Pocket PCs from Dell, HP, Razor, ViewSonic, and Toshiba reviewed in this issue
The seven new Pocket PCs reviewed in this issue span the range of size, price, power, and functionality. The big news is Dell's entry into the Pocket PC market with two new, powerful, and full-featured Axim X5 Pocket PCs. By pricing the new Axim X5s at $200 and $300, Dell hopes to challenge HP's current dominance of the Pocket PC market.
Dell Axim X5s: Two new full-featured Pocket PCs priced to sell
Of course, HP isn't sitting still. They've introduced their own $300 Pocket PC, the new iPAQ h1910. It doesn't have the power or feature set of the Axim X5s, but it has a much sleeker design and a very bright and readable display. HP is also moving to solidify its dominance of the high-end Pocket PC market by introducing the powerful and versatile new iPAQ h5450 Pocket PC. In addition to a 400MHz processor and a bright new screen, the h5450 has three built-in wireless options: IrDA, 802.11b wireless LAN, and Bluetooth. It's priced well above the Dell Axim X5s, but should prove popular with discerning mobile and enterprise users.
iPAQ h5470: HP's powerful top-of-the-line wireless Pocket PC
IPAQ h1910:
HP's inexpensive new iPAQ Pocket PC
Embracing the "small-is-better" design philosophy are the new Razor Zayo A600 and ViewSonic V35 Pocket PCs. The Zayo is the more expensive of the two devices, priced well above the $300 range. But it's small, well designed, and handles graphics better than any Pocket PC I've tested. The Viewsonic V35 is the lightest Pocket PC available.
Razor Zayo A600: A small, lightweight device with great multimedia potential
ViewSonic V35: An inexpensive bantam weight Pocket PC
We also look at two Toshiba Pocket PCs. The Genio e550G is a powerful, full-featured Pocket PC with a large display and a dedicated user base. The Toshiba 2032 is a Pocket PC with built-in phone, marketed by Sprint PCS. If you want a Pocket PC with wireless data access, the Toshiba 2032 with a Sprint service contract is one of the best solutions available.
Toshiba Genio e550G: Full-featured Pocket PC with bright, 4" diagonal screen
Toshiba 2032: Sprint PCS/Toshiba's Pocket PC/mobile phone with great service plan
The conventional wisdom in the computer industry is that price of technology always goes down. I believe we will continue to see Pocket PC manufacturers innovate and introduce devices above $500. But for better or worse, Dell and other low-priced Pocket PC manufacturers have redefined what an acceptable price is.
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