Microsoft's update to its operating system for Pocket PCs sports a handful of new features and a bunch of refinements. Though not an earth-shaking advance, it's worth putting off your PDA purchase until devices with Pocket PC 2002 are available.
In its latest incarnation, Microsoft's Pocket PC operating system for PDAs finally addresses some of the most-requested fixes and throws in a few new features, to boot. Pocket PC 2002 will start shipping in October on HP's Jornada 565 as well as on a host of other new PDAs. Though the new version bristles with bundled software, overall it's an evolutionary upgrade and still lacks some apps.
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We tested a near-final version of the OS on a Compaq iPaq H3660--we lacked only Compaq's drivers. We can't yet deliver a complete verdict on performance or stability, though, because we haven't tested the iPaq upgrade process. And without the proper drivers for the H3660, the OS only addresses half of the device's 64MB RAM. Only iPaqs support the upgrade because they use Flash ROM, have sufficient memory, and run ARM-based processors.
The most apparent change: The OS now looks like Windows XP. This means new icons, alerts that bubble atop your current application, and a skinnable Today screen (Pocket PC's version of the Windows desktop). Pocket PC veterans will immediately spot the new "X" in the upper right corner of all screens, which minimises, rather than closes, the current application. While it makes the interface easier to navigate than in the previous version, it does not affect memory allocation or performance. For that, the OS monitors RAM usage and closes idle applications as necessary to keep things moving. 2002 appears to handle memory management more effectively than its predecessor, but you'll still find applications like PocketSTM useful for closing apps when your PDA starts to slow.
For example, while Pocket Word and Excel come bundled in the OS, it still lacks PowerPoint. You'll also get a few more cool applications. For instance, the bundled MSN Messenger works just like the desktop version. A little menu lets you send one of 10 customisable canned phrases with the tap of a stylus. For a longer message, you can use the installed Transcriber software or another new character recogniser that understands the Palm OS's Graffiti. The old character recogniser and keyboard remain, as well. It also includes Windows Media Player 8, which now supports streaming video.
Geeks on the go will appreciate the new terminal client, which grants access to Windows NT and other servers. The OS also adds virtual private network (VPN) access support for connecting to an intranet. Remain calm, IT managers: The OS supports Windows 2000-level password security and its Smart Password capability, so private data stays private--even if you lose your handheld. Microsoft claims to have made it easier to configure connection settings, but the simplest way to access the Internet remains dropping your PDA into its cradle. A PC can now act as a gateway, letting you browse the Web and network folders from via PDA's screen.
The OS also improves as a personal organiser, especially if you use Outlook on a Windows PC (still no Mac support). For example, you can finally sync multiple Outlook mail subfolders. We also like the mail app's spell checker and its ability to record voice replies to emails. You can sort your contacts by company and see the attendees of meetings scheduled in Outlook. Overall, Pocket PC beats Palm hands down when it comes to working seamlessly with Outlook.
Pocket Internet Explorer, however, still doesn't handle frames and pop-up windows correctly, making it impossible to access a Microsoft Exchange Web client. And documents still don't maintain all their formatting when transferred between Pocket Word and its desktop sibling. Ironically, Documents To Go 4.0 does a better job on the Palm.
Since Pocket PC 2002's features can't fit in 16MB, Microsoft is encouraging its PDA partners to use 32MB of Flash ROM in new devices. The upgrade for iPaqs with only 16MB of ROM will split the apps between ROM and RAM. Microsoft will also require an ARM-based processor, such as the Intel StrongARM found in current iPaqs. While software developers welcome this change, owners of first-generation HP and Casio Pocket PCs will be out of luck and may have a hard time finding software for their SH3- and MIPS-powered PDAs in the future. Granted, Pocket PC 2002 represents more of an evolutionary step than a major change. But if you're shopping for Pocket PC-based PDA, we definitely recommend waiting for one of the new devices to hit store shelves rather buying an older model.
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