We cannot respond to all letters or e-mail, but we do read them all. Please send us questions, suggestions for improvements to the magazine, ideas for new software, or general comments. All responses, unless otherwise indicated, are from Rich Hall, Editor of Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine. You can reach Rich at Rich@PocketPCmag.com. This column contains e-mail from readers as well as selected messages from the Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine forums. The content has been edited for clarity.
The iPAQ in Iraq
The article titled iPAQ in Iraq was interesting and well written (April/May 07, page 76). It was very impressive that you did most of this in Pocket Word. I really enjoyed and appreciated how you spelled out exactly what tools you used to help you do your job. It sounded like a real adventure and I'm sure the military appreciated the job you did there.
While you were there, by any chance, did you happen to see military personnel or other contractors using Pocket PCs for their jobs or running special applications? I ask because our BMIST application (which was developed by a former Special Operations Medic) has been widely deployed in theater as have a number of CLASS applications.
Randy Siegel, Microsoft
I didn't see many Pocket PCs in Iraq. Many of the soldiers prefer a game/entertainment device like the PSP for personal use. I also noted some of the contractors were using BlackBerries or satellite phones. Thankfully, I didn't require any medical services, so I'm not sure about the hospital folks. If I go back, which is a distinct possibility, I will take more time to go around to the various units and research the use of handheld devices and let you know. The first trip was kind of compressed, and we worked hard to get our systems up and operational on a tight schedule.
Nate Adcock
Is the large screen Pocket PC dead?
Are Windows Mobile Pocket PCs with larger (3.5 to 4) screens dead? I don't see the same interest in them as I did a few years ago.
Ronnie (last name not given)
HPs iPAQ rx5900 is one of the few Pocket PCs available with a larger screen.
Pocket PCs without integrated phone capability, GPS, or both are going the way of the dinosaur. I think well continue to see GPS-enabled Pocket PCs with 3.5 or larger screens. In fact, HP just introduced one—the iPAQ rx5900 (see image).
Although the trend is going toward smaller screens and devices, HTC recently announced an interesting new device with a 5 screen. The X7500 is HTCs new top-of-the-line Phone Edition device. It comes with a detachable keyboard and includes a built-in 8 GB mini-hard drive.
HTCs new X7500 has a 5 display and detachable keyboard.
Dell recently announced that they are discontinuing their Pocket PC line and have no plans to introduce new Axim devices. However, they will sell Windows Mobile devices developed by other manufacturers.
Printer-friendly version
