Pocket PC magazine, January 2004
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From the Editor
Rich Hall
Halfway to Paradise!
The term "early adopter" describes a person who is attracted to and uses a new technology or device before it is completely proven or accepted by others. Early adopters are curious people, problem solvers who accept the risks associated with new technology and enjoy the challenge of "getting the darn thing to work!" They are the people who discover the problems, solve them, and set the stage for the next phase in the life of a product or technology in which it is embraced by the mainstream user.
Windows Mobile is beyond the early adopter stage, but not yet a mainstream product. The operating system and applications are quite stable and functional, and we're starting to see more stylish and consumer-oriented devices, such as the HP iPAQ h1935 and Dell Axim X3 reviewed in this issue, and the new Toshiba e400 announced in newsBYTES. In addition, prices have dropped from a low of $250 about six months ago to below $200. Clearly, vendors are pushing these devices towards the mainstream.
The Windows Mobile Smartphone has been available in Europe for over a year, but it is just now being introduced into the U.S. in the form of the Motorola MPx200 and the Samsung i600, also discussed in this issue. If you're interested in Smartphones, read those articles and check out the "What's Online" column for a look at Web sites that help support users of the Smartphone.
In addition, we're starting to see greater implementation and support for short-range, high-bandwidth wireless LAN technology. A number of Pocket PCs, including the Advanced version of the Dell Axim X3, have built-in Wi-Fi capability. We also review two SanDisk products that add Wi-Fi capability to Pocket PCs, including one of the first such cards in the smaller SDIO format. (If you're interested in SDIO cards, check out the SDIO GPS card announced in newsBYTES.)
One sign of the growing support for Windows Mobile is the increasing number of third-party vendors offering products for the platform. Some of the newest of these are found in our New Products section and in Games Roundup. But the very best are found in our announcement of the winners and finalists in the Third Annual Pocket PC magazine Best Software Awards. If you are interested in enhancing your Pocket PC or Smartphone with games, utilities, and the like, this article is a "must read."
We also have some very interesting user profiles in this issue that describe how some early adopters have used their Pocket PCs to organize their personal and business lives, sell an old home and buy a new one, organize and teach an aerobics class, or participate in the U Judge It! film festival.
Mainstream acceptance of Windows Mobile devices means a broader user base that will support the development of even more software and accessories. Of course, it also translates into greater sales for the device manufacturers, and that should mean increased profit—if companies like Dell don't drive the prices too low! The danger there is that manufacturers won't make enough to invest in innovation.
If done right, mainstream acceptance can be the "paradise" of the product cycle. But right now, we're only halfway there
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.
Derek Ball received dozens of comments and questions about the review of the HP iPAQ h2200 Pocket PC (www.PocketPCmag.com/nov03/h2200.asp). The following summarizes the top five questions along with his responses. Most of the answers relate to all Pocket PCs—not just the iPAQ.
What's with all the different model numbers?
I read your review on the iPAQ h2200. Is this a previous model to the iPAQ h2215 or a newer model? I've tried to find the h2200 in stores and online but have not been successful. Please educate me. Thanks in advance.
T. W.
My review was based on a pre-release version of that iPAQ, and the final model numbers were not released until after I had written the review. Model numbers on the iPAQs begin with an "h" and are followed by four digits. The first two digits identify the "series" of the device (h19xx, h36xx, h54xx, etc.). If the first two digits are followed by zeros, the reference usually refers to the whole series. For example, the h2210 and the h2215 are both h2200 series Pocket PCs. The last two digits identify specific models in that series, which may or may not have different packaging and hardware features. In this case, the h2210 and h2215 packages have the exact same Pocket PC in them (the one that I reviewed). The h2215 is sold through the retail channel and is packaged in a fancy color box. The h2210 is sold through the VAR (Value Added Reseller) channel and comes in a plain cardboard box. There may never be a package labeled h2200.
Where can I get Bluetooth headphones?
Enjoyed your article on the h2200. You referenced wireless headphones. Any suggestions about where to buy small form factor wireless headphones? Thanks in advance for the suggestion.
GRIFF
This was one of the more popular questions. In the review, I mentioned that Bluetooth capability makes it possible to listen to music through wireless headphones. It does make it possible, but it's not yet an actuality. One company I had located is a Korean firm called Open Brain. You can see the specs for their headset on their Web page (www.openbrain.co.kr/e_site/e_products/e_products03.htm). However, I've never tried their product myself. I must confess that I'm still using a wired stereo headphone and waiting for the Bluetooth variety to hit the market. If you know of any stereo Bluetooth headset manufacturers, or if you are one yourself, please contact me (derek.ball@sonicmobility.com).
What Wi-Fi cards work with Windows Mobile 2003 devices?
I enjoyed your review of the h2200 on the Pocket PC magazine Web site; I bought mine last week and love it. It is a nice improvement over the Jornada 568, although I do miss the Jornada's flip cover. You mentioned that you connected it to your LAN wirelessly. What 802.11 card did you use? I have a Symbol CF card and that will not work with Windows Mobile 2003 Pocket PCs. I called Symbol and they don't know if they will make a 2003-compatible driver for it. If they do, it may not be available until the end of the year. Since I probably have to get a new card, which one do you like?
