Pocket PC Magazine, November '03
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From the Editor
Rich Hall
Windows Mobile 2003!
In late June, 2003, Microsoft formally introduced Windows Mobile 2003, the latest edition of the operating system and applications that are built into Pocket PCs, Smartphones and related devices. Perhaps the most notable change is the name of the software. Six years ago when Microsoft first introduced its software for mobile devices, it was simply called Windows CE (and we never found out what "CE" meant). Since then, the software has been called Microsoft Handheld PC, Microsoft Pocket PC, and now Windows Mobile 2003. Microsoft's goal with the name change is to align its mobile OS and application suite with, and capitalize on, the highly-recognizable Windows brand name. This issue of Pocket PC magazine focuses on this new Windows Mobile software for the Pocket PC.
A number of improvements to the operating system and application suite have been incorporated into Windows Mobile 2003. The OS is a bit faster and more efficient, communications support has been enhanced, and a couple of new applications have been added. You can read more about these changes in this issue.
A number of manufacturers have introduced Pocket PCs based on Windows Mobile 2003. Check out the review of HP's new h2200 Pocket PC—very different from previous iPAQs—and take a look at HP's other new offerings. Find out what Toshiba, Dell, and Gateway will be doing. And don't forget the Handheld PC—NEC just announced its new MobilePro 900, based on the Handheld PC 2000 OS and applications. We'll review it in a future issue.
What were Microsoft's goals for Windows Mobile 2003? Will it make the enterprise user's life any easier? Will manufacturers offer upgrades for existing Pocket PC users? Read on and find out.
"That's all well and good," you say. "But I like the Pocket PC I have and won't be buying a new one for a while." Fortunately, a number of articles in this issue may help you like your current Pocket PC even more. Are you planning a vacation or going on a business trip this summer? Our Pocket PC Awards judges have definite opinions about the best travel-related software. Read about how major game developers are creating more content for the Pocket PC; read about it in Games Roundup. Are you in the mood for a high-tech treasure hunt? Check out the articles on "geocaching."
There's a lot more in this issue, including new products, tips and tricks, and software reviews. And of course there are user profiles. Read about how an oil industry consultant and a rabbi use their Pocket PCs for material and spiritual gain.
From now on, we'll be referring to the software that powers these mobile devices as "Windows Mobile 2003," or simply "Windows Mobile." However, the mobile devices themselves will still be called Pocket PCs, Pocket PC Phone Editions, or Smartphones.
We will remain Pocket PC magazine.
Inbox
We cannot respond to all letters or e-mail (but we read them all). Please send us questions, suggestions for improvements in the magazine, ideas for new software, or general comments. All responses, unless otherwise indicated, are from
Rich Hall, Editor of Pocket PC. You can reach Rich at rich@PocketPCmag.com.
Printing documents from a Pocket PC
Just to follow up on your Inbox letter on printing documents from a Pocket PC in the September 2003 edition—I came across a free printing utility for my iPAQ on the HP Website (www.hp.com/go/pocketpcprint_software).
Scott Ellis
Scott, thanks for the tip! The free software, HP Mobile Printing for Pocket PC, lets iPAQ users print e-mail, appointments, contacts, tasks, Pocket Word documents, and images.
Pocket PC in Iraq
I was deployed aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt in support of OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom). I use my iPAQ h3600 Pocket PC along with my TeleType GPS receiver and software daily while flying my missions as a backup to our out-of-date onboard system, which lacks a moving map. The situational awareness that the TeleType system creates is unmatchable.
Curtis S. Chance
1st LT, U.S. Navy Reserve
Software, .PRC document reader for Pocket PC
G'day, mate. I read an entry you wrote about Pocket PC 2002 on Pocket PC magazine's Website (www.PocketPCmag.com). I recently bought an iPAQ h1910 Pocket PC, but I'm having trouble finding applications for it. There seem to be alot of. prc documents around, but they seem to be only for the Palm OS (or at least that's what the Websites they're on say). Just wondering if you could shed some light on where I might find some applications for the iPAQ h1910, or at least whether or not I'm able to install .prc files on it, and how.
