Functionality and Flexibility

Microsoft chose to call the pen-entry handheld devices reviewed in this magazine "Pocket PCs" because they conceived them as handhelds that would "put the power of a PC in your pocket." Obviously, they were not talking about a 2.6 GHz CPU, 17" monitor, and 40 GB hard drive. They were talking about the ability to do the things you want to do (functionality) wherever and whenever you want to do them (flexibility).

The original Pocket PCs, introduced in April of 2000, were some of the most functional and flexible handheld devices ever released. And since then, Microsoft and various manufacturers have continued to enhance the software and hardware features of these "Windows Powered" devices. For example, take a look at our review of the new Sprint PCS phones. These are new Pocket PC Phone Edition devices manufactured by Samsung and Hitachi, and marketed in the U.S. by Sprint. Each of these devices includes the functionality of the Pocket PC and the flexibility of a cell phone. In addition, each has a built-in digital camera, allowing you to take a photo and e-mail it to a friend or associate, quickly and easily. We also review the new Toshiba e755, a Pocket PC that comes with a new and faster CPU and built-in Wi-Fi capability. It's one of the more functional Pocket PCs available. If wireless communication intrigues you, check out "Wireless Tutorial..." and "Managing Wireless Usage."

Of course, standards of functionality and flexibility are constantly being redefined as the Pocket PC evolves. You can glimpse at the future of the Pocket PC by taking a look at WANDA, Texas Instruments' reference design that integrates Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GSM/GPRS into a single device.

If you don't want to wait for Pocket PC functionality and flexibility to evolve, you can add them via third-party hardware accessories and software utilities. Check out "Diane's Discoveries," "Digging Deep for the Best Pocket PC Utilities," and "Best Software Awards: Judges Comments" for a variety of add-on options. And check out "Providing the Care My Patients Deserve" to see how a rural home nurse used software and accessories to create a mobile nurse's assistant.

Finally, one of the best sources of flexibility and functionality is knowledge, and one of the best ways to gain it is by visiting online forums. This issue's "What's Online" column looks at a number of excellent Pocket PC forums, including the newest...the Pocket PC magazine forums! For a taste of the knowledge available on our forums, take a look the article titled "Best Games from the Forums" and this issue's PocketView column.