M.T.
A lot of people wanted to know which Wi-Fi card I use. Currently it's the D-Link DCF-660W Air Wireless CompactFlash 802.11b card (www.dlink.com/products/?pid=46). It was one of the first to have a software driver available for Windows Mobile 2003 devices. I also use it because I received it as part of the bundle with my official Windows Server 2003 Mobile Admin pack. I have found the D-Link card to be very reliable and effective. Both Socket (www.socketcom.com) and SanDisk (www.sandisk.com) have Wi-Fi cards in the CompactFlash format that they claim are compatible with Windows Mobile 2003. In addition, both of these vendors have Wi-Fi cards in the smaller SDIO format. The only one of these cards I have tested in the h2200 is the SanDisk Wi-Fi card, which is reviewed in this issue.
D-Link's Air Wireless CF card.
Are there European power converters for the h2200?
Derek, thanks for the review. It was so interesting that I would like to buy this device. It seems it is still not available in Europe (I live in Poland) so I will have to import it from the U.S. This may cause me a problem because we have a different AC power here (220V). You saw the device. Does it use the same AC power adapter as the iPAQ h3600? I have a spare one and could use it. If it doesn't, I will need a converter.
&nbs
p; R.Z.
You have a number of options available to you. The h2200 uses the same charger and sync cable as h3800/3900/5400/5500/1900 series iPAQs. If you have a charger from any of those, you are all set. If you have a charger from one of the older iPAQs (h3100/3600/3700) you may be able to use it with the small serial port adapter that comes with the h2200 (bottom right hand corner of image). Starting with the h3800, HP changed the way the power adapter plug connected to the iPAQ. The small adapter that comes with the h2200 converts the round power plug at the end of the charger cable to a connector that can plug into the serial port on the bottom of the h2200. To be safe (and because I am unfamiliar with the hardware supplied in Europe), you should check the specs on any older chargers against the voltage, amperage, and polarity of the charger you receive with the h2200.
The power adapter that ships with the North American version of the h2200 is rated at 100-240 volts, which means that your simplest option would be to use it with a simple outlet plug adapter, which is available at most electronics stores. Finally, you can also get one of the combination USB sync/charge cables available from Belkin (www.belkin.com) and other vendors, and charge the unit from the USB port on your desktop computer.
AC Power Adapter for iPAQ Pocket PCs.
Is Microsoft Money for Pocket PC available for Windows Mobile 2003 devices?
I just read your review of the iPAQ h2200 in Pocket PC magazine. It will definitely be the unit I will buy... if I can find one—it doesn't seem to be in stores yet. I read in another review that MS Money for Pocket PC was not included in the new iPAQ h2210. It also says the older version of the program won't work on the newer Windows Mobile 2003 devices. Do you know if they are or will be selling a version of Money 2003 for Pocket PC that will work on the iPAQ 2210?
M.M.
MS Money for Pocket PC is no longer part of the companion CD that ships with these devices. The program was not available when Windows Mobile 2003 was first released, but I am happy to report that it can now be downloaded from the Microsoft site (www.microsoft.com/money/support/downloads/downloads.asp). This version works with both Pocket PC 2002 and Windows Mobile 2003 Pocket PCs.
newsBYTES
by Matt Arant
Please e-mail any Windows Mobile related news to newseditor@PocketPCmag.com
Microsoft Windows Mobile North America 2003 User Group Tour
Don't miss the opportunity to meet Microsoft staff and partners as they demonstrate the exciting future of mobile technology as brought to you by Windows Mobile software. The Tour will focus on:
Innovative applications and the future of mobile technology for Smartphones and the Pocket PC.
Applications and services to increase device efficiency and productivity.
Demonstrations of personalization and of entertainment applications and content.
Amazing prizes and device giveaways.
The meetings are for Microsoft User Group members; for Pocket PC, PDA, and Smartphone enthusiasts; for user groups for other devices and platforms; and for the general public interested in mobile devices. All events are free to registered attendees. Bring your Smartphone, Pocket PC, or Pocket PC with integrated phone to participate in additional giveaways and prizes.
Tour stops include: Boston, Los Angeles, Louisville, Minneapolis, New York, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Redmond, Toronto, Washington D.C. More information can be found at www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/resources/communities/events.mspx.
Toshiba introduces thin, stylish, low-priced e400 Pocket PC
Toshiba's newest Pocket PC is a thin blue-black device with surprisingly snappy performance. The Toshiba e400 series Pocket PC is small, measuring 4.9 x 3 x 0.4 inches and weighing 4.6 ounces. It has a 300 MHz Intel PXA 261 processor and comes with 64 MB of SDRAM and a 32 MB of user-accessible NAND flash ROM to store data and user-installed programs. However, it only has 16 MB of CMOS flash ROM for storing the Microsoft OS and applications. The e400 has a single SDIO-compatible SD card slot and a bright 3.5" 64K-color touchscreen. It comes with a 980 mAh rechargeable/ user replaceable battery, with no extended-capacity battery mentioned as an option.
