Reviews from New Products Editor Diane Dumas
This year, Microsoft combined the Mobile and Embedded conferences into one event. Combining these events really made sense because of the show's major announcement, Windows Mobile 5.0 (WM5), the new operating system that uses one platform for Pocket PCs, Smartphones, and many embedded devices. This new convergence means that Pocket PCs will support soft keys via hardware buttons, just like Smartphones. This and other changes will make it easier to develop software for multiple platforms!
This was the smoothest and best run show that I've ever attended. Most importantly for me, they provided fantastic Internet connectivity via a Wi-Fi network that could be accessed from just about anywhere on or the show floor or in the lobby. The show floor was packed with interesting exhibits. Normally, I have to search and search the show floor for interesting products. This time, all I had to do was walk from booth to booth to find them.
Hot new Windows Mobile devices
I saw a variety of new Windows Mobile devices, and one based on the related Windows CE.Net OS.
The HTC Universal is one of the first Pocket PC Phone Edition devices to be based on the new Windows Mobile 5.0 software. It has a unique clamshell form factor with hinged display that rotates, allowing you to enter text using the device's built-in QWERTY keyboard. The Universal's integrate GSM/GPRS phone supports 3G (UMTS) high-speed wireless networking. In addition to the phone, the Universal has integrated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capability. For more on the HTC Universal, see our review in this issue.
The HTC Universal.
Samsung's SGH-i300 Smartphone: Samsung displayed their yet-to-be-released i300, a Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone that comes with built-in 3 GB hard drive, a Transflash memory slot, and a 1.3 megapixel camera. It is the first Smartphone to sport a QVGA (320x240) TFT screen.
Samsung i300 Smartphone.
Symbol MC50 (http://www.symbol.com): Symbol gave me a look at their sleek new MC50 Enterprise Digital Assistants. These Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition Pocket PC devices are housed in attractive black cases and come with or without an embedded QWERTY key pad. Options also include a built-in digital camera and/or an integrated 1D or 2D scanner. I was really impressed with the professional style of these units. They look simple enough for consumers yet powerful enough for the enterprise market.
Symbol offers the MC-50 with or without an embedded keypad.
Psion (http://www.psionteklogix.com) was showing off the Workabout Pro S, their new enterprise handheld which, according to Psion, is based on the Windows CE .NET OS. However, the picture I took clearly shows the device running the Pocket PC operating system. The Workabout is designed for mobile data collection and made to withstand harsh work environments. It's a light-weight with an ergonomic form-factor that's functional and easy to handle.
Workabout Pro S.
Dolphin 9500 (http://www.handheld.com): HandHeld Products (HHP) demonstrated how their Dolphin 9500 device scans barcodes. It's a long device with ABC and numeric keyboards for manual data entry. What I liked was the angled handle on the bottom of the unit, which made it easy to hold with one hand while entering data with the other.
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