Rhys Allen
Rhys, there's plenty of software available for the h1910 or any Pocket PC. Check out Handango (www.handango.com) or Pocket PC magazine's online Encyclopedia of Software & Accessories (www.PocketPCmag.com/encyclopedia.asp). Make sure the software says that it will work with the Pocket PC 2002. Also, you can use Peekabook (www.oopdreams.com/ce/peekabook/) or Starbuck (www.thumbsupsoft.com/maphtm/starbuck.html) to read .prc files.
Chris De Herrera
Microsoft MVP, Mobile Devices
Pocket PC "just the ticket" for third-grader
I was so grateful that they brought the Pocket PC to the school system here at Newport Elementary School (see "Leveling the Academic Playing Field..."—www.PocketPCmag.com/may03/profile_hall.asp). My son has a desktop PC at home that he uses to play games and study. But some of the children in his class had never had the opportunity to touch a computer, and this gave them a chance. Joshua was so proud of his Pocket PC and he took very good care of it. He really enjoyed having it and caught on quickly. He told me all his classmates got so excited whenever it was time to bring them out and use them to learn. Most kids enjoy playing video games and they used that as a fun way to teach them. The picture of Joshua you put on the cover of the May 2003 issue couldn't have come at a better time. His father is in the military, somewhere in Iraq right now. Every day Joshua would come home saying how much he missed his daddy, but when his teacher, Ms. Emmons, told him about being on the cover of the magazine, he beamed from ear to ear. It took his mind off the fact that his dad was over there fighting in a war. He was so proud. My son has some cognitive difficulties with comprehension skills, but the Pocket PC was just the ticket for him. He could understand and had little difficulty following directions. Thanks for sending us the extra copies of the issue Joshua appeared in so I could send one to my husband.
Tanya Redmon
Joshua Redmon is pictured on the cover of the May, 2003 issue of Pocket PC magazine and again on page 76.
Applications and games for Handheld PCs?
I have an HP Jornada 728 (which has been discontinued by HP) and am concerned that there may not be H/PC 2000 programs written as time goes by. I also find it difficult to tell if an application is compatible with the Handheld PC. I understand that the Jornada 728 uses a StrongARM processor and not SH3 or MIPS, but even downloading ARM programs for the H/PC doesn't guarantee success. Can you please shed some light on this?
Rene Siegel
Rene, your concern is real. Software written for the ARM-based Pocket PC is designed to display on the 320x240 screen of a Pocket PC and use its touch screen and navigation pad. Even if you could install that on an ARM-based Handheld PC, the display and interface would be all wrong. Although NEC is planning to continue supporting the Handheld PC platform, the demise of the HP Jornada Handheld PC will diminish the number of end-user applications written for the platform. Our Best Sites Web page (www.PocketPCmag.com/bestsites.asp) has a list of Handheld PC resources. Look for the "Model-Specific Sites" section.
by Matt Arant
Please e-mail any Windows Mobile-related news to newseditor@PocketPCmag.com
All Web links in newsBYTES can be found by clicking Current Issue at www.PocketPCmag.com
Microsoft announces new "Windows MobileTM" branding
On June 23, 2003, Microsoft formally announced the re-branding of its operating system and application suite for Pocket PCs, Phone Edition devices, and Smartphones. This software will now be referred to as "Windows Mobile" instead of, as in the past, "Pocket PC" or "Pocket PC 2002." While Microsoft will no longer refer to the Pocket PC OS/application suite as the "Pocket PC" software, they will continue to refer to the devices themselves as Pocket PCs, Smartphones, etc. The goal of the change is to align the mobile software with the highly-recognizable Windows brand from Microsoft. The change of name coincides with a change in the software itself, which has been updated for 2003. This issue of Pocket PC magazine focuses on this new Windows Mobile software for the Pocket PC.
