[Note: The iPAQ is Compaq's new brand name for all of its consumer computers, not just the Pocket PC. This review is based on the pre-release unit I saw at the reviewer's workshop. I was unable to get an evaluation unit before our editorial deadline. We will do a more complete review of the iPAQ and its Expansion Packs in a future issue of Pocket PC.]
The most unique and innovative Pocket PC I saw at the Microsoft
reviewer's workshop was Compaq's new iPAQ Pocket PC. Compaq designed the iPAQ's
sleek, silver-colored case with a rounded bottom and beveled edges. The thin
device fits comfortably in your hand and slips easily into your coat or shirt
pocket.
The iPAQ Pocket PC comes with four programmable
application-launch buttons on the front and one on the left side of the unit.
The left side of the unit also has the scroll/action button. A large joystick
button is found on the bottom front of the unit, which can be used for screen
navigation and game playing. The audio speaker is located under this joystick
button. The button has slits to allow the sound to be projected out the front of
the device.
The iPAQ Pocket PC has a 4K color, reflective "thin film
transistor" (TFT) display. TFT displays are superior for viewing outside in
direct daylight. I did not get to test this display outside, but it was quite
readable inside. The iPAQ comes with 32MB of RAM and 16MB ROM. It has a
combination USB/serial port. The device ships with a data cradle and a USB
connectivity cable. A serial cable is available as an option.
The iPAQ Pocket PC has a fast 206 MHz Intel StrongARM processor.
It also comes with a unique built-in light sensor that automatically optimizes
the brightness and contrast of the display. Finally, the iPAQ Pocket PC is
powered by the newer and higher capacity Lithium Polymer battery technology.
Compaq is claiming 15 hours of continuous use on a fully charged battery. That's
an optimum conditions estimate, but that's five hours more than the best Lithium
Ion estimate.
Software features of the iPAQ Pocket PC
As mentioned earlier, other reviewers in this issue look at the
built-in Pocket PC software from Microsoft. To this, Compaq has added custom
applications, including:
QUtility -- a suite of Pocket PC utilities that let you
backup/restore to CF card, change application buttons to game keys, run system
diagnostics, change screen contrast, automatically run applications, and select
applications to display in QStart.
QStart -- an alternative menu that organizes applications into
categories for faster launch.
QLaunch -- a utility that lets you switch between or close
active tasks, adjust volume, check power status, adjust sidelight and jump to
the display properties screen.
Asset viewer -- Asset Viewer helps IT managers track the Pocket
PCs distributed throughout the company.
Picture Viewer -- lets you view BMP and JPG image files.
Modular Expansion Packs
The iPAQ does not have a CompactFlash slot built in. Instead,
Compaq chose to use the innovative but proprietary Expansion Pack concept to add
hardware features to the iPAQ. At launch, a CompactFlash pack and a PC Card pack
will be available as options. So, for example, if you want to add a PC Card slot
to the iPAQ, purchase the PC Card Expansion Pack, slip the iPAQ into the pack,
and you're ready to use PC Cards with your iPAQ. Compaq plans cellphone packs,
digital camera packs, GPS packs, and more. They even showed drawings for a "Boom
Box Jacket." This looks like a portable stereo "boom box" with a slot in the
middle. Slip your iPAQ into the slot and you can play digital music through
decent speakers.
Expansion Packs add width and thickness to the device,
transforming it from the thinnest to the thickest Pocket PC I looked at.
However, it's still pocketable and useable. The other two Pocket PCs I looked at
come with CompactFlash slots built in. The iPAQ requires an Expansion Pack to
add CF capability. That means more money and more bulk. I'm not sure I agree
with Compaq's decision on this one.
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