cell phone won’t fit in the Pod’s side pockets, but it’s nice and comfy in the Podzilla.
(above) Roadwired Podzilla
The left compartment of both cases contains 4 elastic mini-pouches, perfect for holding digital media or small accessories. There is also space to store a mini-keyboard or other accessory. The right compartment has 2 yellow bungee cords sewn into the side of the case that are ideal for securing loose cables, candy bars, or anything else you’d like held snug! Opposite the bungee cords is a clever nylon pouch with a Velcro enclosure, perfect for holding a CF camera or similar accessory. The front exterior compartment is opened by first opening the top of the bag and then unzipping the pouch. Within, you’ll find 8 elastic bands perfect for holding AA batteries, pens, etc., and 2 elastic holders for CF or similar cards. Opposite is a mesh pocket which can hold cards or small accessories.
The top has a clear plastic pocket to hold a business card. Behind it is a hidden “Hide and Go Home” compartment, where you can keep a spare key, $
10 bill, credit card, or something else for an emergency. The top of the case is generously padded, so a key or credit card within that pocket will not show through the top. Both the Pod and the Podzilla come with a reinforced handle on top, along with a detachable shoulder strap.
The back of the case has breathable mesh so moisture doesn’t collect, and 4 nylon bands that allow you to wear the case on a belt. The Pod would be relatively large for a belt case, and you might look a little geeky wearing it on 42nd Street in New York City. But it would work well if you were hiking or rock climbing.
I really like the Pod and the Podzilla. They have a well-thought-out design and are made of quality material. I’m not a big fan of cases that use Velcro, but Roadwired did it right using it on these two—small, strong, and placed just right. You can buy MUCH cheaper mini-bags at your local discount store, but none will match the quality and usefulness of the Pod ($49.95) and the Podzilla ($69.95).
Keep your accessories under R.A.P.S.
The Roadwired Advanced Protection System (R.A.P.S.) is a multi-layered form-fitting wrap that you can use to protect Pocket PCs, CD players, fine crystal, and more. These wraps have Velcro ends that allow them to fasten securely around almost any object. The inside lining is made of a material that traps pollutants and moisture to keep your electronic equipment safe. I can see where the lining would help if you were caught in a light rain or lived near the ocean, where humidity and corrosion were concerns. R.A.P.S. come in small, medium, and large sizes, priced from $12.95 to $17.95 for an individual sheet. I can’t help but wonder if there would be a market for mini-R.A.P.S. pouches, to hold CF and SD accessories.
Pocket PC magazine, Apr/May 2004 Page 6