Sprint will offer rugged color Pocket PC from Intermec
Sprint has announced that it has certified Intermec's 760 Color Pocket PC for use with the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network. As part of the PCS Business Solutions Program, Intermec will work with Sprint to co-market, co-sell, and co-brand its Pocket PC mobile device through value-added resellers (VARs) and distributors in the PCS Business Solutions Program to help meet the needs of vertical market applications in the areas of field sales, field service, and fleet management.
The 760 Color offers an integrated Area Imager option to read 1D and 2D bar codes and to support photography applications, including signature capture. This makes the 760 Color suitable for a wide range of mobile worker applications. The Intermec 700 Color Series is the first family of rugged mobile computers to integrate up to three wireless communication options in a single device, including a Wi-Fi local-area-network (802.11b) radio, a CDMA / 1xRTT wide-area-network radio, and a fully integrated, power-managed personal-area-network Bluetooth radio.
Socket Communications introduces Wi-Fi and bar code scanner cards in SDIO format
Socket Communications will introduce an 802.11b (Wi-Fi) wireless LAN card in the smaller Secure Digital format sometime in August of this year. The SDIO WLAN Card will plug into any SDIO card slot and allow a Pocket PC or Pocket PC Phone Edition running bSquare Corporation's SDIO Now software to connect wirelessly to 802.11b Hot Spots and corporate networks. Socket also announced the introduction of the SDIO In-Hand Scan Card, an add-on bar code scanner.
Socket's SDIO WLAN Card will be priced at $149 and the SDIO In-Hand Scan Card at $269. Both will be available through Socket's Web site (www.socketcom.com) and through Socket's North American distribution channels. www.socketcom.com/about/press.asp
Socket's new SDIO In-Hand Scan Card (above)
NEC introduces MobilePro 900 Handheld PC
NEC has formally announced the introduction of the MP 900, the latest version of its popular Handheld PC line. Measuring 9.69 x 5.05 x 1.19 inches and weighing 1.8 pounds, the MP 900 is the size of a very small notebook computer. Unlike most notebooks, it has a 1/2-VGA display and comes with the Microsoft's Windows for Handheld PC 2000 software built in, which includes the Windows CE 3.0 operating system and the Handheld PC 2000 application suite. The device sports 64 MB of flash ROM—32 MB for the OS and applications, and the rest accessible to the user for program installation and data storage. It also has 64 MB of SDRAM to run programs and store data.
NEC MobilePro 900 Handheld PC (above)
The new obilePro 900 has the latest Intel PXA 255 processor running at 400 MHz. It comes with a 640x240 pixel, 64K-color touch screen and a nearly full-size (92%) keyboard with the standard QWERTY layout. The MobilePro 900 has two expansion card slots: one Type II CF and one Type II PC Card. Communications are handled by the built-in 56K data/fax modem or by optional wireless solutions that use the card slots. In addition, the device has two USB ports (one host and one client), an IrDA port, an RS-232C serial port, a stereo headphone mini jack, and a VGA-out port that allows you to connect the MobilePro to a monitor or projector.
TThe standard lithium-ion rechargeable battery powers the device for up to 8 hours (mfg. est.). An optional high-capacity battery stores twice the power of the standard. In addition to the built-in software from Microsoft, the MobilePro 900 comes with a flash ROM configuration utility and a synchronization client from NEC. The device also includes bSquare bUseful Backup Plus and bFax, the Ansyr PDF file viewer, and additional software targeted for the Enterprise.
The MobilePro 900 is priced at $899 and is available directly from NEC (www.necsam.com/mobilesolutions/products/) and through select resellers, including MobilePlanet (www.mobileplanet.com).
