Pros & Cons: Pocket PCs

The Pocket PC is a pen-entry device small enough to hold in your hand or slip into your pocket. It is based on Microsoft's Windows Mobile software suite and comes with the Windows Mobile operating system, productivity and entertainment software, and a variety of set up and configuration utilities.

All Pocket PCs listed in this section come with the Windows Mobile 5.0 or the slightly older Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition software built in and ready to use. A thorough description of the software can be found in Windows Mobile: Pocket PCs vary slightly in size, weight, and feature set.

The rest of this article focuses on the features that help differentiate one device from another and lists our opinion of the pros and cons associated with each device. Complete reviews of some of these devices can be found on Smartphone & Pocket PC magazines Web site (http://www.pocketpcmag.com).

Pros (common to all Pocket PCs)

• Comes with a complete suite of Microsoft productivity applications built in and ready to use.
• Lets you carry appointments, contacts, tasks, and other personal data with you at all times.
• Provides mobile entertainment with music, videos, games, Web browsing, and more.
• Highly customizable with a wide range of third-party software and accessories.
• Persistent Storage featured in all Windows Mobile 5.0 devices. Unlike earlier devices, you don't loose your data when your battery dies.
• CompactFlash, Secure Digital, or miniSD card slots let you add storage memory and peripheral hardware.
• Compared to a Windows Mobile Smartphone, its easier to enter text and data using the touch screen/stylus data entry method.

Cons (common to all Pocket PCs)

• Compared to a laptop PC, its harder to enter text and data.
• Compared to a laptop PC, the screen is smaller and harder to read.
• Compared to the applications found on a laptop PC, the ones built into a Pocket PC are not as feature-rich and functional.
• Battery life is relatively limited and daily charging is recommended.