PocketView

There is a growing number of Pocket PCs to choose from. Which Pocket PC is best? It really depends on your needs and your budget. Every Pocket PC mentioned below comes with the same Windows Mobile 2003 software built in, and runs the same third-party applications. However, each device has physical characteristics that make it suited for different needs and sensibilities.

As we sent this issue to the printer in August 2003, Windows Mobile 2003 had not yet been released for Smartphones or Pocket PCs with built-in phone capabilities. Therefore, I will limit my discussion to Windows Mobile Pocket PCs. For more specifics, see "At A Glance" on page 49 and Rich Hall's "Pros and Cons" article, page 16.

Value choices: if money is an issue

There are many excellent Pocket PCs in the $200 to $350 price range.

Arguably, the best bang for the buck is the Dell Axim X5 (www.dell.com). It includes SD and CF card slots, letting you add storage memory and I/O capability (Wi-Fi, GPS, etc.) at the same time. The Axim X5 is a little bulkier than some Pocket PCs and does not support SDIO, and there have been compatibility issues with a couple of CompactFlash I/O cards. But the Axim X5 is a bargain--the "Basic" version sold for as little as $199.

If you are looking for a gorgeous, thin, innovative design, then you'll want to look at the HP iPAQ 1930 or 1940. The HP1940 has Bluetooth and a faster processor than the HP 1935. With rebate the iPAQ1930 is only $199, $100 cheaper then the iPAQ 1940. Both units have a SD slot for memory and I/O. However, neither device accepts traditional iPAQ Expansion packs, and the range of available SDIO peripherals is limited at this time. Consider these options if your needs are basic.

The Toshiba e350 (www.csd.toshiba.com) is a thin, lightweight, inexpensive device. Toshiba was the first manufacturer to introduce a low-price Pocket PC, the e310, well over a year ago. The e350 incorporates a more powerful processor, more internal memory, and an SDIO card slot.

TheAsusMyPalA620(www.mobileplanet. com)is a new entry in the value arena. Its ports aCF rather than an SD card slot. That translates into more expansion options than those units with a single SD slots in ce higher capacity storage and more I/O alternatives are available for the CF form factor. Although we haven't tested it, Asus claims along battery life.

Finally, we are looking forward to reviewing the lightweight Viewsonic v36 (www. viewsonic.com/products/), which includes a built-in digital camera along with an SDIO card slot. Price data round $330, the Viewsonic v36 is an inexpensive solution for anyone wanting a Pocket PC with an integrated camera.

High-end wireless and multimedia devices

The Toshiba e750 (www.csd.toshiba.com) is one of the most powerful and feature-rich Pocket PCs available. It comes with 64 MB of RAM and 64 MB of flash ROM (32 MB of which is available to the user for file storage). The e750 sports a large, readable, 3.8" color display and has CF and SDIO card slots as well as built-in Wi-Fi capability. Finally, an optional high-capacity battery makes extended Wi-Fi use a reality. Priced at $500, the Toshiba e750 is the best value for a high-end machine.

If you really want power and price isn't an obstacle, check out HP's iPAQ h5500 (www. hp.com). The device is based on the latest and fastest Intel processor, and comes with 128 MB of RAM and 48 MB of flash ROM. It has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability, along with an SDIO card slot. Topping it off is a unique biometric fingerprint reader for added security. An optional high-capacity battery is available for the HP h5500 (and HP h5100). Finally, the h5500 accepts traditional iPAQ Expansion Packs, allowing you to add storage memory and a wide variety of hardware accessories. The HP iPAQ h5500 is the most full-featured, most capable, and at around $650 the most expensive of the high-end devices.