Well
my conclusion is a very simple - NO (for the most part, that is).
If you're looking for a device to give you basic organizer
functions - the $500 pocket PC is simply not the device for it.
However, if you're looking for a device that will let you get
away from a PC, and leave
your notebook behind for a few days or less, then the Pocket PC
is for you. As long as you only need
access to business documents and really don't need to
do ANY heavy editing.
The greatest benefit I can see from the Pocket PC is that it is
a much more perfect version of Windows CE. It also enables
you to interact with common business applications such as the de
facto Word (hey, I have my faithful Word Perfect for my core
business work, but I HAVE to have Word to deal with most of the
other people in the world!), Excel and PowerPoint.
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continues below...
But I've been thinking....
1) am I going to
really need to interact with a Word document in a place that I
couldn't find the time or space to use a small notebook with
(I've used a couple of new notebooks from IBM and Toshiba -
these aren't 7-pound notebook but 3-pound notepads!) - let's not
forget the good old print button and put it in a folder
trick
2) using a stylus how
much editing interaction am I going to want to do (if I do buy
the optional, very useful, portable keyboard to go with the
Pocket PC - I might as well use my 3 lbs. notebook!)
There are some industries that may only need to have access to
archived documents and their functionality - in this
case a Pocket PC with custom software may offer a great
solution!
The Reader is a nice add on to the Pocket PC. But
again, I'm speaking to small businesses and do we really need it
.....nah!
A nice feature of the Pocket PC is that it is a multi-tasking
device that enables data entry while other tasks are being
performed. However, we're not going to be at some desktop PC so
is multi-tasking THAT important?
I do very much like the fact that while the device is in a
disconnected state - data can be queued up, so that when it is
connected to a network (corporate or the Internet I guess) the
data can be sent, in queue order into the network).
The other nice touch of the Pocket PC (PPC) is
that one can enter characters naturally - no need for the device
to learn your handwriting or for you to learn a new handwriting
language. And it can begin to complete your words for you after
the 2nd character is entered - that's a great time saver.
According to the Palm can't do that.
The expandability of mobile devices is very important and one
major thing the PPC device has going for it is that it can be
expanded using commonly found Compact Flash cards. Hand Springs
visor uses a proprietary expansion system called
"module" and the Palm series of devices uses a serial
port connector to add devices.
Another benefit of the PPC is that it enables not just WEB
clipping (which is on the Palm) but full WEB browsing.
So here's the deal - if you do need reasonable access to
business applications, I'd just save my money and buy a 3-lbs.
notebook (if you are indeed mobile), and plunk $200 or less for
a decent PDA or organizer.
If you really don't need or WANT the size or expense of a
notebook, but would like a nice PDA and some wireless access to
email and WEB clippings (Palm) or full Internet access Pocket
PC, then check out the $500+ Palm VII, 's Pocket PC, or
a device from Psion (EPOC operating system and full WEB access
with accessory) like the Series 5mx.
However, if you want access to business applications, IN YOUR
PALM - 's PPC is the way to go. The devices provided by
third party software and hardware providers will create
solutions to GREATLY enhance the capabilities of all of these
devices.
There are various interface difference, as would be expected,
between the Palm and Pocket PC devices - but I really think most
are minor or too subjective for me to make any serious comment
on.
Remember, that now cellular phones are quickly moving into the
mobile data space - not to replace notebook PC's at all - but to
get access to simple data, even email.
About the
Author:
Ramon Ray is small
business technology analyst and consultant. Visit him at his Web
site, SmallBiz Technology at http://www.smallbiztechnology.com,
the oasis of small business technology.
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