Time waits for no man and neither does the evolution of the Pocket PC. Just when I was getting to love my new iPAQ H3800 Pocket PC 2002, Microsoft announces the new Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition software. It's almost identical to the Pocket PC 2002, except that it supports integrated mobile phone capability. I do a "first look" article in this issue, but nothing's available to test yet. You can bet that you'll see more on this in a future issue.
For now we're quite satisfied with the Pocket PC 2002 software, but our editors have varying opinions about which device is the best. Which one's best for you? You have to make up your own mind about that, but this issue gives you plenty to think about. Check out our in-depth comparison of the current batch of Pocket PCs. We benchmark eight Pocket PCs measuring everything from battery life to screen brightness. We also include a feature comparison chart, an editors' choices section, and a summary of the pros and cons of each Pocket PC. And while you're checking out Pocket PCs, you might want to take a look at the full review of NEC's MobilePro P300.
The second major focus of this issue is hardware accessories. We take a look at the accessories offered by Belkin, Fellowes, and Targus; we review the Seiko SmartPad; and we review the top 10 carrying cases available for the Pocket PC.
There's more to life than hardware accessories. We review software that turns your Pocket PC into a smart cookbook, shopping list, and wine advisor. We also introduce a new, regular games column by Allen Gall. He'll keep you updated on the best Pocket PC games out there.
Will the HP/Compaq merger be good or bad for Pocket PC users? Hal Goldstein has a definite opinion about this on page 80. And don't forget to check our enterprise section. You'll find articles on the future of wireless devices, the new Pocket PC location-finding technology, and applying the mobile paradigm to your company. In addition, we have the scoop on Pocket PC security, a developers' column on .NET, and reviews of new books.
Diane Dumas and I are heading off to CTIA Wireless 2002, the largest wireless show in the telecommunication and computing industries. In spite of the cool down in the economy, the wireless industry is hot, or at least their marketing people are. I've received over ten times the requests for meetings with vendors at CTIA than I did at last November's much larger Comdex show.
Have you been to PocketPCmag.Com recently? If so, you've probably seen the links to the videos we made of the Chicago Comdex show and Pocket PC New York. These are the first movies in our new
Pocket PC magazine Video Edition series. It's a great way to visit some of the Pocket PC-related vendors at the shows and see what's new, without wearing out your shoes walking the exhibit floor. Diane and I will be snooping out the Pocket PC-related wireless products at CTIA and reporting back in the next issue. We'll also post a video of CTIA as soon as possible.
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