This Toshiba Pocket PC comes with the "professional edition" of the Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC, which means that the Pictures application is not included with the device, and MS Reader and Terminal Services Client must be installed by the user from the included CD if desired. Toshiba does include its voice recorder and text-to-speech applications, as well as the voice command application. The device will come in two almost identical models: the e400 and the e405. The latter model will include the ArcSoft PhotoBase program.
The e400 series will be priced at around $300 and will ship with a synchronization cable, an AC power adapter, a quick start guide, and a software companion CD. Details about the contents of the CD were unavailable as we went to press. It's pretty common knowledge that Toshiba is working on a similar-looking but more powerful device but, again, details were unavailable. For more information or to purchase the e400, visit Toshiba's Website (www.csd.toshiba.com).
JVC postpones launch of their Pocket PC
JVC has announced that they will postpone the introduction of their Pocket PCs until next year. According to a JVC spokesperson, they will cancel the introduction of the MP-PV131 and MP-PC331 devices and introduce their next-generation Pocket PCs, which are already in development, sometime next year.
Sierra Wireless Announces Voq "Professional Phones"
Sierra Wireless recently announced the Voq line of "professional phones" based on Microsoft's Windows Mobile for Smartphone software (see At a Glance section for more about this software). This unique device will have the familiar Smartphone number pad, but it also flips open to provide a small QWERTY thumbpad for text and data entry.
The Voq will be powered by a 200MHz Intel PXA262 processor; additional hardware information and software features were not available as we went to press.
Sierra Wireless worked closely with Microsoft and wireless handset manufacturer Flextronics to develop the Voq. Sierra Wireless will use existing relationships with a number of wireless service providers and corporate technology channels to market the Voq. It will be in testing throughout Q1 of 2004. The first model will support GSM/GPRS wireless networks and is planned for commercial availability in Q2 of 2004. For more information, visit the Sierra Wireless Voq Web page (www.voq.com).
New Fujitsu LOOX Pocket PC next year?
According to a Fujitsu-Siemens product roadmap document, the company plans to release a successor to its stylish LOOX Pocket PC sometime next year. The device will include a new version of the Intel PXA processor with enhanced power conservation and multimedia capabilities.
Psion releases NETBOOK PRO handheld with Windows CE.NET 4.2 OS
Psion Teklogix (www.psionteklogix.com) has introduced a version of its popular Netbook handheld computer that is powered by Windows CE.NET 4.2, the same basic OS built into the newer Pocket PCs.
The Netbook Pro is much larger than a Pocket PC, weighing in at around 3 pounds (1.1 kg) and measuring 9.25 x 7.24 x 1.38 inches (235 x 184 x 35 mm). The heart of the new Netbook Pro is a 400 MHz Intel PXA255 processor. The handheld has 128 MB of SDRAM, and 32 MB of flash ROM for OS and application storage. This clamshell device comes with a 58-key QWERTY keyboard and a color SVGA touchscreen. It has three expansion slots: one of the larger, Type II PC Card slots, one Type II CompactFlash slot, and one SDIO card slot. It connects to peripherals via an RS232 serial port and USB port. It also includes an IrDA infrared port and has USB host capability. The device is powered by a 2200 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack and uses two AAA batteries for backup. Psion estimates 8 hours of continuous usage on a fully charged battery.
In addition to Windows CE.NET 4.2, the Netbook Pro will have the following Microsoft applications built into it: File Explorer, Internet Explorer 6.0, Inbox, Windows Media Player, WordPad, Terminal Emulator, Windows Messenger, and the Windows Control Panel with its setup applications. It will also
have the following third-party applications: Pocket On-Schedule, Stellent File Viewer, and JEM-CE Java Virtual Machine.
This device is priced around $1,500 and the market focus is the enterprise and mobile workforces.
iGolf Technologies to introduce GPS receiver in SD format
IGolf Technologies has announced the addition of an SDIO GPS receiver to its line of GPS products. It is the only GPS receiver available which is universally compatible with any Palm or Pocket PC device with an SDIO expansion slot. The SDIO GPS receiver will be packaged and sold with two GPS software applications, iGolfgps and Mapopolis, which are designed to operate on either platform.
Two new HP iPAQ h4000 wireless Pocket PCs
HP recently introduced two new Pocket PCs in the new iPAQ h4000 series, the h4150 and the h4350, that include integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and IrDA wireless capabilities.
The two devices have a lot in common. Both incorporate the complete bundle of the Windows Mobile 2003 software for Pocket PC. (Contrast this with the iPAQ h1935, which does not have Pictures, MS Reader, or Terminal Services Client software built in.) In addition to the Microsoft software, the iPAQ h4000s have the following HP applications built in: Bluetooth Manager, iPAQ Backup, iPAQ iTask Manager, and IPAQ Image Zone. The devices also include a self-test utility and customized audio and power-status utilities.