Letters to the Editor

We cannot respond to all letters or e-mail (but we read them all). Please send us questions, suggestions for improvements in the magazine or in Windows CE, 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.

Thanks for your helpful magazine. I have a question, though. I'm looking for a Pocket PC that I can use primarily for reading Microsoft Reader books and keeping track of appointments and phone numbers. I don't need (or want to spend $ for) Internet access. Is there a device out there that fits my limited needs? Thanks.

Jeff Brecht

Jeff, although all of the Pocket PCs have the potential for Internet access and all the software you need, you have to purchase an optional modem to connect. This usually means getting a CompactFlash modem card for $100 - $150. If you're not interested in Internet access, then your best bet is to look for the least expensive Pocket PC you can find. However, remember that perhaps the most important capability of Pocket Internet Explorer is reading Web documents offline.

If you don't mind a monochrome screen, Compaq is selling the Aero 1550 for $300 (I saw it at www.mobileplanet.com for $299.95). For color-screen Pocket PCs, MobilePlanet is selling HP's Jornada 540 for $479.95, Casio's E-115 for $599.95 and Compaq's iPAQ Pocket PC for $499.95.

You might also check around and see if you can find a used Compaq Aero 2100 "Palm-size PC" or a new one cheap. If you can, Compaq sells an upgrade chip that turns it into a Pocket PC ($99, part #175595-001 ­ Aero 2100 Upgrade to Microsoft Windows for Pocket PC). You can get the upgrade chip at Compaq's online store (go to www.directplus.compaq.com and click "Pocket PCs").

CNET Shopper (http://shopper.cnet.com) helps you find online sources for any computer product. For the heck of it, I went to the CNET Shopper Web site, typed "Compaq Aero 2100" into their search function and found two sources selling the Aero 2100 for $299.99. Add the price of the upgrade chip and you could have a fully-functional, color-screen Pocket PC for around $400. You'd have to open the back of the Aero 2100 and replace the system chip, but I understand it's not very difficult. The Aero 2100 is officially discontinued and I don't see it on Compaq's Web site anymore. I don't know how long this solution will be viable.

In your November issue on page 13, Mr. Chew seems to say that a free copy of Michael Crichton's Timeline is available via the www.pocketpc.com Web site. I have searched for it at www.pocketpc.com, Barnes & Noble's site and elsewhere but cannot find it. Can you please help?

Tom Marchesano

Tom, the offer for a free copy of Timeline has expired, but you can purchase it for $24.95. Go to the Barnes & Noble Web site (www.bn.com). In the Quick Search banner at the top, select the "eBooks" option and search on "Timeline." You can find free eBooks at Barnes & Noble by going to the following page: http://ebooks.barnesandnoble.com/ms_reader/special_features/free_ebooks