Verizon launches Wi-Fi Internet access in NYC
Verizon has activated 150 of a planned 1,000 transmission stations throughout New York City. The service is exclusively available at no additional charge to Verizon Online customers who have Wi-Fi compatible laptop computers or Pocket PCs. These users can enjoy a wireless high-speed Internet connection at up to 300 feet from these Verizon Hot Spots, which are located at select public telephones. www.ppcmag.com/46/?z=17
ePocrates drug database available for Pocket PC
The popular drug database program ePocrates (www.epocrates.com) is now available to healthcare professionals who use Pocket PCs. The program includes continually updated information on over 2,800 prescription drugs and 400 alternative medications, as well as 45 clinical tables and guidelines. For a subscription fee of $49.99/year, healthcare professionals can now download ePocrates and run it on their Pocket PCs. This version of ePocrates will take up 4 MB of main memory, and currently cannot be run from a storage card. Note also that this initial version of ePocrates Rx Pro for the Pocket PC will not include the MedTool features that are currently available in the Palm OS version of the software: ePocrates ID, MedMath calculator, and DocAlert Messages. However, ID and DocAlert messages will be added later this year at no additional cost, and ePocrates is evaluating new programs and features for future Pocket PC versions. wwww.ppcmag.com/46/?z=16
SanDisk Digital Photo Viewer lets you view digital photos on a TV
SanDisk's Digital Photo Viewer connects to a TV and provides a simple, fast, and convenient way to view photos taken with a digital camera on a television screen. This is handy not only for users of Pocket PCs with built-in cameras, such as the new Hitachi G1000 offered through Sprint, but for users of add-on camera cards or stand-alone digital cameras. The device is priced at $80 and accepts CompactFlash Type I and II, Memory Stick, MultiMedia Card, SmartMedia, and Secure Digital cards. www.ppcmag.com/46/?z=15
SanDisk's Digital Photo Viewer (above)
Windows CE devices to outsell Windows desktop PCs
Windows Mobile devices, such as Pocket PCs and Smartphones, are likely to outsell desktop PCs by the end of this decade, according to a report from eTForecasts of Buffalo Grove, Ill. Windows Mobile devices have a lot of catching up to do in the meantime. According to this research firm,14 to 17 million Windows Mobile devices will be sold this year, compared to 135 million to 138 million desktop PCs. www.ppcmag.com/46/?z=14
SmartPhone sales to exceed handhelds
AAccording to a European analysis firm, sales of smartphones will outstrip those of handheld devices in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa this year. Smartphone sales are expected to hit 3.3 million units, compared with 2.8 million handhelds (including wireless handhelds). Overall, the mobile device market, which includes smartphones, handhelds, and wireless handhelds, is expected to double this year. www.canalys.com/pr/r2003031.htm
TI announces Bluetooth-Wi-Fi breakthrough
Texas Instruments (www.ti.com) has announced a breakthrough that will supposedly allow the development of devices that can simultaneously utilize both voice and data services with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth communications. Unlike current data-only implementations, TI's new coexistence technology will support the s
cenario of a Bluetooth voice call coexisting with WLAN data transmissions without adverse impact to the voice quality. www.ppcmag.com/46/?z=13
Palm to buy rival Handspring
Palm plans to acquire rival company Handspring, which makes handheld devices based on the Palm operating system. Palm has also finalized plans to spin off its PalmSource software division into a separate company. Palm will purchase Handspring through a stock deal. The transaction will grant Handspring stockholders 0.09 of a share of Palm—and no shares of PalmSource—for each share of Handspring common stock. wwww.ppcmag.com/46/?z=12
BSQUARE handheld to be introduced in Europe
Bsquare Corporation has announced that Hoeft & Wessel Skeye Webpanel AG will make an initial purchase of 5,000 wireless devices based on bSquare's Power Handheld reference design. The device is based on the Microsoft Windows CE .NET operating system and will include a color VGA display, a retractable QWERTY thumb-type keyboard, a built-in GSM cell phone, and built-in radio technology to access high-speed, always-on GPRS wireless data networks. The device will be slightly larger than a consumer Pocket PC. Hoeft & Wessel intends to offer the devices to their customers throughout Europe under the brand name skeye.mobile. www.ppcmag.com/46/?z=11.